Tattoo Needle Sizes Explained: 3RL, 5RL, 7RL, Diameters, Tapers, and Cartridge Needle Groupings
Tattoo Needle Sizes Explained: A Professional Guide for Tattoo Artists
Tattoo needles are one of the most important tools in the craft.
Just like a painter chooses different brushes for different strokes, tattoo artists rely on different needle sizes and groupings to achieve specific results.
But if you've ever looked at a box of cartridges and wondered what 3RL, 5RL, or 7RL actually mean, you're not alone.
Understanding tattoo needle sizes allows artists to make better decisions about:
• line weight
• shading smoothness
• color saturation
• skin trauma
• overall tattoo quality
At Maverick Supply Co., we build our cartridge lineup around the real needs of working tattoo artists. This guide breaks down how tattoo needle sizes work and how to choose the right configuration for your style.
If you're new to cartridge systems, you may also want to read our complete guide to tattoo cartridge needles.
How Tattoo Needle Sizes Work
Tattoo needle sizes are defined by two key factors:
1️⃣ Needle grouping
2️⃣ Needle diameter
These two variables determine how the needle performs in the skin.
For example:
3RL = three needles arranged in a round liner grouping.
7RL = seven needles grouped together for thicker lines.
Magnum configurations use multiple rows of needles instead of a circular grouping, allowing artists to shade larger areas efficiently.
Understanding these basics makes it easier to build a cartridge setup that fits your tattoo style.
Tattoo Needle Groupings Explained
Needle groupings describe how the needles are arranged.
The most common groupings include:
Round Liners (TRL)
Round Shaders (LRL)
Magnum Needles (M1 / curved mags)
Flat Magnums (M2)
Bugpin Magnums
Each grouping serves a specific purpose.
Round liners are typically used for linework, while magnum groupings are designed for shading and color packing.
Round Liner Needle Sizes
Round liners are one of the most common needle configurations used in tattooing.
These cartridges are designed for linework, lettering, and detailed tattoo designs.
At Maverick Supply Co., our Loose Round Liner cartridges include the following sizes:
• L3RL
• L5RL
• L7RL
• L9RL
• L11RL
• L14RL
• L18RL
Smaller liners like L3RL and L5RL are often used for:
• fine line tattoos
• script lettering
• geometric tattoos
• delicate detail work
Medium liners such as L7RL and L9RL are commonly used for:
• standard outlines
• illustrative tattoo styles
• moderate line weight
Larger groupings like L11RL through L18RL are often used for:
• bold traditional outlines
• heavy linework
• strong graphic tattoo styles
👉 Shop Maverick Loose Round Liner Cartridges
Understanding Needle Diameter
Needle diameter affects how much ink flows through the needle grouping.
The most common tattoo needle diameters are:
#12 (.35mm)
Standard diameter used for most tattooing applications.
#10 (.30mm)
Known as bugpin needles, these allow slower pigment flow and smoother shading.
#08 (.25mm)
Very fine needles used for extremely delicate work.
Most Maverick cartridges use #12 long taper polished needles, providing a balance of control and consistent ink flow.
What Are Bugpin Tattoo Needles?
Bugpin needles use a smaller diameter than standard needles.
Because the needles are thinner, they allow artists to build pigment gradually rather than depositing large amounts of ink immediately.
Bugpins are commonly used for:
• black and grey realism
• portrait tattoos
• soft shading transitions
• detailed gradient work
Bugpin mag cartridges are especially popular among realism artists because they allow smoother tonal control.
👉 Explore Maverick Bugpin Magnum Cartridges
Understanding Needle Taper
The taper refers to the length of the sharpened point on the needle.
Common tapers include:
Short taper
Medium taper
Long taper
Long taper needles create more controlled ink flow and sharper lines.
This is why Maverick cartridges use long taper polished needles, giving artists more precision during linework and shading.
Choosing the Right Tattoo Needle Size
Every tattoo style benefits from different needle sizes.
A typical professional setup might look like this:
Fine line work
• L3RL
• L5RL
Standard outlines
• L7RL
• L9RL
Bold outlines
• L11RL
• L14RL
• L18RL
Shading and gradients
• Curved mag cartridges
Color packing
• Flat mag cartridges
Understanding these combinations allows artists to switch tools depending on the needs of the tattoo.
Why Tattoo Artists Choose Maverick Cartridge Needles
Maverick Supply Co. is built by tattoo artists who understand the demands of professional tattooing.
Our cartridges are designed for:
• consistent needle groupings
• smooth ink flow
• reliable membrane protection
• professional sterilization standards
Every cartridge is built for reliability so artists can focus on what matters most: the tattoo.
👉 Browse All Maverick Tattoo Cartridge Needles
Final BOSS Thoughts
Tattoo needle sizes can seem confusing at first, but once you understand how groupings, diameters, and tapers work together, choosing the right configuration becomes much easier.
Whether you're pulling crisp linework with a 3RL liner or building smooth shading with a bugpin mag, the right cartridge setup can dramatically improve the tattooing process.
Run it clean.
Run it precise.
Run it Maverick.