Fly line and tippet selector
Tippet X to diameter and strength, plus the right line weight for your species.
Tippet for a size 14 fly (rule of 3)
5X
Fly line: 5–6 weight
| Tippet | Diameter | Breaking strength (nylon) | Fly sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0X | 0.011" | about 13–15 lb | 2 to 1/0 |
| 1X | 0.010" | about 11–13 lb | 4–8 |
| 2X | 0.009" | about 9–11 lb | 6–10 |
| 3X | 0.008" | about 7–8 lb | 10–14 |
| 4X | 0.007" | about 5–6 lb | 12–16 |
| 5X | 0.006" | about 4–5 lb | 14–18 |
| 6X | 0.005" | about 3 lb | 16–22 |
| 7X | 0.004" | about 2 lb | 18–26 |
How this tool works
Rule of 3: divide the fly's hook size by 3 to get the tippet X (size 15 to 5X). Diameters follow the standard X system (X = 0.011 in minus the X number in thousandths); strength is typical for nylon and varies by brand and material.