Clipper guard numbers look universal, but a #2 on one clipper is not always a #2 on another, and the half sizes that make a clean fade possible are missing from most starter sets. This chart gives you the standard sizes in millimetres and inches, what each one is used for, and which guards fit which clippers.
Clipper guard size chart
| Guard | Length | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| #0 (no guard, blade open) | 0.5 to 1.5 mm | Skin fade base, edges |
| #0.5 | 1.5 mm (1/16") | First step above skin |
| #1 | 3 mm (1/8") | Low fade, tight sides |
| #1.5 | 4.5 mm (3/16") | Blending between #1 and #2 |
| #2 | 6 mm (1/4") | Standard short sides, buzz cut |
| #3 | 10 mm (3/8") | Medium buzz, beard |
| #4 | 13 mm (1/2") | Longer buzz, top blending |
| #5 | 16 mm (5/8") | Long crew cut |
| #6 | 19 mm (3/4") | Top length on short styles |
| #7 | 22 mm (7/8") | Long top |
| #8 | 25 mm (1") | Longest standard guard |
Lengths are the cut length the guard leaves, measured with the taper lever closed. Opening the lever adds up to about 1.5 mm on most clippers, which is how barbers blend between guard sizes without changing guards.
Which guards fit which clippers
Guards are cut to match a blade shape, so they are brand-specific in practice.
- Wahl: standard and premium guards fit the Magic Clip, Senior, Legend and most full-size Wahl clippers. The Detailer and other trimmers use a smaller trimmer guard set. Shop Wahl.
- Andis: the Master, Envy and Fade clippers share the Andis magnetic guard set. Andis guards do not fit Wahl blades well because the blade is wider. Shop Andis.
- BaBylissPRO: FX clippers take the BaBylissPRO click-in guards; the FX trimmers use their own set. Shop BaBylissPRO.
- JRL: the 2020C and 2020C-B use JRL guards only. Shop JRL.
- StyleCraft and Gamma+: these share a platform, and many guards cross over. Check the blade code. Shop StyleCraft and Gamma+.
Magnetic versus clip-on guards
Magnetic guards seat on the blade with a magnet and a lip. They change faster and stay put on a fade, which is why most premium sets are magnetic. Clip-on guards cost less and are fine for home use, but a loose clip shows up as an uneven line. If you cut for a living, buy the magnetic set once.
Half sizes and why they matter
A fade from skin to a #2 has three visible steps if you only own whole sizes. Add a #0.5, a #1.5 and use the lever, and the same fade has six steps and no lines. Half-size guards are sold individually in the guards collection.
Every guard set here ships from Montréal across Canada. If you are not sure which set fits your clipper, send us the model number and we will confirm before you order.