Ring size guide

Test one of these three simple approaches to ensure a perfect fit for your ring, every time.

Measuring your ring size can be as simple as using a ring size guide or even a piece of string. Many jewelers are willing to assist you free of charge in determining your ring size, but it's just as easy to do it yourself at home. Before you shop at renowned jewelers or suggest to a partner some gorgeous engagement rings that have caught your eye, familiarize yourself with the method of measuring your ring size at home by following these simple tips, to achieve an optimal fit.

How to determine your ring size using a string

Take a length of thread or string and wrap it around the base of your finger.
Mark the place where the thread or string first overlaps with a pen.
Stretch the length of string along a ruler or tape measure and record the length in millimeters.
Use the ring size chart below to compare your measurement with standard ring sizes.

Both string and floss have the ability to stretch, therefore avoid pulling them excessively tight. Doing so could result in a measured ring finger size that appears larger than your actual finger size, potentially leading to the purchase of rings that are overly large.

Measure ring size using a ring size chart

Find a ring that fits you.
Print out a ring size chart and place your ring on the circles until you find the one that matches your ring's inner circumference.

The right fit

As per Catbird, a well-known fine jewelry retailer located in Brooklyn, New York City, they advise that a ring ought to provide a comfortable fit on your finger. It should be snug to prevent accidental slipping, while also having enough looseness to easily glide over the knuckle with a bit of resistance.

Ring Size Guide

U.S. ring sizes follow a scale of numbers (and half numbers), typically from ring size 3 to 13.5 for adults. Those units match your finger's width in millimeters: A ring size 3 fits a ring finger (or any finger) that is 14 millimeters across, and the sizes climb from there. Standard ring sizes go up by 0.4 millimeters every half-size. For instance, a size 3 ring is 14 mm, a size 3.5 ring is 14.4 mm, and a size 4 is 14.8mm.

Women's rings are commonly between sizes 3 (14 mm) and 9 (19 mm), while men's rings are usually sized between 8 (18.2 mm) and 14 (23 mm). The average ring size for women is between 5 and 7 and between 10 and 11 for men, but it's always best to get an exact ring measurement before spending a lot of money—an engagement ring isn't cheap.

Ring Sizing Tips

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you measure your ring size:

Consider your knuckle: If you know your knuckle is on the larger side, order half a size bigger than what your finger alone indicates, otherwise you won't be able slide a ring into the right place.
Ensure accuracy with multiple tries: Catbird's site recommends measuring your finger three to four different times because the size fluctuates depending on temperature: It can be smaller the colder you are and more swollen if you're overheated.
Measure the finger you want to wear the ring on: Your ring finger may be smaller or larger on one hand than the other, so make sure you measure the finger you intend to wear the ring on most often for a comfortable fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you discreetly find someone's ring size?
There are a few different ways you can find someone's ring size if you're trying to surprise them:

Take a look at their other jewelry: If you can find another ring in their jewelry collection that fits them, you can measure that with a piece of string or take it to a jewelry store to get help comparing sizes.
Ask their friends and family: Other people who know this person well might already know their ring size, so it doesn't hurt to ask. Or if a friend or family member has similarly sized hands as the person you're shopping for, you might have them try on rings and purchase one of a similar size.
Go for a larger size: If you're not sure the person's exact size, you can purchase a larger-than-average one and get it resized later. It's not easy to size up a small ring, so larger is always better if you go this route. The average ring size for a woman is size 5 to 7 and size 10 to 11 for men. Consult with your jeweler if the ring you intend to buy is a candidate for resizing though, as some complex rings with many stones may not be.