How to Get Ring Size: 5 Easy Ways to Find Your Perfect Fit

How Do You Get Your Ring Size?

The simplest method of finding out your ring size from the comfort of your home involves wrapping paper or a piece of non-elastic string around the circumference of your finger and checking this measurement against the ring size chart. The other methods available include measuring the inner diameter of the ring you have already, using a ring sizer, or measuring your finger by a jeweler.

However, for such an important buy like an engagement ring, it is advisable to have your finger measured professionally.

Method 1: Measure Your Finger with String or Paper

If you don’t have a ring sizer, one of the simplest ways to measure your finger is by using a thin strip of paper.

What you need

• A strip of paper or non-elastic string
• A measuring device that measures in millimeters (ruler)
• Pencil or pen
• Ring sizing chart

Do not use anything that can be stretched by pulling it.

How to measure ring size with string

1. Wrap your paper or string around the base of your finger.
2. Ensure that it is tight enough but not too tight as to squeeze your skin.
3. Make a mark at the point where the two ends of the paper meet. Ensure to mark it using a pen.
4. Place the string/paper down straight and measure from one end to the other up to the mark made.
5. Write down the value obtained. This is your finger’s circumference.
6. Use your value to compare it with the values in the chart for different ring sizes. Select the closest measurement to your value.
7. Repeat the process of measuring.

The key is to measure the circumference accurately. Do not pull the paper extremely tight simply to obtain a smaller measurement.

When should you measure?

Measure your finger when it is in its normal condition. Finger size is subject to fluctuation based on the weather, activity level, and swelling.

If you happen to have an unusually large or small finger size, it is better for you to remeasure instead of immediately buying a ring.

Method 2: Measure a Ring You Already Own

Measurement of a pre-existing ring that is worn around your finger may be easier than measuring the finger directly.

For this method of measurement to yield accurate results, the ring being measured must be similar in shape and size to the new one and must be worn around the same finger.

How to size a ring using an existing ring

1. Choose a ring that suits you well.
2. Place it flat on the table.
3. Use the inside diameter of the ring.
4. It should be measured directly across the inside opening of the ring, from one side of the inside to the other.
5. Measure the size in millimeters.

For example, an inside diameter of approximately 17.3 mm corresponds to about a US size 7 and an inside circumference of approximately 54.4 mm.

Can you calculate ring size from diameter?

Yes. If you know the inside diameter, you can calculate the approximate inside circumference using:

Circumference = Diameter × π

For example:

17.3 mm × 3.14159 ≈ 54.35 mm

This will yield an internal circumference of 54.4mm roughly.

Then, you can compare the circumference to the ring size chart.

The calculation is extremely helpful; nevertheless, the ring size obtained should be validated through the size chart of the jeweler since the international standard of sizing is different.

Method 3: Use a Printable Ring Sizer

A print ring sizer is useful if you do not wish to have a hard copy, but do not want to buy any kind of metal sizing tool.

The only major disadvantage of such a sizer is printer scaling.

How to use a printable ring sizer

1. Find a printable ring size chart from an authentic jewelry or sizing website.
2. Make sure you check the print instructions first.
3. Print at 100 percent or Actual Size.
4. Do not use Fit to Page or Scale to Fit and any other automatic resizing options.
5. In case there is a calibration line or reference line, then make sure you measure it using a ruler.
6. Cut out the sizer if the design requires it.
7. Wrap it around the base of your finger.
8. Check the indicated size.
9. Repeat the process to confirm the result.

The template, which has been quietly enlarged or shrunk by the printer, will not result in the correct ring size regardless of how well you follow the instructions.

This is why it is always best to test the calibration measure of your printable sizer first.

If you are choosing a distinctive ring, you can also explore our collection of Rough Cut Diamond Rings in different sizes and designs.

Method 4: Use a Physical Ring Sizer Tool

One of the most practical solutions would be a physical ring sizer.

Ring sizers come in two forms: either a collection of different size rings made out of metal or plastic, or belt-like gauges that are adjustable.

How to use a ring sizer

1. Choose the finger where you will wear the ring.
2. Try the sizing rings one at a time.
3. Choose the size which will glide onto your knuckle with ease.
4. Ensure that the size is not too tight on your finger base.
5. Perform normal hand movements to assess the fit.
6. Perform the same steps on other sizes when you have a measurement in between two sizes.
7. Note down the size according to the measurement scale of the jewelry vendor.

A physical sizer is particularly useful if you plan to buy several rings or want to check your size more than once.

Method 5: Get Professionally Sized at a Jeweler

Where the ring is costly, special made, hard to resize, or is valuable to you, professional resizing is the best way to go.

When choosing a larger center stone, such as a lab diamond ring, make sure the ring size provides a secure fit without feeling too tight.

The jeweler will be able to size your finger using special sizing devices and will be able to take into consideration other considerations that string measuring does not cover.

Professional resizing will be useful where:

• Engagement rings
• Wedding bands
• Wide bands
• Custom rings
• Valuable gemstones
• Rings with unusual settings
• Rings that cannot easily be resized

For an engagement ring purchase, accurate sizing is especially important, particularly when choosing a distinctive style such as black diamond engagement rings.

A professional can also check how a particular ring design sits on your finger rather than simply assigning a number to your finger measurement.

Ring Size Conversion Chart: US, UK, EU, Diameter & Circumference

Ring-sizing systems differ from country to country. The USA sizes use numerical values; the UK uses letter values; Europe has its ring size according to the inside circumference in millimeters.

Always refer to the physical value when changing the ring sizing system.

Small differences can appear between charts because of rounding and regional sizing conventions. For an expensive purchase, use the retailer's own size chart or confirm the size with the seller before ordering.

