Perler bead pegboard sizes are built from one square: 29 beads by 29 beads. This calculator turns a width and height into board count, finished centimeters, and a planning weight so you buy plastic before you run out mid-piece.
Standard Pegboard Sizes
One midi board is 29 holes on each side, 841 holes in total. Two boards on the long edge are 58 by 29, or 1,682 holes. Four boards make 58 by 58, or 3,364 holes. A custom 40 by 30 chart looks fine on screen and then fails on the table, because 40 is not a multiple of 29.
Mini pegboards use a tighter pitch for 2.6 millimeter beads. Do not reuse a midi chart on a mini board. Run the numbers twice if you compare both sizes.
These boards also include the margin you should leave on purpose. A 16 by 16 drawing in the middle of a 29 by 29 board is easier to tape than a drawing that touches every edge.
From Holes to Bead Count
Holes and beads are different numbers. The board size is the holes. The bead count is the holes you fill. Decide early whether the background is white beads or empty holes—white is the color people under-buy.
The studio materials list counts only placed beads. Use that list after you draw in the perler bead pattern maker. Use this calculator when choosing the rectangle. Match codes on the bead color chart before you buy a tub. A heavy full board on a thin garment pulls the fabric.
Round the shopping count up, not down. Do not round the board count. You either own the fourth board or you shrink the chart.
Size and Weight
Midi beads are about 5 millimeters across. Twenty-nine beads are 14.5 centimeters, a little under 6 inches. Ironing can pull the piece in a millimeter or two.
Weight here is about 0.07 grams per midi bead. Eight hundred forty-one beads land near 60 grams before magnets or backing. Mini beads are closer to 0.01 grams each.
Multi-board pieces add seam risk. Perler bead pegboard sizes that span a join should be planned on the table, not only in the calculator.
Questions About Board Count
How many beads are on a standard square pegboard?
A standard square pegboard is 29 by 29, which is 841 holes. Two boards side by side are 58 by 29 and 1,682 holes. Four boards are 58 by 58 and 3,364 holes.
How big is a finished 29 by 29 midi piece?
Midi beads are about 5 millimeters across, so 29 beads are about 14.5 centimeters, or a little under 6 inches, on each side.
How much do midi fuse beads weigh?
Use about 0.07 grams per midi bead. A full 29 by 29 board is near 60 grams of beads before tape, a backing, or a magnet.
Should empty holes count in the bead total?
Count only the holes you will fill. A background of skipped holes does not add beads. A background of white beads does.
Can I mix mini beads and midi beads on one chart?
No. Mini beads need a mini pegboard. Run the calculator twice if you are comparing the two sizes.
When the board count and the bead weight look reasonable, read how to iron perler beads and use the tape method. Heat is the last step, after the board size is settled and the cups are labeled.