How to Measure Ring Size?

basics-1

Ring Size Described

Ring sizes in the U.S. and Canada follow a series of numbers and half-numbers which typically range from 3 (smallest) to 13.5 (largest). The average size for a ladies’ left-hand ring finger ranges between 5 and 7 but ring size depends on a person’s individual physiology, the hand, and the specific finger in question.

Correlation to Millimeters

The ring size is based on a measurement of the inner circumference of the ring. There is that circumference in millimeters and the given size. For example, a size 3 ring has a circumference of 14.0 mm, a size 4 ring has a circumference of 14.8 mm, etc.

basics-2

Ring Size: Let’s Get Practical

The size of an existing ring can be determined using the printable PDF below. Be sure the ring you choose to measure is one the recipient wears comfortably, and on the intended finger.

Set print dialogue to USA Letter Size Paper (8.5″ x 11″) scaled to 100%.

printable

You can also use the cutout tool on the same page to measure and determine finger size directly.

Ask our vetted vendors to help you: Some of our vetted vendors will help you determine ring size. Blue Nile will mail you a ring sizer. JamesAllen.com has a virtual ring sizer and Whiteflash has a ring size tool you can use with your desktop computer monitor. These stellar sellers will do everything they can to ensure you get the perfect fit.

Human Physiology

If you’re establishing your own ring size with the cutout tool, take your physiology into account.

1. If you know your knuckles are on the larger side it’s prudent to go a half-size larger than the circumference of your finger, or else you may have difficulty sliding the ring on and off.
2. Your fingers fluctuate in size, depending on environmental considerations like temperature. They can be smaller in cold weather and swollen when you’re overheated. Knowing this, it’s a good idea to measure your finger when it’s warm. You can do this several different times to establish your baseline.
3. Don’t assume your fingers are the same size on both hands. The fingers on your dominant hand are frequently larger, so measure the specific finger the ring will adorn.
4. If your measurements fall between sizes, it’s a better to err on the higher side: Removing metal to make a ring smaller is far easier than trying to add metal to make it larger.

basics-3

Ring Size: Real World Information

Be sure not to confuse ring width with ring size. The width of the shank, or band, is entirely separate from the length of its circumference. This has an impact on how the ring feels and looks when you wear it.

How it Feels

A wide shank/band will contact more of your finger, so it will feel snugger (smaller) than a thin shank/band of the same size. Traditional ring sizers have widths of around 2 mm, which is very thin, so be aware that using a common sizer “feels” different than wearing a ring of that size at a different width.

How it Looks

Photos are useful for comparing band widths, but you may want to envision how wide a band will be in context with your own finger. One way to envision how wider bands look is by stacking pennies.

• 5.0 mm wide = approximately 4 pennies
• 7.0 mm wide = approximately 5 pennies
• 9.0 mm wide = approximately 6 pennies

policies

Choose Wisely

As with many decisions, your choice of vendor may figure into resizing decisions and future upkeep. For that matter it’s important to choose a seller with sizing, cleaning and maintenance policies which set the recipient’s mind at ease over a lifetime of wear.