Tattoo needle codes can look like another language when you're first getting familiar with them.

1207RL. 1009RM. 1205RS.

Once you know how to split those codes up, though, they become surprisingly straightforward.

In this guide, we'll break down how to read tattoo needle sizes, the difference between common configurations such as RL, RS and magnums, and what to consider when choosing cartridges for your setup.

Quick note: Needle terminology and coding can vary slightly between manufacturers, so always check the specifications for the particular cartridge range you're using.

How to Read a Tattoo Needle Code

Let's start with one of the most useful things to know.

Take this cartridge code:

1207RL

Rather than reading it as one number, split it into three parts:

12 | 07 | RL

12 = Needle diameter/gauge
07 = Number of needles in the grouping
RL = Needle configuration

So 1207RL generally describes a #12 diameter, 7-needle Round Liner.

Here's another:

1009RM

Split it:

10 | 09 | RM

10 = Needle diameter/gauge
09 = 9 needles in the grouping
RM = Round/Curved Magnum

And another:

1205RS

12 | 05 | RS

12 = Needle diameter/gauge
05 = 5 needles in the grouping
RS = Round Shader

So the easiest formula to remember is:

12 | 07 | RL

Diameter | Needle Count | Configuration

Once you understand those three pieces, choosing between cartridge sizes gets considerably easier.

1. Understanding Tattoo Needle Diameter

The first part of the code generally refers to the diameter of each individual needle.

Common sizes you'll come across include:

For example, #12 needles are commonly referred to as a standard 0.35 mm diameter, while #10 is commonly 0.30 mm.

Different diameters can change the way a cartridge feels and handles ink, but diameter alone doesn't tell you what a needle is designed to do.

You also need to look at the grouping and configuration.

2. Understanding Needle Count

The next number tells you how many individual needles are in the grouping.

For example:

1203RL → 3 needles
1205RL → 5 needles
1207RL → 7 needles
1209RL → 9 needles
1211RL → 11 needles

So importantly:

the "12" in 1207RL does NOT mean there are 12 needles.

The 07 tells you there are seven.

This is probably the easiest thing to misunderstand when you're first learning to read cartridge codes.

3. Understanding Tattoo Needle Configurations

Now we get to the letters.

These describe how the needles are arranged within the grouping.

Some of the most common you'll encounter are:

RL - Round Liner
RS - Round Shader
M1 - Magnum
CM or RM - Round/Curved Magnum
M2 - Stacked Magnum

Let's look at each one.

Round Liners - RL

Round Liners have needles grouped tightly together in a circular formation and are commonly used for linework and outlines.

You'll see sizes such as:

3RL
5RL
7RL
9RL
11RL

Different artists naturally develop preferences for particular groupings depending on their style and technique.

A fine-line artist's cartridge drawer may look completely different from someone specialising in bold traditional work.

Round Shaders - RS

Round Shaders also use a circular arrangement, but the needles are generally spaced less tightly than liners.

That gives them greater coverage and makes them commonly used for shading, colouring and blending.

You'll commonly see codes such as:

1205RS

which can be read as:

12 | 05 | RS

#12 diameter → 5 needles → Round Shader.

Magnum Needles - M1

Magnums arrange the needles across a wider configuration and are commonly used for shading, colour work and filling larger areas.

Instead of concentrating the needles into a small circular grouping, the wider layout provides greater coverage.

Examples might include:

1207M1
1209M1
1213M1

Again, break the code down exactly the same way:

12 | 13 | M1

Diameter | 13 needles | Magnum

Curved / Round Magnums - CM or RM

Round Magnums — also commonly called Curved Magnums or Soft Edge Magnums - have a slightly curved arrangement across the front of the grouping.

They're commonly chosen for things such as:

• Shading
• Gradients
• Black and grey work
• Colour blending
• Larger areas

You may see manufacturers use RM, CM or SE terminology for variations of this style, which is a good example of why checking the manufacturer's own specifications matters.

Stacked Magnums - M2

M2 generally refers to a stacked magnum configuration.

The needles are arranged more tightly than in a standard/weaved magnum, creating a denser grouping.

They're another option artists may use for packing and working larger areas.

Again, they're not inherently "better" than another configuration - they're simply another tool available depending on the result and technique you're after.

What Is Tattoo Needle Taper?

You'll also encounter another specification:

Taper.

This describes the length and shape of the point toward the end of an individual needle.

Depending on the manufacturer, you might see terminology such as:

• Medium taper
• Long taper
• Extra-long taper
• Super-long taper

Taper is another reason two cartridges with apparently similar codes may not feel identical.

Once you start developing your own tattooing style, you'll likely develop preferences around diameter, taper and configuration rather than choosing cartridges purely by their headline size.

Cartridge Needles vs Traditional Tattoo Needles

Cartridge systems have become extremely common, particularly with modern pen-style and wireless tattoo machines.

Rather than changing a complete needle-and-tube setup, an artist can swap a compatible cartridge when moving between configurations.

For example, during one piece an artist might move between:

RL → RS → CM

depending on what they're working on.

Whatever system you're using, always make sure the cartridges are compatible with your equipment and follow the appropriate professional hygiene, single-use and disposal procedures.

Which Tattoo Needle Should You Choose?

There isn't one "best tattoo needle."

Start by thinking about the job you're actually trying to accomplish.

Fine details or fine line work?
A smaller liner configuration may suit your approach.

Bold outlines?
You might prefer a larger liner grouping.

Small areas of shading?
A round shader could be an option.

Smooth shading and gradients?
A curved magnum may suit the technique.

Larger areas of colour or shading?
A magnum gives you a wider grouping to work with.

Ultimately, your machine, hand speed, technique, tattoo style and personal preference all influence the cartridges you reach for most often.

Don't Overlook Cartridge Quality

Tattoo needles are one of those consumables where consistency matters.

Once you find cartridges that work well with your machine and technique, having your preferred configurations consistently available makes studio life considerably easier.

At Toochi, we stock professional tattoo needle cartridges alongside machines, inks, disposables and other essentials for NZ tattoo artists.

→ SHOP TATTOO NEEDLES

LINK: Your Tattoo Needles collection.

Building Your Tattoo Setup?

Needles are only one part of a complete workstation.

If you're setting up, upgrading or restocking, read:

→ Essential Tattoo Supplies Every NZ Tattoo Artist Needs

LINK: the blog we just finished.

→ What Supplies Do I Need for Tattooing?

LINK: we'll add once we've revamped that article.

→ What Do Professional Tattoo Artists Use?

LINK: we'll add once we've revamped that article.

And if you want to browse everything in one place:

→ SHOP TATTOO SUPPLIES

LINK: main Tattoo Supplies collection.

Tattoo Needle Codes: The Quick Version

If there's only one thing you remember from this guide, make it this:

1207RL

becomes:

12 | 07 | RL

12 → Diameter/gauge
07 → Number of needles
RL → Configuration

Then learn the common configurations:

RL → Round Liner
RS → Round Shader
M1 → Magnum
RM → Round/Curved Magnum
M2 → Stacked Magnum

And suddenly those seemingly random cartridge codes start making a lot more sense.

The best tattoo needle setup isn't about owning every configuration available. It's about understanding your equipment, experimenting with what works for your style, and keeping the cartridges you actually use stocked and ready to go.