Common Mistakes That Throw Off Your Ring Measurement

Even the most basic measurement can be incorrect. Here are some things to avoid doing when measuring your ring size.

Measuring when your fingers are unusually cold

Low temperatures cause fingers to shrink in size. Measuring while your hands are cold may give you an incorrect measurement.

Using stretchy string

Flexible thread or string gives a smaller measurement due to its ability to change length. Use paper or non-stretchable string for measurement.

Use non-stretchy paper or string instead.

Measuring only once

Sometimes one measurement may not suffice. Instead, you can measure two or three times and see if there is consistency.

Ignoring your knuckle

In the case where your knuckle is much wider than your finger base, the ring has to accommodate going over the knuckle and still have space for the finger base.

Forgetting ring width

Even two pieces of jewelry with the same width may feel differently from one another based on the fact that one band may be narrower and another one wider.

From a general perspective, wider rings, especially those that are at least 6 mm wide, tend to feel tighter, and thus need about half a size bigger.

Ring width can also matter when choosing styles with multiple small stones, such as a black diamond pave ring, where the setting and band design can affect how the ring feels on your finger.

Measuring the outside of an existing ring

When you use an already made ring, you should measure its inner diameter. The measurement from the outer circumference will give you a bigger figure that could be incorrect.

How to Find Someone's Ring Size Without Them Knowing

Getting to know one’s ring size without the knowledge of their partner can be hard; however, here are some ways which may prove effective when one intends to gift or propose by means of a ring.

Borrow a ring they already wear

If the person is wearing any other ring on the finger that the intended ring will be worn, then use the ring temporarily and take its inside diameter measurement.

Note, however, that different fingers may have different sizes for the rings.

Ask a close friend or family member

Sometimes, it is possible that the partner’s ring size is known to any of their friends, siblings, parents or even families.

Trace the inside of an existing ring

Take one of their rings and trace out the circumference on a piece of paper. This may help a jeweler get started with the process.

This method is not always as accurate as actually measuring the ring itself, and should only be used as an approximation.

Take a ring to a jeweler

In case you are able to borrow a ring from their finger at least for some time, you can bring it to a jeweler who will be able to measure its size and provide you with a valuable clue about the required size.

Check previous jewelry purchases

It is quite likely that if your beloved had already bought a ring online, then her size was recorded somewhere: in the history of purchases, receipt, account information or documents related to jewelry.

Don’t think that the size which fits one finger will fit another one.

What If You're Between Two Ring Sizes?

If your ring size lies between two standard sizes, then it comes down to personal preference and the design of the ring itself.

While generally speaking, it's better to choose a slightly larger size rather than one that's too small, especially if you have wide rings or fingers that tend to swell throughout the day.

However, this doesn't mean that you should always size up.

Consider:

• Narrow bands: The closer size may feel comfortable.
• Wide bands: A slightly larger size may be more comfortable.
• Stacking rings: The combined width can affect how tightly the rings feel.
• Large stone settings: A secure but comfortable fit is important so the ring does not rotate excessively.
• Large knuckles: The ring must pass comfortably over the knuckle.

If you plan to wear multiple bands together, you may also want to explore black diamond stackable rings designed for layered styling.

If the ring is expensive or custom-made, ask the jeweler which size they recommend for that specific design.

Does Ring Size Ever Change?

Yes. Your ring size can change temporarily or permanently.

There could be a number of reasons for the changes in the size of one’s fingers like temperature, physical activities, water retention in the body and even the swelling that usually takes place in the day.

This is why the taking of a reading just once might not always guarantee its accuracy all the time.

One should try to ascertain whether the change is temporary before going ahead with resizing of the ring.

What Is the Average Ring Size for Women and Men?

The average sizes of rings may come in handy as a basis when getting a surprise ring for someone, but one should not take it as a replacement for measurement.

Some people believe that the average size of rings for women is about US 6–7, while US 9–10 may apply for men. However, individual sizes may differ widely, and therefore averages may mislead in the process.

If you are buying a surprise ring, measurement will prove more beneficial than selection according to gender.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find my ring size at home?

This involves wrapping a piece of paper that does not stretch around your finger and marking the point it overlaps, after which you take a measurement of the length in millimeters and compare the value against a ring size chart. This should be done multiple times and only after that should one go ahead to buy an expensive ring.

How do I check my ring size without a ring sizer?

Measuring a finger can be done through paper or non-stretching string and a ruler or by taking the inside diameter of a ring that you know fits you. The value of the ring can be converted to a ring size using a ring size chart for the US, UK or European size.

How do I measure ring size with a ruler?

In case you have a ring that fits you, measure the inside diameter of the ring right across the middle part in millimeters. In case you are trying to measure the finger, do it using the paper or non-stretching string, and then take the circumference using a ruler.

How do I know if a ring fits correctly?

For a perfectly-fitting ring, it needs to slide easily over the knuckle without squeezing, irritating or rotating too much, and it should also be easily removable.

Can a ring be resized if I get the wrong size?

Although there are numerous rings which can be resized, not all rings are easily resizable. This depends on the material, kind of ring, gems, among other factors. One should take into consideration the resizing policy of a retailer when purchasing a costly ring.

Summary

The most straightforward solution to the question of how to measure for a ring size is simply to wrap around the circumference of the finger using non-stretchy paper or string, then refer to a trusted ring size guide.

To keep a present under wraps, an existing ring or the assistance of someone familiar with the recipient can provide the information without ruining the surprise.

However, for engagement rings, wedding bands, bespoke jewelry, or expensive items, DIY ring sizing is best thought of as a first step towards the goal. It can save a great deal of discomfort, unnecessary work, and even a return trip to the jeweler.