Beard Length Chart: Best Beard Styles for Every Length & Face Shape

Beard length is more than just about aesthetics—it changes everything. From the shape of your face to the time you spend grooming in the morning, how long you grow your beard can make or break your style. 

That’s why choosing the right length matters – not just for how you look, but how you maintain it. A bit of stubble? Rugged and low-maintenance. A full, flowing beard? Bold, dramatic, and definitely higher upkeep.

We’re walking you through the most common beard lengths, the styles that suit each one, and how to maintain them like a pro. You’ll get a clear beard length chart (in mm and inches), grooming tips, and style advice tailored to different face shapes.

Beard Length Chart

Let’s start basic: we often talk about short beards, long beards, and everything in between. These are ballpark, general terms. But what do we actually mean? 

Most guys have no idea how long their beard actually is—they just wing it. But knowing your length helps you choose the right style, avoid grooming disasters, and keep things looking sharp instead of scruffy. This matters! Too short, and you’re stuck in permanent stubble. Too long, and you’ve crossed into wizard territory.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you figure out where your beard sits on the spectrum—from clean-cut to full-blown beardsman:

Beard Lengths and Best Styles

0.5–2 mm: Light Stubble (AKA the 5 o’clock shadow)

The first stage of all beard growth. Every man must grow light stubble on their way to something greater. Usually, you get this barely-there growth after a day or two without shaving. It’s subtle, masculine, and somehow always looks intentional—even when it isn’t.

Pros:

• Low effort, high payoff
• Adds definition without full coverage
• Universally flattering on most face shapes

Cons:

• Grows out fast—needs near-daily maintenance
• Can look patchy if growth isn’t even
• Not much warmth in winter

Best face shapes:

Literally all of them. It’s the great equaliser of facial hair.

Ideal styles:

Keep it tight and tidy with clean cheek and neck lines. No fuzz creeping down your throat.

Maintenance tips:

Use a short guard (0.5–1.5 mm) on your trimmer and go over it every 1–2 days. Follow up with a light dose of Beard Sorcery’s Beard Oil to soothe the skin and avoid irritation.

2–5 mm: Heavy Stubble (AKA Designer Stubble)

Heavy stubble is the sweet spot between scruffy and styled. It’s masculine, sharp, and totally office-safe—as long as you keep it neat. Think rugged leading man, not lazy Sunday couch potato. Perfect for the men who want a bit of edge to their appearance without the tiresome upkeep. 

Pros:

• Defines the jawline like nothing else
• Adds character without full beard commitment
• Still easy to maintain

Cons:

• Needs regular trimming to avoid beard creep
• Can irritate skin if not cared for
• Prone to patchiness in some areas

Best face shapes:

Great for round, oval, and heart-shaped faces—adds angular structure without overwhelming your features.

Ideal styles:

Short boxed beard, faded edges, or a natural stubble look with sharp neckline and cheek lines.

Maintenance tips:

Trim every 2–3 days using a 2–5 mm guard. Exfoliate once or twice a week and use Beard Sorcery’s Beard Wash and Restore to keep pores clean and stubble soft—not sandpaper.

5–12 mm: Short Beard (AKA the Business Beard)

Buckle up! We’re entering serious beard territory, where the stubble graduates into something actually resembling a beard. It’s fuller, more defined, and gives you that “put-together, but still rugged” energy. Think Chris Evans off-duty, not mountain man lost in the woods. 

Of course, with great beardliness comes great responsibility. You’ll have to put in a little bit of work to keep it looking soft, hydrated, and tidy. 

Pros:

• Fuller look without the bulk of a long beard
• Adds strength to soft or round face shapes
• Still office-appropriate with clean lines

Cons:

• Requires shaping and daily grooming
• Patchiness is more noticeable at this length
• Starts to trap food and debris (yes, really)

Best face shapes:

Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces benefit most—adds edge and angles.

Ideal styles:

Short boxed beard, low-fade sides, faded neckline, or natural with a slight taper. It’s all about balance: strong without overpowering.

Maintenance tips:

Trim with a 9–12 mm guard once or twice a week. Use Beard Sorcery’s Beard Wash and Restore to keep things clean, and apply beard oil daily. If you want a bit more hold or shaping power, finish with a touch of Beard Balm.

1–2 inches: Medium Beard

Not for the fainthearted, the medium beard is thick and distinguished. Bold, defined, and versatile, it’s the mark of the man who’s not afraid of commitment – long enough to style, short enough to stay sharp. The downside? Any neglect will quickly spiral into wild man territory. 

Pros:

• Strong visual impact
• Loads of styling options
• Can dramatically reshape your face

Cons:

• Needs regular shaping and brushing
• Prone to beardruff and tangling if not properly cared for
• Can look scruffy fast without maintenance

Best face shapes:

Square, oblong, and oval faces—adds balance and symmetry. Also works well for softening strong jawlines.

Ideal styles:

Boxed or tapered beards, natural growth with trimmed edges, or a short yeard-in-progress. Keep it groomed but not too geometric—some natural flow looks good here.

Maintenance tips:

Trim once a week to maintain shape. Use a boar bristle brush daily to exfoliate and tame stray hairs. Wash 2–3 times per week, and don’t skip the beard oil—at this length, your skin needs help keeping up.

2+ inches: Long Beard (AKA the Viking or Yeard)

The king of beards. If you reach this pinnacle of beardcraft, you’re not just dipping your toe – you’re an elite-level grower. A long beard doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of patience, care, and full-blown commitment. Whether you're going full Viking, wizard, or just proud yeard-grower, this is where your beard becomes part of your identity.

The problem is that too many men reach this stage through sheer neglect. It’s sort of impressive – in a Forrest Gump running across America sort of way. Avoid looking like a prehistoric man and invest your time in some serious upkeep. 

Pros:

• Makes a strong, unmistakable impression
• Versatile styling: braid it, shape it, let it flow
• Can elongate and define the face

Cons:

• Requires serious upkeep—this isn’t a “set it and forget it” length
• Traps food, dust, and anything the wind throws at you
• Prone to dryness, tangles, and split ends if neglected

Best face shapes:

Great for round and square faces—adds length and authority. Can be too much for narrow or long faces without shaping.

Ideal styles:

Natural with volume, Viking-style with shaped sides, power beard with clean cheek lines. Can also taper into the neckline for a sleeker look.

Maintenance tips:

Brush daily. Wash 2–3 times per week with a gentle beard cleanser. Use Beard Sorcery’s Beard Oil generously to hydrate, and apply Beard Balm to lock in moisture and tame frizz. Trim every few weeks to remove split ends and shape as needed. Bonus: a monthly deep-conditioning session goes a long way.

No matter the length, one thing’s constant: great beards need great care.

Whether you’re rocking stubble or reaching Viking status, Beard Sorcery has your back — with oils, balms, and tools built for every beard length.

[Explore our beard grooming kits →]