Andis Clipper Guards: Sizes and Fit
Guard numbers describe what stays on the head, not what comes off. A #2 leaves about a quarter of an inch behind - it does not remove a quarter of an inch. Reading it the wrong way round once decides the haircut for the next three weeks, and it is the single most common mistake people make with clippers.
Guard sizes
Standard sets step up in eighths of an inch:
| Guard | Leaves | Metric | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 1/8" | ~3 mm | Very short, just off the skin |
| #2 | 1/4" | ~6 mm | Short back and sides |
| #3 | 3/8" | ~10 mm | The most common all-over length |
| #4 | 1/2" | ~13 mm | Longer sides, still tidy |
| #5 | 5/8" | ~16 mm | Blending into longer top hair |
| #6 | 3/4" | ~19 mm | Bulk removal without going short |
| #7 | 7/8" | ~22 mm | Longer taper work |
| #8 | 1" | ~25 mm | Trimming length off a full head |
Half sizes exist between the whole numbers and matter for blending - the jump from one whole guard to the next can leave a visible step.
Guards and blade numbers run opposite ways
This catches people constantly. Guard numbers go up as the cut gets longer. Blade numbers go up as the cut gets shorter - a #10 blade cuts closer than a #4, and a #40 is surgical.
So "a number two" means two entirely different lengths depending on whether the speaker means a guard or a detachable blade. In a barber's chair it is nearly always a guard; in grooming it is often a blade. Full mapping on the blade size chart.
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The blade underneath changes the result
A guard sets distance from the cutting edge, so the same guard over a different base blade leaves a different length. On a clipper with a taper lever, the lever position changes it too.
If a haircut came out right and you want to repeat it, note the guard number and the blade or lever position. Guard number alone is not a complete description.
Replacing a lost guard
Guards are sold singly and in sets, and the set is usually the cheaper answer - three singles typically cost more than a full replacement set, and the sizes people lose are rarely the ones they can do without.
Fit is by clipper family, not by number: a guard attaches to the blade housing, so a set made for full-size clippers will not sit properly on a trimmer. Check what clipper the set is made for rather than just the sizes listed.
Colour-coded sets are worth the small premium when more than one person uses the clipper - reaching for a colour beats squinting at a moulded number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a #2 guard cut a quarter inch off?
Are Andis guards compatible with other brands?
Why do my guards leave lines?
What guard should I start with?
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