How to Measure Your Ring Size Accurately
Determining your exact ring size is critical for comfort, fit, and peace of mind—especially when shopping online. Fortunately, there are several accurate ways to measure your ring size, whether you prefer a DIY method at home or a professional consultation. Below are the most reliable techniques used worldwide.
🛠 Popular Ring Sizing Methods
- 1. Paper or String Method
- 2. Measuring an Existing Ring
- 3. Printable Ring Sizer Tools
- 4. Visiting a Professional Jeweler
- 5. Plastic Ring Sizer Kit
1. Paper or String Method
This is one of the most commonly used home techniques and requires only a strip of paper, a pen, and a ruler. Simply wrap the paper or string snugly around the base of your finger—make sure it's neither too tight nor too loose. Mark the point where the ends meet, then lay the paper flat and measure the length using a millimeter ruler. This measurement corresponds to the circumference of your finger.
Compare your measurement to a standard ring size chart to find your correct US ring size. It's a good idea to repeat the process a few times to ensure consistency. Also, remember that fingers on your dominant hand may be slightly larger. Avoid using stretchy material like elastic, as it can distort the results.
2. Measuring an Existing Ring
If you already own a ring that fits the desired finger perfectly, you can use it to determine the correct size. Place the ring on a flat surface and measure the inner diameter in millimeters with a caliper or precise ruler. Then, refer to a diameter-based size chart to match your measurement to the appropriate US ring size.
It's important to ensure you measure the inside edges only and not the full width of the metal. Even a 0.2 mm difference can shift your size. This method is especially helpful when buying a surprise gift or when you want to size a ring discreetly.
3. Printable Ring Sizer Tools
Many jewelry websites offer free printable ring sizer PDFs that you can download and print. These usually include a paper strip that mimics a measuring tape, or circles that you can place an existing ring on to find the right match. Make sure your printer is set to “100% scale” or “actual size” to prevent sizing inaccuracies.
Once printed, follow the instructions carefully—cut out the strip, wrap it around your finger, and read the size from the scale provided. This is an easy and low-cost method, but be cautious: low-quality prints or distorted scaling can throw off the results. Always double-check with another method if possible.
4. Visiting a Professional Jeweler
The most reliable and foolproof method is to have your finger measured by a professional jeweler. They use calibrated sizing rings or mandrels to determine your exact size, and can also provide advice if your knuckle is large, your fingers swell, or you’re between sizes.
A jeweler will also account for different ring band widths. Wider bands tend to fit tighter, and professional input can help you select a more comfortable size based on the ring style. If you're planning to invest in an expensive piece, this is the safest approach.
5. Plastic Ring Sizer Kit
You can order a reusable plastic ring sizer online for just a few dollars. These kits come with a set of rings in different sizes that you can try on directly at home. They're accurate, easy to use, and helpful if you plan to buy multiple rings in the future.
To use it, simply slide the plastic ring onto your finger and find the most comfortable fit—it should slide on easily and come off with slight resistance. Avoid using it during extreme temperature changes (too hot or too cold), as your finger size can fluctuate.
US Ring Size Chart (mm & inches)
US Size | Diameter (mm / inch) |
Circumference (mm / inch) |
EU Size |
---|---|---|---|
3.5 | 14.1 / 0.555" | 44.2 / 1.74" | 44 |
4 | 14.8 / 0.583" | 46.8 / 1.84" | 47 |
4.5 | 15.3 / 0.602" | 48.0 / 1.89" | 48 |
5 | 15.7 / 0.618" | 49.3 / 1.94" | 49 |
5.5 | 16.1 / 0.634" | 50.6 / 1.99" | 50 |
6 | 16.5 / 0.650" | 51.9 / 2.04" | 51 |
6.5 | 16.9 / 0.666" | 53.1 / 2.09" | 52.5 |
7 | 17.3 / 0.681" | 54.4 / 2.14" | 54 |
7.5 | 17.7 / 0.697" | 55.7 / 2.19" | 55.5 |
8 | 18.1 / 0.713" | 57.0 / 2.24" | 57 |
8.5 | 18.5 / 0.728" | 58.3 / 2.30" | 58.5 |
9 | 18.9 / 0.744" | 59.5 / 2.34" | 59.5 |
9.5 | 19.3 / 0.760" | 60.8 / 2.39" | 61 |
10 | 19.7 / 0.776" | 62.1 / 2.44" | 62.5 |
10.5 | 20.1 / 0.791" | 63.4 / 2.50" | 64 |
11 | 20.5 / 0.807" | 64.6 / 2.54" | 65.5 |
11.5 | 20.9 / 0.823" | 65.9 / 2.59" | 67 |
12 | 21.3 / 0.839" | 67.2 / 2.65" | 68 |
12.5 | 21.7 / 0.855" | 68.5 / 2.70" | 69.5 |
13 | 22.1 / 0.870" | 69.7 / 2.75" | 71 |
13.5 | 22.5 / 0.886" | 71.0 / 2.80" | 72.5 |