When purchasing reeds, you will be asked to specify what "strength" of reed you

need. The strength of a reed is not about size but rather a measurement of

density and flexibility. Generally, single reeds are labeled on a scale of 1 to 5 in
increments of half sizes (1 being softer than 5), while double reeds (used by oboe,
English horn, and bassoon) are labeled soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-hard, or
hard. Reed strengths can vary between manufacturers. (For example, a Rico 2 is
more flexible than a Vandoren 2.)
Most teachers recommend that a first-year musician use a 2 or 2.5 (soft or
medium soft) reed. Anything stiffer may make it difficult to produce a sound while
anything more flexible may produce a weak sound. As the muscles around the
mouth grow stronger with practice, switching to a stiffer reed can help improve tone
quality and intonation, especially for high notes. Your teacher should let you know
when it is time to switch to a different strength reed.
Keep in mind that the brand of mouthpiece being used may affect the reed strength needed
for optimal performance, and of course the style of music being played makes a difference
as well.
The mouthpiece with bigger tip opening would need softer reed while mouthpiece with
smaller tip opening would need stronger reed to play better.