How to Measure Ring Size

Choosing the perfect ring can be a daunting task, and there are a number of factors to take into account: you need to determine the stone you want (do you want a classic diamond or a stand-out emerald ring?), the metal you’d prefer, and whether you want something simple or more elaborate and ornate.

Still, the size of the ring is perhaps the most important consideration and is likely to be one of your starting points when choosing the perfect piece. To help, we have put together a guide to measuring ring size, including why this matters and the options available to help you get the most accurate measurement!

How Is Ring Size Determined?

Different countries and areas have various systems for measuring rings, so you may have to make a conversion if you are ordering a ring from another country. For example, the UK sizes rings by letters, from A to Z, and this is based on the inner circumference of the ring. 

Australia follows a similar system, with each letter corresponding to a particular diameter, measured in metres. Like the UK, this uses a scale of letters that most commonly range from F to Z. For women, there are three categories: small (ranging from I to M), medium (typically ranging from N to Q) and large (usually ranging from R to U), while men’s rings are normally larger.

Each Australian ring size letter corresponds to a particular diameter in millimetres, which matches the finger width.

How Can I Measure My Ring Size?

There are three main methods that you can use to determine your ring size, and these include:

The String Method

One of the easiest ways to measure a ring size is to use a piece of string or thread that you wrap around the finger and then measure with a ruler. When doing this, it’s important to make sure the string is not too tight; you should be able to slide it over the knuckle with relative ease.

The Tape Measure Method

Another way of measuring the finger is to use a tape measure. This method works in a similar way to the string method, except you measure around the widest part of the finger, making sure that you take into account any knuckles or bumps along the way.

Once you have your measurement in centimetres, you can use a ring size chart to determine the equivalent measurement.

The Plastic Sizer

Another option is to use a plastic sizer, and if you visit a jeweller or department store, they will be able to provide you with one. Plastic sizers are simple to use–simply slip the ring over the plastic and find which size fits best. Once you’ve identified the right size, you can use a ring size chart to determine the equivalent.

How Do I Know If My Ring Is the Right Fit?

Once you have your ring size, the next step is to make sure it fits correctly, and there are a few things you should check to make sure that you have the perfect fit:

The most important thing is to make sure the ring fits comfortably on the finger and that it isn’t too tight. When you slide the ring onto your finger, you should be able to move it around with relative ease, but it shouldn’t be so loose that it slides off your finger easily.

What If I Am Buying a Ring as a Surprise?

There may be occasions when you need to buy a ring as a surprise, and if this is the case, it can be tricky to get the right size. This is the time to employ the help of friends and family to see if they already know your significant other’s size, or if they can uncover this information through covert questioning.

Another option is to buy a ‘resizable’ ring, which can be adjusted after it has been purchased. Alternatively, if your partner is a regular ring wearer, you can always try and borrow one of their rings and use the methods outlined above to get the right size!

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect ring size is the key to ensuring that you purchase a ring you love–and one that you are comfortable and proud to have on your finger. With our tips, you can make sure that you find the perfect fit!

Ready for a list of top engagement ring shapes? Don’t miss our recent post!