Tattoo Size & Placement Guide
Tattoo size and placement decide everything that comes next — how your tattoo ages, how much it hurts, how visible it is, and how much it costs. This guide helps you choose deliberately, before you commit.
Why size & placement matter
Most tattoo regret doesn’t come from the design. It comes from choosing a size that was too small, or a placement that didn’t age well.
Skin stretches, moves, and changes. Some areas hold detail for decades. Others blur faster — especially with small tattoos.
Size and placement directly affect time. Time is the single biggest driver of tattoo price. For real-world ranges and budgeting, see the Tattoo Pricing Guide.
How big should my tattoo be?
The most common mistake is going too small. Fine details need space — otherwise they blur as the tattoo ages.
| Size | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Small (2–5 cm) | Simple symbols, minimal linework | Detail loss over time |
| Medium (6–12 cm) | Most designs, text, icons | Needs clean spacing |
| Large (13+ cm) | Complex designs, realism | Multiple sessions |
Best tattoo placements
Forearm
Excellent aging, visibility control, low regret.
Upper arm / shoulder
Great for larger pieces and long-term clarity.
Ribs / sides
Looks great, but painful and movement-heavy.
Pain by placement (honest version)
Pain tolerance varies, but nerves and bone proximity matter.
Lower pain
Forearms, calves, outer arms.
Higher pain
Ribs, feet, hands, spine.
How tattoos age by location
Friction, sun exposure, and skin thickness decide how long detail survives.
Does size affect price?
Yes — but detail density matters more than raw size.
FAQ
How big should my first tattoo be?
What placement ages best?
Does placement affect price?
Continue with the next decision most people face.
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