Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or wedding bands, knowing your ring size is important. Especially if you’re shopping online.
The fit of your ring is just as important as the fit of your shoes if you want to be able to wear it comfortably. Ideally, your ring should be snug enough not to slip off of your finger, but loose enough to get past your knuckle with only a bit of effort.
To ensure a perfect fit, it’s important to measure your finger carefully and preferably at the right time of day. Why? Your finger size will go up and down depending on the temperature and the time of day. When your hands are cold, your fingers will be at their smallest. In the heat, your fingers will swell slightly, so aim for a time when your hands are comfortably warm. That typically happens at the end of the day.
So, how do you measure your ring size at home? Read on for the best ways to get an accurate measurement.
How Do You Measure Your Ring Size at Home?
There are a number of at-home methods to find your ring size, but we recommend using one of three methods. They are:
Using a string or piece of paper
- Wrap a piece of string or a strip of paper around the base of your finger.
- Use a pen to mark the point where the paper or string starts and where it meets on your finger.
- Measure the distance between the marks with a ruler, obtaining the length in millimeters.
- Divide that number in millimeters by 3.14 (also known as Pi) to get a diameter measurement.
- Using the diameter, choose the closest measurement on the ring size chart.
Using a ring you already own
If you have a ring that you already wear on the same finger, and it fits you well, you can use that ring to obtain your size. Start by:
- Finding an online size chart and printing it off at 100% scale.
- Place the ring over the circles, matching the inside edge of the ring to the circles on the chart.
- Choose the one that is closest in size.
- If in between sizes, always size up.
Buy a ring sizer
If you’re not comfortable with either of the methods above, you can always buy your own ring-measurement tool. Not only do they offer an accurate measurement, but they tend to be fairly cheap and there are many available for purchase online.
You can buy an actual key ring with metal circles for each ring size, or you can opt for a plastic zip tie-style measuring tape. Both are pretty accurate, so simply choose the one that offers your preferred method of measuring.
No matter which way you measure, be sure to take your knuckle size into account. If your knuckles are larger than the base of your finger, then you’ll need to measure both places and choose a size in between the two.
What to Do if You Don’t Know Your Partner’s Ring Size
If you’re planning on proposing to your partner and want to surprise them with a ring, you won’t be able to measure their finger without them catching on. Here are four suggestions to help you on your quest for the perfect engagement ring.
1. Raid their jewelry box
If your partner wears rings on a regular basis, you might be in luck. Pay attention to which rings they wear on their ring finger and use one of them to base the engagement ring size on.
You can take one of these rings to a jeweler. He or she will be able to use the ring provided to make an educated guess on your partner’s ring size.
2. Do a quick drawing or measurement
If you think your partner will miss the ring if you take it for a day, there are two other good alternatives: sketch it or measure it.
To get an accurate drawing, simply draw around the outside and inside of the ring on a piece of paper. Your jeweler should be able to figure out the diameter based on your drawing. Another option is to measure the diameter of the ring in millimeters when your partner isn’t around. Either method is a solid way to get your partner’s engagement ring size.
3. Shop together
A sneaky but effective way to figure out your partner’s ring size is to go jewelry shopping together. Say you’re planning on buying a birthstone ring for your sister or mom and that you could use her advice. While at the jewelry store, ask her to try some rings on so you can get an idea of how they’d look on. If you find a ring that fits perfectly, make note of it so you can come back later and use it as a guide for engagement ring size.
4. Choose a temporary proposal ring
A temporary (or placeholder) engagement ring is an inexpensive piece of jewelry that provides you with bling for a surprise proposal while still allowing your partner to choose their own engagement ring. It’s simply a substitute, a stand-in for the real thing that she can keep as a memento or wear on her other hand in the future.
There are many types of temporary rings to choose from. Need some inspiration? Here are three of our favorite placeholder rings that come in at $100 or less.
Ring Size FAQ
Still have some questions? Let’s look at some of the most common questions people ask about ring sizing.
What is the average ring size for women?
The average ring size for women ranges from size 3 to size 9, with the most commonly purchased sizes being between size 5 and size 7. Size 6 is the most popular.
What is the average ring size for men?
Men’s rings are typically available from size 6 to size 13, with the most commonly purchased men’s rings ranging between size 8 and 10-½. Size 9, however, is the most popular.
What happens when my ring is resized?
If you need to have your ring resized, you’re not alone. Most adults will need to have their rings adjusted at least once.
For a smaller fit, small amounts of metal are removed while metal is added for a larger fit. The resizing process could mean your ring will be slightly thicker or thinner, but the changes are often unnoticeable.
What if I order the wrong ring size?
Even if you do order the wrong size, most jewelers provide complimentary resizing for engagement rings and wedding bands as long as it’s done during the first year.
