How Do You Measure A Ring Size

Like searching for a stellar swimsuit or the perfect pair of jeans, shopping for a ring comes with its ain guessing game of sizing. But possibly fifty-fifty more so than apparel, as you may not know your ring size off hand—no pun intended. Subsequently all, unless yous're anticipating a proposal, how often does band size really come?

Luckily, in that location are ways to figure out your ring size at home with piddling more try than lifting a finger. Follow these simple tips and tricks to observe your fit before you lot purchase that bling or pick an appointment ring for your special someone.

How to measure band size with string

A split of a hand, ruler and scissors and a photo of a hand with a thin strap of paper wrapped around the ring finger — Credit: Reviewed/Hannah Southwick

While most jewelers can size y'all for a band, it's too piece of cake to figure out at home using just a vi-inch slice of string (or ribbon, paper, etc.), a ruler, and a pen. First, wrap the string around your finger snuggly and mark where the ends come across, says Catherine Horrilleno, the customer experience managing director at Quick Jewelry Repairs. Then, measure the difference between the mark and the end of the cord in millimeters using your ruler. From there, consult a ring size chart to see what size your measurements match up with. Even if you lot're planning to wear rings higher up your knuckle, the process is the same; only measure the part of your finger you're planning to place the band on.

Sizes are standard, pregnant this ring sizing communication should—ahem—ring true for everyone. Both men's and women's band sizing is based on the same millimeter measurements, says Kathryn Coin, the SVP of merchandising and retail at jewelry brand Vivid Earth. The average adult female's ring finger size is a six, while the average for men is between an 8 and a 10.

Other things to proceed in heed when taking ring sizing into your own hands? As you might take noticed while struggling to slide on a ring post-shower, temperature can affect finger size. "Most people find they have puffier fingers in the morning, but that their fingers shrink to their normal size during the day," Money explained. "We recommend sizing yourself in the afternoon or evening, and not soon later doing anything that could cause swelling, similar exercising, experiencing temperature changes, or eating salty foods." Additionally, information technology'southward best to measure the ring finger of the right hand, as the fingers of your dominant hand might be slightly bigger.

How to measure your band size using a band you already accept

If you lot already have a band that fits properly but can't remember its size, print out a ring sizing chart—making sure it'due south at 100% folio calibration—and place your band over the different outlines to come across which it matches all-time. If you cull this method, match the within border of the ring to the circle on the page, recommends Brooklyn-based jewelry brand Catbird's sizing guide.

How to measure your ring size using a band sizer

While ring sizers follow the same principle as the string method, they eliminate the demand to mark and measure out. Wrap the band sizer around your finger and check which number lines up with the slit in the sizer. "Using an actual sizing tool will exist 1 of the almost accurate methods for determining ring size at home," says Money.

Many jewelry brands accept the option to request or print a band sizer before buying. Yous can also purchase a full general band sizer online, including this one on Amazon for $3.99, which has over 9,000 reviews.

Does the type of ring touch what size you take?

A green ruler propped up next to a stack of gold rings — Credit: Reviewed/Hannah Southwick

In add-on to the size of your finger, it's besides important to consider the size and shape of the ring you lot're planning to purchase. Wider, thicker bands volition create more "resistance" when sliding your ring on and off, says Money. "This means that you will typically need to choose a slightly larger ring size for chunky, substantial bands than […] for thinner bands," she explained, noting that men's rings tend to exist wider. You lot might also consider sizing up if you're planning on stacking several smaller rings at once, which would increase "the full surface area of metal encircling your finger." To avoid the rings getting too tight, Coin recommends selecting a half size up when stacking three rings or more.

Rings featuring large, heavy stones as well warrant special consideration. Horrilleno recommends selecting a size that'south "a flake tighter" than usual, every bit they have "a trend to swing on the finger."

How to secretly mensurate band size

Before popping the question—and a ring on their finger—you'll need to know your special someone's ring size. But if you're ownership a band for a surprise proposal, using a ring sizer or the string method might exist out of the question. Try asking people close to the ring recipient if they know their size, or, as Coin recommends, accept them ring shopping "for fun" so they can get professionally sized.

If you'd rather not risk ruining the surprise, you could endeavour borrowing one of the rings they wear often and trace the inner and outer edges—all without leaving a figurative trace. Money suggests tracing several times so that the paradigm looks "consistent," allowing a jeweler to "figure out the inner bore from your sketch." Only make sure you pick a band to measure that'due south "well-nigh the aforementioned width" equally the one you're buying.

However, if you don't succeed in secretly figuring out a specific size, Horrilleno says your all-time bet is to opt for a larger size "that way they tin wear the ring in one case yous've popped the question."

How exercise y'all know if a band fits properly?

Once y'all're able to attempt your ring on, Horrilleno recommends shaking your hand to see if the one y'all picked "has a lot of movement or wobbles on your finger"—telltale signs information technology'southward too loose. On the other manus, Money says yous should be able to "comfortably rotate your ring clockwise and counterclockwise" on your finger, or else it may be too tight. "Rings that fit the all-time should exist snug merely should also be easy to wiggle on and off—including over your duke," she brash.

What to do if you get your band size incorrect

Whether purchasing a ring for yourself or someone else, no demand to despair if yous don't go it right the showtime time around. Resizing is an option, although Horrilleno cautioned that she typically doesn't advise irresolute a ring more than iv sizes, as extensive adjustments can ruin the integrity of the piece. She also noted that, while traditional wedding bands are some of the "easiest" fashion rings to resize, it's the base of operations metal, manner, and pattern of a ring that determine if—and how much—you tin resize a sure ring. "Rings fabricated of copper, titanium, tungsten, aluminum, and ceramic cannot be sized traditionally," Horrilleno says. "Sizing requires soldering and these materials burn under heat." In add-on to ring resizing, Money says y'all can also tighten a band using metal sizing chaplet or band inserts.

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Prices were accurate at the fourth dimension this article was published just may change over fourth dimension.