Tattoo Size & Placement Guide
🎯 Tattoo Size Guide & Placement Info
How We Quote at Tattoos by Charlene
At Tattoos by Charlene, we don’t charge by the hour. Every tattoo is priced individually based on size, detail, placement, and colour. This allows us to give you a fair and accurate quote for the work involved in your piece.
📏 How to Measure Your Tattoo Size — Important Information for Accurate Quotes
When you send us a reference image for your tattoo idea, please keep in mind:
1. Reference Images Don’t Always Reflect Actual Size
The size of a tattoo in a photo or online image can be very different from how large you want it on your body.
Zooming in or out, cropping, or photo angles can make the tattoo appear bigger or smaller than it will be on your skin.
2. If No Measurement is Provided, We Must Estimate
If you simply say “same size as the image” or send us a picture without dimensions, we will estimate the tattoo size based on how it looks in the image.
This estimation is subjective and might not match the size you actually want or expect.
3. How This Affects Your Quote
Because our pricing is based on tattoo size, detail, and colour, an inaccurate size estimate could mean:
Your quote might be too low or too high compared to the final size you want.
You might need additional sessions or pay more if the tattoo ends up bigger or more detailed than expected.
4. How to Get the Most Accurate Quote
Please measure the actual size you want the tattoo on your body using a ruler or measuring tape.
Measure the height and width in centimeters (e.g., 8cm tall × 6cm wide).
If you are unsure how to measure, use this simple method:
Place a ruler or tape measure flat on the area where you want the tattoo.
Measure the maximum height and maximum width that you want the tattoo to cover.
Send us these measurements along with your reference image.
5. Why Size Measurement is Crucial
Pricing: We do not charge by the hour; prices depend on size and detail. Getting the size right ensures you get an accurate and fair quote.
Design clarity: Some designs need a minimum size to look clean and sharp on your skin. Too small can mean loss of detail.
Placement & Healing: Size affects where the tattoo will fit best and how long the healing process might take. Larger pieces often require more care.
📝 Summary
Sending just a photo without size info means we quote based on our best estimate — this may not match your expectation.
Providing your own height × width measurements lets us give you a more precise quote and plan for your tattoo.
If you want help measuring or have any questions, reach out anytime!
📏 Tattoo Size Categories (in CM)
Tattoo size is measured in centimetres (cm) – using height × width. You can use a measuring tape or ruler on the area you want tattooed to get an idea of the size.
| Size Category | CM Range (Height × Width) | Common Placements |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | up to 4cm × 4cm | Wrist, ankle, behind ear |
| Small-Med | 5cm × 5cm to 17cm × 17cm | Forearm, shoulder |
| Medium | 18cm × 18cm to 22cm × 22cm | Thigh, upper arm |
| Large | 23cm × 23cm to 27cm × 27cm | Ribs, calf, back |
| XL | 28cm × 28cm to 32cm × 32cm | Chest, full thigh |
| XXL / Full Day | Over 32cm × 32cm or multi-area designs | Sleeves, back pieces |
✨ Note: Final quotes depend on the design’s complexity, colours used, and where it's placed on the body.
📌 Placement Matters
Some areas of the body may take longer to tattoo, heal differently, or require extra care — which can influence the time and planning needed.
- Arms: Forearm, upper arm, inner arm
- Legs: Thigh, calf, shin
- Torso: Chest, ribs, back, stomach
- Other Areas: Fingers, neck, hands, behind ear
- Face, neck, and hand tattoos are done after consultation and approval
We’ll always guide you on what placement will work best for your design, skin, and comfort. Keep in mind, everyone's different, in all aspects - from pain tolerance to our body structure/build, everyone is different.
🎨 Custom Tattoo Designs
We welcome your ideas! A custom tattoo means:
- Designs made from scratch, based on your concept
- Specific fonts, names, quotes, or symbolic pieces
- Unique art made just for you, not from our flash sets
Important:
- Custom work may require extra time for drawing and revisions
- Any changes to the original design may affect the final quote
- You can view size guidelines on our Tattoo Pricing Page
- Final custom quotes are always confirmed directly with Charlene
📲 Need Help Choosing a Size or Placement?
Send us a reference photo or describe what you have in mind, and we’ll guide you on the best size and placement for your idea.
🖤 Let's Create Something Beautiful
From your first ink to your next masterpiece, we’re here to bring your vision to life with care, skill, and passion.
And remember.. If pain is stopping you, we offer before & during numbing products!
