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6 Minute Read

How To Measure Ring Size


When it comes to buying a ring, whether for yourself or somebody else, finding the right size can be difficult if you don’t already know it. Too big, too small – you can quickly end up with a real Goldilocks complex!

Treating yourself or someone else to a ring that doesn’t quite fit can also be disappointing after putting in the effort to find the perfect piece.

So, to help, here’s our complete guide to quickly finding the perfect ring size in any situation, so you can find that special piece that fits ‘just right’…

 

How to find your ring size

diameter of a ring

Measure An Existing Ring

The easiest way of working out your own ring size is to measure the diameter of a ring you already own:

  1. Measure the ring diameter in mm using a rule/tape measure
  2. Using the measurement, check the letter sizing with the UK size chart below
  3. Alternatively you can download and print our scale ring size guide to compare the inner diameter of your ring to the circles in the guide.

REMEMBER: It sounds obvious but your fingers are all different sizes, so make sure you measure a ring that definitely fits the same finger you want to wear your new ring on

Measuring Your Finger

If you don’t have an existing ring you can measure, this simple technique will help you suss out your size:

  1. Wrap a strip of paper around your finger, just above the knuckle. Don’t do this too tightly, make sure the paper feels comfortable. You can also measure the base of the finger too, to make doubly sure that the ring will fit. Aim for a piece of paper that’s about ¾ inch wide and 4 inches long or download, print and cut out our own finger sizer
  2. Carefully mark where the ends meet, then unfurl the paper - or if you’ve used our ring sizer, read the value on the sizer that the arrow points to, where the paper is pulled tight
  3. Measure from mark to mark on the paper to find your circumference (mm) or take the value you already have and check your size on the chart below.

REMEMBER:You can also use string for this measurement, but as string can be stretchy, we find paper more reliable. 

diameter of a ring

UK Ring Size Table

Ring Size

Diameter (mm)

Circumference (mm)Ring SizeDiameter (mm)Circumference (mm)Ring SizeDiameter (mm)Circumference (mm)
A12.0437.8J15.4948.7S19.1560.2
B12.4539.1K15.950.0T19.5661.4
C12.8540.4L16.3151.2U19.9662.7
D13.2641.7M16.7152.5V20.3764.0
E13.6742.9N17.1253.8W20.7865.3
F14.0744.2O17.5355.1X21.1866.6
G14.4845.5P17.9356.3Y21.5967.8
H14.8846.8Q18.3457.6Z21.7968.5
I15.2948.0R18.7558.9   
downloadable and printable ring size guide for a ring you already own and finger measuring paper

Printable Ring Size Guide

In the UK, ring sizes are measured on an alphabetic scale ranging from A to Z+ with half sizes in between - the most common sizes are between I - Z. Compare the diameter of a ring you already own to our printable ring size guide to get the correct size, or cut out the paper ring sizer to help you with measuring! 

Just make sure when you print, your printer scale is set to ‘100%’ and the ‘fit to page box’ is NOT ticked, so your printout will be accurate. 

When using the paper ring sizer simply –

  • Cut out the slot marked at the end of the sizer
  • Wrap it around the base of your left finger and slide the narrow end of the sizer through the slot
  • Gently pull until you have a secured fit
  • Check the value displayed for your ring size

Professional Measuring

If you would prefer to be 100% certain you’ve got the right measurement, then visit your local jewellers for help.

For example, our helpful team here in the midlands can provide you with an accurate ring size measurement in store, so you can be sure that you’re investing in a piece that’s perfect for you.

Rings can differ slightly in size between brands and manufacturers, so getting measured by a professional from the company you are buying from is always the best way to be sure of your size.

diameter of a ring

5 Ways To Find Ring Size In Secret

Something Borrowed

If you can, take a ring you’ve seen your partner wear on the same finger into our store for our experts to measure or, compare it to our  printable ring size scale.

If your partner has rings they wear on other fingers, the next best things it to try estimating size from a ring usually worn on either:

  1. The ring finger of their right hand
  2. The middle finger of their left hand

Do keep in mind that our dominant hand is often slightly bigger than the other, so unless your partner is left-handed, you may need to size down slightly.

Be The Bride

If you think it is likely that your partner will notice their ring is missing, try it on yourself. Slide it on to your finger and mark where it comes to on your own finger. You can then show this to a representative in store, or compare it with ourprintable ring sizer.

If you’re feeling particularly inventive, another option is to press one of your partner’s rings into something mouldable (clay, playdough or blue tack works!) or draw around the inside on some paper and bring this in store to be measured instead. But remember – be sure that no residue is left behind on the ring, or you could get busted!

Calculated Guessing

This may seem like a bit of a risky approach, but you’d be surprised at how much you can work out simply by looking at your partner! Fingers are usually proportionate to body type so if your partner is…

  • Small and slender - consider ring sizes H or I for women, and around N for men
  • Average height and build – consider sizes around L ½ for women and Q for men 
  • Above average height or build – around N for women and T for men

Do you or you partner have any friends or co-workers that are of a similar build? If so, ask if you can measure their finger to give you a rough idea. 

If you have a photo that clearly shows your partner’s hands, you could also bring this in to the shop as well – any visual clues are useful when it comes to guessing the correct size.

Calling In The Cavalry

Another way to avoid arousing suspicion is to loop in a family member of one of your partner’s friends. They may more easily be able to get an idea of your partner’s ring size without giving the game away, such as by letting your partner try on their engagement ring or another piece of their jewellery. Just be sure they can be trusted with your big secret.

Last Resort

If you are really not 100% sure, the best way forward is to choose a ring that’s slightly too big. It is often easier to make a larger ring smaller with alterations without causing damage to the piece. This way you can avoid any awkward moments that may arise from trying to force a titchy ring on to your partner’s finger or trying to get it off if it has gotten stuck! 

Another option could be to use a ‘Proposal Ring’ instead - this is usually a much more cheap and simple ring used for the surprise of the proposal, and then you and you and your partner can shop for the proper engagement ring later so that they can choose the right size and style to suit them. This is particularly useful for picky partners or those who may have always dreamed of a very specific ring!


Helpful tips for successful ring sizing

 

  • If you’re not sure, always err on the larger size when buying rings 
  • Wider bands have a tighter fit than thinner bands, so when using another ring to assist you with estimating a measurement, pick a similar design to the ring you are hoping to buy
  • The evening is the best time to measure fingers, as this is when they are largest
  • Ideally measure your finger at least 3 times to ensure your measurement is accurate
  • Keep in mind finger type – tapered fingers (wide base, narrow tip) require a snug fit, as rings can easily fall off, whereas knotted fingers (knuckle is the widest part) need a ring that can fit over the knuckle, but won’t move around at the base of the finger. Sizing beads can be added to rings to help them stay in place and are easy to add and remove. 
  • Unless you know the exact ring size, be wary of picking a band that has diamonds encrusted all the way round, as these can be difficult or even impossible in some cases to re-size
  • Keep in mind that unless done by a professional, DIY ring measurements should be used as a guide only, and are not always 100% accurate, so further adjustments may need to be made for the perfect fit. 
  • The most common women’s ring size is N ½.The most common men’s ring size is T ½.
  • Our dominant hands tend to be slightly bigger so keep this in mind when buying for the left hand!

Still Unsure?

If you need any further assistance with getting the right ring size, our jewellery experts are here to help! Pop in store or call us to arrange an appointment so we can provide the guidance you need. You can also send a message via zendesk in the bottom right of your screen.