How to Measure Ring Size: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the correct ring size is one of the most important steps when purchasing a ring. While you'll find many at-home sizing methods online, not all of them provide the same level of accuracy. After testing several of the most common techniques ourselves, we've found that some methods are more reliable than others. Below, we'll walk you through the options we recommend as well as some common alternatives that we don't.
Measuring Ring Size: 3 At-Home Methods
1. Physical Ring Sizer
A physical ring sizer provides a quick, reusable, and relatively reliable way to measure at home. Whether it's an adjustable plastic sizing tool or set of metal sizing rings, these tools are widely available online. We include a plastic ring sizer in our optional prepaid kit for an easy and convenient way to confirm your ring size before or after ordering.
- Slide the ring sizer onto the finger where the ring will be worn.
- Adjust the sizer until it feels snug but comfortable.
- Make sure it can slide over your knuckle with slight resistance but does not feel painful or overly tight.
- Once the fit feels correct, note the size indicated on the sizer. On most ring sizers, half sizes are shown with a dash (for example, "7-" or "-7") rather than a decimal.
- Repeat the process once or twice to confirm your results.
Best Practice: If possible, compare your results using two different ring sizers—such as a plastic ring sizer and a metal ring gauge, or two ring sizers from different manufacturers. Small variations between tools can occasionally produce slightly different results. If two ring sizers consistently indicate the same size, you can have greater confidence in your measurement. If they differ, consider visiting a professional jeweler for a second opinion.
2. Measure Existing Ring
If you already own a ring that fits comfortably on the same finger, you may be able to estimate its size using a printable ring sizing chart.
- Download and print a printable ring sizing chart from a reputable jeweler or jewelry retailer.
- Print a ring sizing chart at 100% scale (do not use "Fit to Page" or other scaling options).
- Verify the chart's printed scale using the included reference ruler or calibration square.
- Place your ring over each printed circle until you find the closest match.
Note: The printed circle should fit completely inside the ring's inner edge without extending underneath the metal. If the circle is too large, it will be partially covered by the ring. - If your ring appears to fall between two sizes, compare it with another sizing method or visit a professional jeweler before ordering.
Our experience: During our own testing, printable sizing charts produced reliable results when printed correctly and used carefully. However, because slight differences in printing, viewing angle, and matching the correct circle can affect the result, we recommend confirming your size with a physical ring sizer or professional jeweler whenever possible.
3. Mobile Ring Sizer App
Ring sizing apps can provide a convenient estimate using your phone or tablet.
- Download a reputable ring sizing app with positive reviews.
- If measuring an existing ring, carefully align the inside of the band with the on-screen guide. The guide should fit completely inside the ring without extending beneath the metal.
- If measuring your finger directly, follow the app's instructions carefully and repeat the process several times.
- Record the suggested size and compare it with another sizing method whenever possible.
Our experience: During our own testing, most highly rated ring sizing apps produced measurements that were close to the correct size. However, results depended heavily on carefully aligning the ring or sizing guide, and even small differences in positioning resulted in an incorrect measurement. We recommend using mobile apps as a helpful estimate rather than relying on them as your only sizing method.
BEST METHOD: Visit a Professional Jeweler
While not an at-home method, professional sizing at a jewelry store is the most accurate way to determine your ring size. A jeweler will use standardized sizing tools to measure your finger and ensure a comfortable fit over the knuckle and at the base of the finger.
Resizing rings can be costly and, for cremation rings, pose a risk to the memorial setting. For this reason, we recommend using a jeweler’s measurement as your primary reference, and then cross-checking it with one or more at-home sizing methods. If there is any discrepancy between methods or uncertainty about the result, we strongly recommend obtaining a second measurement from another jeweler to confirm your size.
Why We Don't Recommend the String or Paper Method
Measuring your finger with string, floss, ribbon, or a strip of paper is another commonly suggested method, but we do not recommend relying on it for sizing.
These materials can stretch, twist, compress, or shift while being wrapped around your finger, making it difficult to achieve consistent results. Small differences in how tightly the material is pulled or where the ends are marked can also significantly affect the final measurement.
In our own testing, this method often produced measurements that were not only inconsistent between attempts, but also significantly different from the correct ring size. For that reason, we do not recommend relying on string, ribbon, floss, or paper when purchasing a custom ring.
Why We Don't Recommend Flexible Measuring Tapes
Flexible sewing tape measures are commonly suggested for measuring ring size, but we generally do not recommend them. Because they are much wider than the band of most rings, they measure a larger section of the finger rather than the narrow area where the ring will actually sit. In our own testing, this consistently resulted in measurements that were larger than the correct ring size.
While a flexible measuring tape may provide a rough estimate, we recommend confirming your size with a ring sizer or professional jeweler before ordering.
7 Tips to Accurately Measure Ring Size
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Measure at the end of the day. Fingers naturally swell and shrink throughout the day, and are typically largest in the evening. Measuring at this time helps ensure your ring fits comfortably at all times.
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Avoid measuring when your hands are cold, as fingers can temporarily shrink.
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Account for band width. Wider bands (6mm and up) fit more snugly than thin/standard bands and may require sizing up.
For our rings, we always recommend checking the product description for specific sizing notes before ordering.
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Ensure the ring fits over your knuckle comfortably. The ring should slide over the knuckle with slight resistance but still feel secure at the base of the finger.
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Measure more than once to confirm accuracy. Slight variations can occur when using different tools or measuring at different times. Taking multiple measurements helps ensure a consistent and reliable result.
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If you fall between sizes, consider the band width, the sizing method used, and your knuckle size. Wider bands and larger knuckles may require sizing up, while thinner bands and more snug-fitting tools may allow you to size down.
