Top 69 Best Small Cross Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]

A cross is instantly recognizable, simple and effective. Along with the Holy Bible the cross is the most visible symbol of Christianity and a hugely meaningful symbolic tattoo choice. 

Now that tattoos are such a significant part of personal adornment and an embodiment of free will, those of a religious mindset have taken to cross body art to demonstrate their faith. 

These top 69 small cross tattoo examples show that there is a versatile and interesting range of ways to depict the Christian cross in small designs.  

You’ll be able to find inspiration for your next religious tattoo, and find useful FAQs at the end of the gallery to help with inspiration. 

1. Ankle and Lower Leg Small Cross Tattoos

2. Small Cross Back Tattoo Ideas

3. Small Cross Chest Tattoos

4. Small Cross Tattoos Behind the Ear

5. Forearm Small Cross Tattoo Designs

6. Small Cross Tattoos for the Hands and Fingers

7. Upper Arm Small Cross Tattoo Ideas

8. Small Cross Tattoos for the Wrist

Small Cross Tattoo FAQs

What does a small cross tattoo symbolize? 

The cross is the single most recognizable symbol in Christianity, and likely all religions of the world. It is the easiest way to demonstrate your faith in the form of a tattoo design that everyone will recognize and understand immediately. 

What does the 3-cross tattoo mean? 

There are two ways of interpreting 3-cross symbol. The first represents the humanity of Jesus as he was crucified at Golgotha along with two thieves. 

The second illustration refers to the trinity in Christianity: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Often you’ll find three cross tattoos done in the form of a silhouette.

How much is a small cross tattoo? 

The average cost for a small cross tattoo design starts at $50 – $80 (shop minimum) and could run as high as $250. 

The cost may be affected by location of the tattoo, size and design, experience level of the artist, and most importantly by the amount of time taken to execute the design. 

Aside from rosary bracelets and the richly detailed Chicano style crosses, most small cross tattoos are simple designs so come in at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. 

Where do I place my cross tattoo? 

There are many considerations for the placement of small cross tattoos. Somewhat surprisingly, they’re one of the most popular choices for visible small tattoos but can be found just about anywhere.

The most popular areas to etch small cross tattoos include: 

• The chest
• Inner forearm 
• The center of the back, just below the nape 
• Behind the ear or on the neck 
• The fingers, knuckles and hands 
• The inner forearm and wrist 
• The upper bicep 

What do small rosary and cross tattoos symbolize? 

The Holy Rosary is one of the most sacred symbols of personal faith in the Catholic Church. It refers to the string of knots or beads, almost always accompanied by a cross, that keeps tracks of prayers.  

There are twenty prayers in the official Rosary and 20 rosary beads or knots. Rosary beads are also used as a ritual part of Catholic Confession, keeping count of prayers such as the Hail Mary to be used in the subject’s absolution. 

Did you enjoy these small cross tattoo designs? If you’re looking for other possibilities to consider for a religious tattoo then click on the links to our amazing tattoo galleries below:

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