Plan a 108-bead mala with rondelles or heishi

Tara Tandon, Tandon GemsPublished February 14, 2024· Reviewed September 5, 2026· 2 min read

This article is a reference guide. Some older product details and imagery have been omitted pending verification. Confirm the current strand, price and quantity with Anish before ordering.

Short answer

Plan by bead height on the string. From 16 inch strands you get about 200 beads at 2 mm, 133 at 3 mm, 100 at 4 mm, 80 at 5 mm and 66 at 6 mm. Knotting adds about 1 mm per bead. Use the largest cord that can be doubled at the guru, a fine collapsible-eye needle, and a guru that accepts a doubled cord.

In short

Count by bead height on the string; diameter does not set length.
Knotting adds about 1 mm per bead to total length.
4x3 mm rondelles behave like 3 mm tall beads in the math.
Our 15 to 16 in rondelle strands run about 95 to 100 at 4 mm and about 65 to 70 at 6 mm.
Pick a guru bead that takes a doubled cord through the center.

How long will 108 beads run at my size?

Length is driven by bead height along the string. Use 25.4 mm per inch and add about 1 mm per bead if you plan to knot between beads. These numbers are bead-only runs and exclude the guru and tassel. Tara here, we always test a short section first to confirm drape before committing the whole strand.

Beads per inch by height: 2 mm about 12.5
3 mm about 8.3
4 mm about 6.25
5 mm about 5
6 mm about 4.2

How many 16 inch strands do I need for 108 beads?

2 mm tall: about 200 beads per 16 in, one strand is enough
3 mm tall: about 133 beads per 16 in, one strand is enough
4 mm tall: about 100 beads per 16 in, plan on more than one strand
5 mm tall: about 80 beads per 16 in, plan on more than one strand
6 mm tall: about 66 beads per 16 in, plan on more than one strand

Do rondelles and heishi change the math?

They change which measurement you use. Use height on the string because it sets total length. A 4x3 mm rondelle behaves like a 3 mm tall bead in the table above, so 108 pieces follow the 3 mm row. Heishi are thin discs, so their thickness is the height you use; diameter does not affect length.

See how we define and measure rondelles and heishi. If a listing only gives diameter, ask the seller for height or measure a sample with calipers.

What cord and needle should I use?

Pick material for the drill and the wear. Silk is traditional for bead stringing, nylon works well for durability, and braided synthetics are common for malas. Choose the largest cord that passes your beads smoothly, and be sure it can be doubled at the guru connection.

Use a fine beading needle or a collapsible-eye needle for small drills. Pre-stretch your cord, string a short test, then knot or space to taste. Do not force tight curves through small drills; that is when breaks happen.

Test a doubled cord through a few beads before you start
Collapsible-eye or "big eye" needles help with tiny drills
Pre-stretch cord to reduce post-stringing slack
Lightly wax thread ends for easier threading

How do I pick and attach a guru bead?

Choose a traditional multi hole guru bead, or use a large-hole focal. The center hole must accept a doubled cord. Tapered side holes make seating the final knots clean and secure. If you prefer a gemstone focal, wire-wrap a small pendant and tie your tassel under it.

Will knotting change spacing or length?

Yes, plan about 1 mm extra per bead when fully knotted. Compare to necklace standards to predict drape: choker 16 inches, princess 18 inches, matinee 22 inches. That gives you a feel for where the loop will land after adding the guru and tassel.

If you want a target length, adjust with small spacer beads near the guru, or switch to half-knotting patterns. Always leave room for the tassel wrap and any finishing knots.

Common questions

Can I make a 108-bead mala from one 16 inch strand of 4 mm rondelles?

Usually no. A 16 inch run yields about 100 beads at a 4 mm height. Our 15 to 16 inch rondelle strands run about 95 to 100 pieces at that size, so you will need more than one strand.

What needle size works for small gemstone rondelles?

Use a fine beading needle or a collapsible-eye needle. They pass small gemstone drills cleanly and let you pull a thicker cord through as a leader.

Do I have to knot between every bead?

No. Knotting is optional and adds about 1 mm per bead to the total length. Many malas are unknotted; for heishi, keep the strand slightly relaxed to reduce abrasion.

What is the difference between rondelles and heishi for malas?

Rondelles are flattened rounds that sparkle; heishi are thin discs that read as a smooth column. For planning, use bead height on the string for both shapes.

Can I use a gemstone pyramid as the guru?

Yes. Wire-wrap a pyramid or hang it from a small bail, then tie the tassel below. Our 9x15 mm pyramids in amethyst, onyx, lapis and rose quartz work well.

Want a strand like the ones in this post?

Message Anish with the stone, shape and size you have in mind. Photos of actual strands on request.

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