Understanding Needle Gauges

Interactive Gauge Guide

Move the slider to explore different needle sizes and their uses.

18G 20G 22G 23G 25G 27G

18G

Selected Gauge

Reference (18G)

Common Uses

Drawing Needles (18-22G)

Used to draw medication from vials. Larger diameter allows for faster drawing and reduces vacuum pressure in the vial.

Drawing Vial Access

IM Injection (21-25G)

For intramuscular injections. Provides good control and comfort while being strong enough to penetrate muscle tissue.

Intramuscular Deep Tissue

SubQ Injection (25-27G)

For subcutaneous injections. Smaller diameter reduces discomfort and is perfect for shallow injections.

Subcutaneous Shallow

Needle Length Guide

A visual comparison of common needle lengths used for different injection types.

16mm SubQ (5/8")

25mm IM Standard (1")

38mm IM Long (1.5")

Note: Needle length is crucial for proper injection depth. SubQ needles are shorter for shallow fat layer injections, while IM needles need to reach muscle tissue. Always consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations based on your individual needs.