Skip a Trip to the Jeweler—Here's Exactly How To Measure Your Ring Size at Home
In the mood to buy a ring? (Who isn't, right!?) Maybe you have your eye on a sparkling piece but are hesitant to buy it because you aren’t sure of your ring size. Fortunately, we'll fill you in on exactly how to measure ring size at home—using string, a chart and a ring sizer.
Online shopping makes ring shopping so easy now—no need for a special trip to the jeweler. The websites typically provide measurements, sizes, what karat it is and the type of metals for each piece—not to mention the picture qualities give you an up close and personal look at the little piece of shiny goodness.
But it is hard to remember each of your ring sizes, and your left and right correlating fingers don’t always match. (Not to mention, if you are like me and have lost and gained the same 25 pounds over the years, my ring sizes are constantly changing along with my waist size. UGH!)
It’s OK if you don’t know what size to purchase. We have all of the information below to help you find the perfect fit. And the best part is you don’t really need to purchase any super fancy equipment, or run to the nearest jeweler, to find out what yours is.
And if you aren’t buying for yourself—maybe for your soon-to-be fiancé?—we have you covered there too. All you need is a ring from your girlfriend or partner that fits the finger you need to size, and we will show you the rest!
It can be frustrating to make any kind of purchase (let alone a possible engagement ring) and find out that it doesn’t fit quite right. So, let us take one less worry off of your plate. Keep reading, and we can walk you through a few different ways to help you make that ring purchase with confidence.
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How is a ring measured?
There are two measurements to consider—the diameter and circumference. The diameter measures the length across the ring while the circumference is the size of the ring wrapped around your finger.
When determining the size of the ring that you wear, the measurement is in millimeters (mm). Size charts are available to make the conversion from (mm) to American standard sizes too.
Remember, a ring that is too large can be easily lost or completely uncomfortable if too tight. Being as accurate as possible with your measurements is one way of ensuring a worry-free purchase.
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How to measure your ring size with string
No fancy equipment is needed to find your ring size—just a few items that you are sure to have around the home.
All you need is some string, a ruler or a measuring tape and a fine-tipped marker to find your ring size. Also, if you don’t have any string, dental floss is a fine substitute.
Wendee Wendt
PerkHomy Cotton Butchers Twine String 500 Feet 2mm Twine for Cooking Food Safe Crafts Bakers Kitchen Butcher Meat Turkey Sausage Roasting Gift Wrapping Gardening Crocheting Knitting
Steps to finding your ring size with string:
Wrap the string around the base of the finger you would like to place a ring on.
Mark the string with your marker at the spot where the tip of the string reaches the rest of the loop.
Now lie the string along your measuring device. The distance (in millimeters) from the end to the mark you made is your ring size.
Wendee Wendt
To make this process go even smoother, get someone to help you hold and mark the string for you.
Wendee Wendt
There are also international ring size charts available.
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Measuring ring size with a chart
If you already have a ring or have access to a ring that fits the finger you are buying for, then you are in luck!
Here are two ways to use a ring size chart:
Just take the ring and lay it flat on any hard surface.
Use a ruler to tape measure to find the diameter (length across).
Then just check the size chart to find the corresponding size that you need.
Wendee Wendt
If your measurement falls between two sizes, always order the larger size.
OR
You can print out this size chart, making sure that the page scaling is set to 100 percent.
Take the ring you have and place it over the circles until you find one that is closest in size, by matching the inside edges.
If the ring falls between two sizes, go with the larger size.
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Use a ring sizer
The simplest way to size your finger properly is with a ring sizer.
Wendee Wendt
Keep in mind that the wider the ring, the tighter the fit.
Because the width of the ring can affect how it fits on your finger, it is better if you can have both the thinner and thicker sets of ring sizers.
Ring Sizer Measuring Tool, Aluminum Ring Mandrel, 27 Pcs Premium Metal Ring Measurement Tool, Mens Womens Finger Gauge, 4 Sizes Ring Stick, 4 Pcs Polishing Cloth, US Ring Sizing Kit, by UUBAAR
How to use a ring sizer:
Slide your finger into one of the rings on the ring sizer. (Make sure the numbers are facing you so you can see the size.)
Keep trying on different sizes until you have found one that is snug, but not too tight, on the base of your finger.
The number on the ring that fits is the size that you can order for your ring.
Pay attention to the sizes. Some ring sizers have half sizes too.
SE Plastic Ring Sizer (23 PC.) - 8903FG
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Ring sizing tips
1. Try different fingers and different sizes
If you are utilizing a ring sizer, take the time to try it on different fingers. You may change your mind about which finger you would like your new ring on. Also, once you find the sizer ring you think fits perfectly, try the one that is one size down and one size larger, just to make sure it really is the right fit for you.
2. Take a couple of days to decide
Your fingers change size throughout the day. Try wearing the ring sizer for a day or two to make sure it will fit comfortably for you. You could also fit your ring to more than one finger. Your middle and pointer fingers are similar in size. As your fingers change in size, you may be able to switch between the two.
3. Warm up your hands
If you don’t have a couple of days to wait, you could also just warm up your hands. A hot cup of coffee or a pair of gloves should do the trick. Your hands get larger when warm, so you may need to change the ring sizer to something more comfortable if the original size you picked is too tight.
4. Find a snug fit
Tight but not too tight. I mean if your finger starts tingling, definitely too tight. But you do not want your new precious to fall off either. Find a size that glides over your knuckles but is tight-fitting at the base.
5. Take the fit test
Your ring sizer shouldn't slip off unless you twist or apply soap/lotion.
How to tell if a ring is too loose or too tight
Ever notice that when you are cold, your fingers are smaller? Yeah, temperature has a big part in finger size. Make sure you don’t measure your ring size if you have been out in the cold (or heat for that matter) for too long.
Another thing to take into consideration is which finger you will be wearing your new ring on. Your dominant hand tends to be larger because it is used more often. If you are right-handed, your right fingers will usually be larger than your left hand's fingers.
The more strenuous the activity, like a great workout, can also make your fingers swell.
Try sizing your finger under as normal conditions as possible and look for a couple of signs as to whether or not your ring is too tight or too loose using a ring sizer.
Your ring may be too tight if:
1. It is uncomfortable.
2. Your finger is tingling.
3. You cannot remove the ring sizer.
Your ring may be too loose if:
1. It slides off if you relax your finger.
2. It spins freely on the base of your finger.
3. The ring slips off when fingers are cold or wet.
By following any of the above suggestions for measuring your ring size, you can buy that new sparkle with self-assurance that it will fit nicely on your finger of choice!
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