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Compare 29x29, 58x58, 72x72, 87x87, and 120x120

Perler Bead Pattern Size Guide

Not sure which grid to choose? Start with 29x29 for simple designs, 58x58 or 72x72 for more detail, and 87x87 or 120x120 for large display pieces. Compare five real generated results below.

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One image, five real pattern sizes

Compare the same image at five Perler grid sizes

Select a grid to see how size changes detail, bead count, board count, and finished width. Every preview uses the same source image and 24-color limit, so the comparison stays fair.

Generated Perler bead preview

Generating all five comparisons from the source image...

Quick size guide

Perler bead pattern sizes at a glance

Use this table to choose a practical starting point. Bead and color totals come from the current source image and update when you upload your own—they are not fixed totals for every pattern.

Generated Perler grid sizes with suggested uses, board counts, approximate widths, bead totals, and color totals
Grid Good for 29x29 boards needed Estimated finished width Beads in this example Colors in this example
29 x 29Simple icons, bold pixel art, and first projects113.8 cm / 5.4 in25024
58 x 58Medium designs that balance detail and effort427.7 cm / 10.9 in95024
72 x 72Portraits, pets, and clearer facial features934.3 cm / 13.5 in1,46024
87 x 87Detailed portraits, pet art, and display pieces941.5 cm / 16.3 in2,10124
120 x 120Large display pieces with fine detail2557.2 cm / 22.5 in3,94424
A simple way to choose your grid

What size Perler bead pattern should you use?

For a simple icon, start at 29x29. For a medium design, compare 58x58 and 72x72 first. Choose 87x87 or 120x120 only when the extra detail is worth more beads, boards, time, and space.

1. Decide how much detail you need

Small grids turn curves, faces, and tiny features into simple blocks. Larger grids keep more shape detail, but they take longer to follow and can preserve unwanted background speckles. Choose the smallest preview that still looks clear to you.

2. Check how many 29x29 boards you need

Divide the grid size by 29, round up, then square the result. That means 29x29 uses 1 board, 58x58 uses 4, 72x72 and 87x87 each need a 3x3 layout (9 boards), and 120x120 needs a 5x5 layout (25 boards). Confirm that your boards connect before you start.

3. Check the finished space

A 29x29 pattern is about 5.4 in (13.8 cm) wide, while 120x120 is about 22.5 in (57.2 cm). These are planning estimates for standard beads; board spacing and ironing can change the final measurement.

How the measurements were calculated

Bead size and pegboard sources

The bead totals come from the live examples on this page. Finished-width estimates use a sourced 4.77 mm standard Perler bead diameter, and board counts use 29x29 boards.

Sources checked July 29, 2026. Product details and availability can change.

The rainbow pony is this project's original demo artwork. Converting an image to a grid does not grant rights to reproduce third-party artwork.

Ready to make your pattern?

Open the maker to test your own image, browse ready-made patterns, check Perler color names and codes, or compare the 87x87 Shiba example.

Open Pattern Maker Browse Pattern Library Review Color Chart See the 87x87 Shiba example
Common questions

Perler bead pattern size questions

No. Larger grids keep more detail, but they also need more beads, boards, time, and space. The best size is the smallest preview that still makes your subject look clear.
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