Carat to MM conversion chart
Carat to MM Conversion Chart: Understanding Diamond Measurements
When shopping for a diamond, you might often hear about carat weight, which is one of the most crucial factors that determine the size and value of the gemstone. However, what many people don’t realize is that carat weight doesn’t necessarily tell you the actual physical size of the diamond. That’s where millimeter (MM) measurements come into play.
In this guide, we’ll explain how carat weight correlates with millimeter size, and provide a handy conversion chart to help you better understand the dimensions of your diamond.
What is Carat Weight?
Carat weight is the measure of how much a diamond weighs. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams (0.2 grams). It’s important to remember that carat weight doesn’t directly equate to the size of the diamond. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can have different sizes depending on their shape and cut.
Why Millimeter Measurements Matter
Millimeter (MM) measurements refer to the actual physical dimensions of the diamond, such as its diameter and height. While carat weight gives you an idea of the diamond’s heft, the MM measurement gives you a clearer picture of its visual size. This is especially important when comparing diamonds of different shapes.
Carat to MM Conversion Chart
Here’s a conversion chart that gives you an approximate size of a diamond in millimeters based on its carat weight. Keep in mind that these measurements can vary slightly depending on the cut quality and shape of the diamond.
| Carat Weight | Round (MM) | Princess (MM) | Oval (MM) | Emerald (MM) | Marquise (MM) | Pear (MM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 carat | 4.1 MM | 3.4 MM | 5.5 x 3.5 MM | 4.0 x 2.5 MM | 6.0 x 3.0 MM | 5.5 x 3.5 MM |
| 0.50 carat | 5.2 MM | 4.4 MM | 6.5 x 4.0 MM | 5.5 x 3.5 MM | 8.0 x 4.0 MM | 7.0 x 4.2 MM |
| 1.00 carat | 6.5 MM | 5.5 MM | 8.0 x 5.5 MM | 7.0 x 5.0 MM | 10.5 x 5.0 MM | 8.5 x 5.5 MM |
| 1.50 carat | 7.4 MM | 6.4 MM | 9.0 x 6.0 MM | 8.5 x 5.5 MM | 11.5 x 5.5 MM | 9.5 x 6.0 MM |
| 2.00 carat | 8.2 MM | 7.2 MM | 10.0 x 7.0 MM | 9.0 x 6.5 MM | 12.5 x 7.0 MM | 11.0 x 7.0 MM |
| 2.50 carat | 8.8 MM | 7.8 MM | 10.5 x 7.5 MM | 10.0 x 7.0 MM | 14.0 x 7.0 MM | 12.5 x 7.5 MM |
| 3.00 carat | 9.3 MM | 8.5 MM | 11.0 x 8.0 MM | 10.5 x 7.5 MM | 15.0 x 7.5 MM | 13.0 x 8.0 MM |
| 4.00 carat | 10.2 MM | 9.5 MM | 12.0 x 8.5 MM | 11.5 x 8.0 MM | 16.0 x 8.5 MM | 14.5 x 8.5 MM |
| 5.00 carat | 11.0 MM | 10.5 MM | 13.0 x 9.0 MM | 12.0 x 9.0 MM | 17.0 x 9.0 MM | 15.5 x 9.0 MM |
How to Use the Conversion Chart
When you’re shopping for a diamond, use the carat weight to estimate its size, but always check the MM measurements to confirm how large the diamond will appear in real life. This is particularly useful when considering different diamond shapes, as a 1-carat round diamond will look different from a 1-carat emerald or princess cut.
Factors That Affect Diamond Size Appearance
While the carat to MM conversion chart gives you a good starting point, it’s essential to remember that other factors can influence how large a diamond appears:
- Shape: Round diamonds typically appear larger than fancy shapes of the same carat weight.
- Cut Quality: A well-cut diamond will reflect more light, making it appear larger and more brilliant.
- Depth: Diamonds that are too deep or too shallow may appear smaller when viewed from above.
Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between carat weight and millimeter size is crucial when purchasing a diamond. While carat weight gives you an idea of the stone’s weight, the MM measurement provides a clearer picture of its actual size. Use the conversion chart as a guide to ensure you’re choosing a diamond that meets your expectations in terms of size and appearance.