Upper arm tattoos: size and placement
updated
An upper arm tattoo is usually 8–15 cm (3–6 in) on its longest side; a large upper arm piece runs 15–25 cm (6–10 in). A rounded block, good for compact designs and the start of a sleeve.
Sizes
- Small: 5–8 cm (2–3 in)
- Medium: 8–15 cm (3–6 in)
- Large: 15–25 cm (6–10 in)
Which designs suit the upper arm
A rounded block, good for compact designs and the start of a sleeve. Covered by a T-shirt sleeve. The outer arm curves away at the edges, so wide designs bend out of view. A compact piece like the rose woodcut sits on the outer upper arm at 12 cm.
From every side
Before you book
Measure the spot on yourself along the skin, following the curve, not in a straight line. Bring the size in centimetres to your artist, with front and side views: how to plan a tattoo covers the rest.
Sources: Sydney Tattoo Convention: tattoo size and body part guide · Bosphorus Ink: tattoo size and placement guide