How To Measure Ring Size: Two Methods To Try & One To Avoid

Wouldn’t it be much easier to get the right ring size to start with? 

Today we will show you how to avoid being that five percent person who gets the wrong size. We will explore:

• the pros and cons of different ways to measure your ring size
• the common mistakes people make when measuring ring sizes
• tips for choosing your ring size on ring sizing charts 
• how to measure a ring size of a friend (hint: it’s not easy) 

Measure your ring size: Trace inside the inner perimeter

This is a tried-and-true way to find the right ring size.  

Step one

Get a ring that fits you. 

Step two 

Get a pencil or pen (with a fine-tip if possible).

Step three 
Trace around the inner edge of the ring’s perimeter.

Step four
Using a ruler, measure the diameter of the circle you’ve drawn.

You can then find your ring size using the measurement. 

Most of the time, this technique is effective. However, we’ve had people send us drawings of measurements that just don’t correlate to the actual ring size. So, what has gone wrong? 

The key mistakes to avoid with this technique are: 

• it can be tricky to hold the ring still while you measure—the ring can slip or your fingers can get in the way
• if the ring has a gemstone or uneven texture, it may not be able to sit flat on the paper
• the width of the pen may steal a millimeter or two (which makes a difference) 
• keep the pen as close to the perimeter as possible and take it slowly to avoid this 
• you’ve measured a ring that fits the wrong finger 

We strongly recommend taking a few measurements from different circle drawings to get the most accurate result. Millimeters make a big difference in ring size, so it helps to be accurate. 

Another great way to measure ring size: ring sizer tool 

This is nifty, if we do say so ourselves! The ring sizer tool will take the guesswork out of finding your ring size, and it reduces the risk of pesky problems arising from the pen-and-trace technique mentioned above. 

Instead of tracing an existing ring, it uses a cable tie to measure the width of your finger. 

Step one 

Make the sizer into a loop using the buckle.

Step two

Place it over your finger and gently pull until it fits snugly—keep it firm. 

Step three

Read the corresponding size indicated by the arrow. 

We find the ring sizer to be more accurate than the pen and tracing ring size technique. Plus once you have one of these in your jewellery drawer you can use it any time you want to buy new rings—which is often, right?  

Sadly there are a few common mistakes you can make with this sizer tool. So keep these in mind when measuring: 

• Measure for the finger you want to wear the ring on (and the hand - your dominant hand often has larger fingers).
• Go for a fairly tight fit.
• Check the arrow for the size, not the number on the extended part of the sizer.
• Don’t make the band so firm that it can’t get over your knuckle.

How about the ring sizer that jewellers use?

If you’ve ever had a ring resized, you may have seen the conical-shape tool that measures ring sizes. Many jewellers use this, but we find the measuring of the finger preferable to measuring the ring, so we don’t recommend bother purchasing one. 

Standard ring size charts

We use the international numeric ring sizes standard. Most people fit between a size 6 and size 10, but we offer sizing from 5 up to size 13. (This is great for those who like wearing thumb rings or if you have extra tiny or large fingers)

Numbers or letters? 
Most retailers use international number size system which originated in the USA. However, some may follow the UK-based letter system. Our ring chart shows the measurements according to both types.