If you are unsure, feel free to reach out—quarter sizes may also be available depending on the design of your ring.
- When in doubt, seek professional sizing. A jeweler can provide the most precise measurement if you're unsure.
Standard Ring Sizes & Conversion Chart
Please note: Although ring sizes are standardized, small variations can occur between sizing systems, conversion charts, and individual ring sizers. We have done our best to provide accurate conversions, but we recommend confirming your size with a jeweler and using one or more at-home sizing methods to verify your results before placing your order.
| Circumference (mm) | Inside Diameter (mm) | Ring Size (United States, Canada, & Mexico) |
Ring Size |
Ring Size |
Ring Size (Germany) |
Ring Size (Italy, Spain, & Switzerland) |
Ring Size (Japan & South Korea) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44.2 | 14 | 3 | F | 44 | 14 | 4 | 4 |
| 45.5 | 14.4 | 3.5 | G | 45.5 | 14.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 46.8 | 14.8 | 4 | H 1/2 | 46.5 | 15 | 6.75 | 7 |
| 48 | 15.2 | 4.5 | I 1/2 | 48 | 15.25 | 8 | 8 |
| 49.3 | 15.6 | 5 | J 1/2 | 49.5 | 15.75 | 9.25 | 9 |
| 50.6 | 16 | 5.5 | K 1/2 | 50.5 | 16 | 10.5 | 10.75 |
| 51.9 | 16.5 | 6 | L 1/2 | 52 | 16.5 | 11.75 | 12 |
| 53.1 | 16.9 | 6.5 | M 1/2 | 53 | 17 | 13.25 | 13 |
| 54.4 | 17.3 | 7 | N 1/2 | 54.5 | 17.25 | 14.5 | 14 |
| 55.7 | 17.7 | 7.5 | O 1/2 | 55.5 | 17.75 | 15.75 | 15.5 |
| 57 | 18.2 | 8 | P 1/2 | 57 | 18 | 17 | 16.5 |
| 58.3 | 18.6 | 8.5 | Q 1/2 | 58.5 | 18.5 | 18.25 | 18 |
| 59.5 | 19 | 9 | R 1/4 | 59.5 | 19 | 19.5 | 19 |
| 60.8 | 19.4 | 9.5 | S 1/2 | 61 | 19.5 | 21 | 20.5 |
| 62.1 | 19.8 | 10 | T 1/2 | 62 | 19.75 | 22 | 22 |
| 63.4 | 20.2 | 10.5 | U 1/2 | 63.5 | 20.25 | 23.25 | 23 |
| 64.6 | 20.6 | 11 | V 1/2 | 64.5 | 20.75 | 24.75 | 24.5 |
| 65.9 | 21 | 11.5 | W 1/2 | 66 | 21 | 26 | 25.5 |
| 67.2 | 21.4 | 12 | X 1/2 | 67 | 21.5 | 27.25 | 27 |
| 68.5 | 21.8 | 12.5 | Z | 68.5 | 21.75 | 28.5 | 28 |
| 69.7 | 22.2 | 13 | Z+1/2 | 70 | 22.25 | 29.75 | 29.5 |
| 71 | 22.6 | 13.5 | Z+1.5 | 71 | 22.5 | 31 | 31 |
| 72.3 | 23 | 14 | Z+3 | 72.5 | 23 | 32.25 | 32 |
| 73.5 | 23.4 | 14.5 | Z+4 | 73.5 | 23.5 | 33.5 | 33 |
| 74.8 | 23.8 | 15 | Z+5 | 75 | 23.75 | 24.75 | 34.5 |
FAQs
How big is a size 7 ring?
A U.S. size 7 ring has an inner circumference of approximately 54.4 mm and an inside diameter of about 17.3 mm. It is one of the most common ring sizes for women in the United States.
Can you use a phone to measure ring size?
Yes, some mobile apps can provide a reasonably accurate estimate of your ring size or the size of an existing ring. However, their accuracy depends on the app being properly calibrated and the on-screen sizing guide being correctly aligned and interpreted. Even small differences in positioning can affect the result, so we recommend confirming your measurement with a physical ring sizer and/or a professional jeweler before ordering.
What is the average ring size for men?
The average men's ring size in the United States is around size 10, with most men falling between sizes 9 and 12. Individual finger size can vary based on build, hand shape, and the finger the ring will be worn on.
How much can you realistically resize a ring?
Many rings can be safely resized up or down 1–2 sizes, but rings with intricate details, precious stones, or memorial ash settings may have additional limitations. Because resizing can be costly and may pose a risk to the setting, we recommend confirming your ring size before ordering whenever possible.
As a general best practice for memorial jewelry, we also recommend keeping a small amount of additional ashes aside as a precaution, which can be helpful in the rare event that future size adjustments or maintenance are needed.
What should you do if your ring falls between two sizes?
If you fall between sizes, consider the width of the ring, your knuckle size, and the method you used to measure. Wider bands and larger knuckles may require sizing up, while thinner bands may fit comfortably in the smaller size. If you're unsure, contact us to see whether a quarter size is available for your chosen design.
What is a quarter size?
A quarter size is a small increment between a full size and a half size (e.g., size 7.25 falls between size 7 and 7.5). It offers a subtle adjustment that can help fine-tune fit when a half size doesn’t feel quite right. In some cases, rings may naturally fall within a quarter-size range due to normal manufacturing tolerances, which typically has a negligible impact on comfort. Quarter sizes are most helpful when you are very close between two half sizes.
Find Your Perfect Ring
Whether you're choosing a memorial ring for everyday wear, a wedding band, or a meaningful gift, an accurate size helps ensure the jewelry feels secure and comfortable from the moment it's put on. When the fit is right, a ring becomes something you can wear naturally every day—kept close to you in both presence and meaning.