How to Measure Ring Sizes
What is a Ring Size?
A ring size is equal to the circumference of your finger. You just need to measure the finger girth (or the inner circle of another ring you wear on the same finger of the same hand) in millimeters and the resulting figure will be the size you are looking for. Sometimes, the ring sizes chart skips certain sizes (for example, there are no 50, 54, and 60 sizes), so it makes sense to buy the next larger size.
In the table below, you can see a scale of ring sizes:
| Size | Perimeter |
| 7 | 55mm |
| 8 | 57mm |
| 9 | 59mm |
| 10 | 62mm |
| 11 | 65mm |
| 12 | 68mm |
| 13 | 70mm |
The table will come in handy if you already know your ring size. But what do you do if you have no idea on what ring size you wear or if you are going to make a gift to somebody else? Do not worry, you’re about to find out how to measure your finger size.
Method number 1: Thread, measuring tape or strip of paper.
This method is suitable for those who do not have a ring close at hand that can be measured. But if you have your own finger, you can simply measure it. Please note that you need to fit out the same finger on the same hand you are going to rock your ring on. Because all fingers are different and the dominant hand tends to have a slightly larger size, if you measure a different finger, a ring may not fit.
So, you need to take a thread or a strip of paper, wrap it around your finger, and cut off the ends or mark them with a pen. Then, measure the piece you’ve got with a ruler.
We recommend using a thin and narrow piece of paper rather than a thread. When you cut it to fit your finger, tape the ends together and make a paper ring. Then, try to put it on your finger so that it doesn’t get stuck on the joints between the phalanges. If you feel that such a makeshift ring hardly slights through your joints, you need to pick a ring one size larger.
Method number 2: Statistics
If you don’t have a ring or a finger to measure (for example, if you want to make a present to a loved one or friend), there is only one way – to rely on the body size.
For example:
- men weighing up to 80 kg normally wear rings from 8 ½ to 11 sizes;
- men weighing more than 90 kg usually rock rings of 11 ½ and more.
In general, according to statistics, the most popular ring sizes for men, the most popular size is 10, plus / minus a size. Please keep in mind that this data is only statistics for people of average weight and height. Therefore, you must be very careful when using this method because you might significantly miss the mark.
Ring Size Measure Tips
The human body is dynamic. If it is cold outside, it shrinks to save as much heat as possible. If it's hot, it tries to shed excess water. Therefore, there are conditions that will not give you reliable data when measuring a ring size. You shouldn’t choose a ring:
- in the morning;
- after a large fluid intake;
- during that time of the month;
- when it is too hot or cold outside or when sudden changes in temperature occur;
- after a long flight;
- if the temperature of your body is increased.
After a night or long flight, a large amount of water remains in the human body, which causes limbs swelling. The same goes for intensive workouts. Since the fingers are still swollen, a ring that fits ok after training will become looser in a couple of hours. As a result, you will experience discomfort when wearing jewelry - a ring will constantly slide along your finger. Besides, a ring sitting loose is very easy to lose.
Experts do not recommend measuring ring sizes in very hot or cold weather because your fingers tend to swell. It is best to pick up rings after noon, when there is a comfortable temperature outside, when you are relaxed, calm, and in good state of health.
To find out whether it is comfortable for you to wear a ring, simply squeeze your fingers into a fist several times. If you feel no discomfort then the size is chosen correctly. If you can’t turn the ring, the ‘muffin top’ situation is going on, or it squeezes your digit too tight, you should definitely size up.
Normally, jewelry stores have two types of ring gauges - for wide and narrow rings. When fitting a ring with a specialist, you need to clarify which design you plan to buy. If you purchase a pretty wide ring (8 millimeters or more) online or for another person, it’s best to add ¼” or ½” to the original finger measuring.