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How to Measure a Zipper
There are two important measurements on every zipper – length (noted in inches or centimeters) and gauge, which is typically accompanied by a # next to it.
Both are equally important when it comes to determining the right zipper replacement.
This guide will show you how to measure both.

What is Zipper Gauge (aka Zipper Size)?
Also known as zipper size, the gauge of a zipper refers to the width of its teeth, in millimeters, when it’s zipped shut. Whenever you see a number and hash symbol (e.g., #2) next to a zipper, this is referring to the zipper’s gauge.
The larger the number, the heavier the gauge, and, therefore, the heavier the zipper.

How to Measure Zipper Gauge
Measuring zipper gauge is easy. Measure the zipper teeth, in mm, horizontally when the zipper is closed. Make sure you don’t include any tape in your measurement – it’s just the teeth you want to measure.
You can use a measuring tape, ruler, or digital caliper. If your measuring tool only includes cm and inches, convert them to mm to figure out the gauge (1cm = 10 mm; 0.25” = 6.35mm).
Some guides suggest looking at the back of the zipper's slider to determine the zipper gauge, but this isn’t the best solution. The letters and numbers on the back can mean a whole host of things, depending on the manufacturer.
The best - and most reliable - way to determine a zipper's gauge is to measure the zipper yourself.

How to Measure Zipper Gauge if the Zipper Won't Close
If you’re working with a broken zipper that no longer
closes, you can work out its gauge by measuring one side and doubling it. You might have to round up or down slightly (to account for any overlap that occurs when the teeth are closed), but it should be fairly clear what the gauge is based on the measurement of a single side.

How to Measure Zipper Length
Generally, measuring the length of a zipper is easier than measuring the gauge of a zipper.
Zipper length is often measured in inches. The guidelines for measuring a zipper's length differ slightly based on type of zipper.
Regardless, you never include any zipper tape where there’s no chain in your measurement. To put it another way, zippers will always have some extra tape at the top and sometimes on the bottom, which is usually for cutting and sewing depending on the project. You don’t include this in your length measurement, as it’s essentially “waste” material in this regard.

Measuring Closed-End Zipper Length
Closed-end zippers are pretty easy to measure because they have obvious ends.
Measure the length from the top of the top stop to the bottom of the bottom stop to get the required length.

Measuring One-Way Separating Zipper Length
Also known as open-end zippers, these are just as simple to measure.
Go from the top of the top stop to the bottom of the retainer box, which is the part that keeps the zipper on its chain.

Measuring Two-Way Separating Zipper Length
Two-way separating zippers don’t have retainer boxes at the
bottom, as the second slider covers this purpose.
As such, you’ll want to measure from the top of the top stop to the bottom of the reinforcement tape.

Measuring Head-to-Head (Two-Way Bag-Style) Closed-End Zipper Length
Two-way bag-style zippers are closed-ended, and similar to one-way closed-end zippers, they are measured from end to end from each stop.
Unlike one-way closed-end zippers, however, these zippers have a bottom stop at each end, as opposed to a bottom stop at one end and top stops at another.
Measure from the top of one bottom stop to the bottom of the other bottom stop.

Ready to Shop?
Now that you know how to properly measure zipper gauge/size and zipper length, you can shop for what you need.
Our helpful shop filters will allow you to segment your searches by gauge and length.

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Let customers speak for us
from 3216 reviewsExactly what I needed to replace a broken YKK slider. The jacket looks great!!

I was very nervous about replacing a pocket zipper slider, and having to remove and replace the end stops. The video was so helpful, and the end stops fit perfectly. Thanks!!

Quick delivery for my order.. the zippers are top quality and cost much less than in stores. My second order and I plan for more!

Consistently great customer service and quick ship.

Exactly what I ordered, shortened to the correct length, perfectly. Arrived in less than one week from time of order. Thank You!

Quick shipping and best prices for invisible zippers around, with out
the fussy packaging that we all tear off and throw away! consistently
good values.

I was dreading putting in a new zipper on a favorite jacket so I chanced ordering just the slider to see if I could make it work. Your instructions on how to measure and the names of all of the different sliders was very helpful in obtaining the correct one. The order came quickly and within 10 minutes of receiving it I had successfully fixed the zipper and it works perfectly. My only comment to the negative is I wish you offered more colors.

I’ve been buying these for a few years now. Great quality. Haven’t had one issue.

I’m making two seat cushions and the zippers look very sturdy and well made. The service and delivery was excellent and timely.

Was very pleased with the speed that my order was delivered. If you are looking for a hard to find pull you will find it here. When all else fails come to the Zipper Shipper and they will have what you need. Fixed my garment bag so that I'll be able to get many more years of use from it.

Quick response time, great products and prices, and accurate information. With the new slider, my alterations guy fixed my zipper in under 2 minutes, so that was a plus, too. Thank you!

Super fast shipping. Great customer service. Fantastic price

The zipper I received was not the zipper I had ordered, but customer service was amazing at handling the issue and getting the right zipper to me quickly and with no hassle.

This zipper is made well and is so sturdy.

Nice quality and fast delivery.
