Determining the number of beads per inch required for a design or to help determine the cost of a piece is easy! All you need to do is apply the Beads-Per-Inch formula.
1 inch = 25.4 millimeters so you simply divide 25.4 by the diameter of the bead. The next step is to multiply the total by the length of the bracelet or necklace. For example, if you are making a 17 inch necklace using only 6mm beads you divide 25.4 by 6 which equals 4.2 beads per inch. You then multiply 4.2 by 17 to get a total of 72 6mm beads required for a 17 inch strand.
You will also need to allow for the length of the clasp for a more accurate measurement. If you have different size beads the algebra becomes a little bit more complicated, but you still use the same approach. Apply the proper proportions for the different size beads and with some patience, you will be able to use this formula to come up with an accurate estimate. You could also use a design board which might ultimately be much easier depending upon the design.
