If you're reading this, you're thinking about getting a ring (and may have found one already), but don't know your size. This ring size guide is here to help you whether this is your first ring, whether your fingers have grown or slimmed since your last sizing, or if you have a ring that fits well, but aren't sure what size it is.
This article is designed for you if you don't have a printer, but do have a string and tape measure.
If you do have a printer, I recommend checking out this guide for access to my printable ring sizer. You'll also need a pair of scissors.
How do you measure your ring size?
There are a few ways to do this. We'll start simple, using common household items and progress from there. Here's what you need:
- Tape measure.
- String or paper strip.
How to measure your ring size with a string:
Grab a string, shoelace, thread, or piece of paper. Also, grab a ruler.
Take that string and wrap it around the desired finger. Make sure it's below the knuckle and sits firm against the skin. Carefully mark on the string the exact place one end begins to meet the other end. Imagine you're a tailor getting precise measurements.
Now take that thread, and measure the distance between the end and where we made our mark. I generally prefer measurements in millimeters because it’s more accurate. Inches also works, so don't worry if you're in the U.S. This measurement you just took is known as an internal circumference measurement.
Next, we take our measurement and consult the chart below. Right now, we're concerned with the section that says internal circumference.
Men's Ring Size Chart vs. Women's Ring size Chart, is 2.5 inches the same ring size?
Let's say you performed your cirumference measurement and got 2.5 inches as your measurement. What ring size is that?
Luckily for us, there is no difference between men's and women's sizes when it comes to rings.
2.5 inches is a size 10.5 in U.S. sizing. The sizing system is unisex. Take a look at this sizing chart I put together for your convenience and see if you can rework my conversion. Hint: 2.5 inches is the internal circumference.
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You can also save this as a google spreadsheet for fast access. I prefer the spreadsheet as I can highlight a column, and then have an easy sightline to every number I need. Feel free to share with anyone it may benefit.
As you can see, this size chart contains ring sizes in mm, cm, and in. As well as conversions depending on whether you have an internal circumference or internal diameter measurement. Additionally, it contains the U.S. and U.K. size equivalents.
Depending on where you're buying your ring from, make sure to use the correct size. For any issues regarding that, check out this post on calculating your ring size.
How to Use a Ring Sizer.
These plastic ring sizers are incredibly easy to use. You can get different variations of these on the internet, whether it's U.K. sizing or U.S. sizing isn't that big of a deal, as the conversion is easy with the chart we just looked at. But you may want to make your life easy and get one in your country's sizing.
How to Use a Plastic Ring Sizer:
- Step one: Wrap it around the finger you want to size. Make sure the numbers are visible.
- Step two: Insert the flat end into the other end (the one with the box-like end).
- Step three: Tighten the plastic ring sizer until it's snug to your finger. It's like a zip-tie, except it doesn't permanently lock. Make sure you can still remove the ring sizer from you finger.
- Step four: Remove the ring sizer tool and see your measurement. Some of these tools have half sizes. The notch closest to the the number is usually the full size (i.e. a 9) where as the one between numbers is the half size (i.e. a 9.5).
Jeweler's Ring Sizer - The Preferred Ring Sizing Tool
This tool is a bunch of rings, all at progressively larger sizes, attached to a big key ring. If you stop into a jewelry store, they'll hand you this tool to size yourself.
This one is simple. Try on rings until you find one that fits you well. Remember, you want the ring to be snug, without cutting off circulation. And you want to be able to remove the ring without some kind of lubricant.
Important to note. Many of these rings are a very thin diameter.
- If you're looking for any ring widths in the 5-7 mm range, I recommend adding a quarter of a size (order a 9.25 if you're a size 9)
- If looking 8-12 mm wide bands, add a half size (9.5 instead of a 9).
What Size is my Ring?
This time we're going to be measuring the internal diameter of a ring you already have.
Imagine a circle on a piece of paper. Next, imagine drawing a larger circle around it. It might remind you of a wall around a castle. We're interested in measuring the distance from the inner part of that wall to the other side of that wall directly opposite it.
In the image below, we're looking for the internal diameter measurement. This is a little less than 7/8 of an inch for this ring. (Pop-quiz: What is 7/8 of an inch in mm and U.S. Sizing? Let me know in the comments).
It's really important that we measure the interior wall as that's what determines how tight or loose our ring is on our finger.
This can also be done with a caliper if you happen to have one of those laying around.
How to Use a Ring Mandrel
A ring mandrel is a conical shaped tool with many markings running down its length. These can be bought at any craft store, and they are fairly cheap. They sometimes come with a jewelers ring sizer in a set.
The mandrel is easy to use. You slide the ring down the cone and see where it stops. Keep in mind in there are two types of rings when it comes to the fit.
- Comfort Fit: These bands are slightly U-shaped on the interior. You can see this with the naked eye. They are designed to be more comfortable around our fingers and not dig into our skin and webbing. When put on a ring sizer, you measure these based on where the center of the band falls.
- Standard Fit: These bands are flat on the interior. I make a lot of rings in this style. Standard fit bands are measured to where the bottom of the ring falls on the mandrel.
Feel free to contact me with any questions when it comes to sizing. It can be a little confusing and tricky. Especially if this is your first time.
Hopefully this guide was able to help you at some stage of your journey. Whether you were looking for a ring size in mm, trying to convert a ring size diameter to another measurement, or looking to measure your ring size in inches, we covered pretty much all of it.
Once again here's the link to my ring size chart. Please make use of it and feel free to share.