How to Measure Ring Size for a Perfect Fit
Fingers, as you know, come in a variety of different sizes. While this endearing feature is what makes us all so wonderfully unique, from our hands (literally) down to our feet, it can cause a bit of consternation for the uninitiated when measuring ring sizes at home. But fret not, because the designers and jewelers at Waxing Poetic know a thing or two about ring sizing for women, and how to measure ring size for men as well.How to Measure Ring Size
If you want to measure ring size, most likely for a gift or when ordering online (if only for yourself, you can have your measurements taken by professionals at a jewelry store), you’ll come across several methods, that when performed correctly, should yield accurate results.
You want a snug fitting ring, that’s easy to slip on and off, but not so loose your precious ring is in danger of arbitrarily falling off — yet not so tight it will cause you discomfort or pain.
Before measuring, make sure you know what ring sizes you’re working with. In the United Stated, rings sizes range from around 3.5 (14.4 mm) to 13.5 (22.8 mm). You can find and download conversion charts online that match different international measurements (mm) with international ring-size standards. For US sizes, refer to the chart below:
| Measurements (mm) | US Ring Sizes |
| 14.4 mm | 3½ |
| 14.8 mm | 4 |
| 15.2 mm | 4½ |
| 15.6 mm | 5 |
| 16.0 mm | 5½ |
| 16.5 mm | 6 |
| 16.9 mm | 6½ |
| 17.3 mm | 7 |
| 17.7 mm | 7½ |
| 18.2 mm | 8 |
| 18.6 mm | 8½ |
| 19.0 mm | 9 |
| 19.4 mm | 9½ |
| 19.8 mm | 10 |
| 20.2 mm | 10½ |
| 20.6 mm | 11 |
| 21.0 mm | 11½ |
| 21.4 mm | 12 |
| 21.8 mm | 12½ |
| 22.2 mm | 13 |
| 22.6 mm | 13½ |
Ring Sizing with Floss or StringAlmost everyone has some string or a box of dental floss lying around the house. One of the simplest methods to employ when measuring ring size is to cut, then wrap a piece of string or floss around the base of your finger, just below the knuckle. Mark the point where one end of the string meets or overlaps the other end with a pen.
Don’t pull the floss or string too tight, which can distort your measurements. Measure several times to make sure you're getting an accurate reading. Once you have a piece of marked string or floss, measure it against a millimeter ruler, then compare it to a ring-sizing chart (like the one above) to gauge your ring size.
Ring Sizing with a Tape Measure or a Ring-Sizing Tool
If string, floss and an old-fashioned ruler don’t appeal, you can always get your hands on a ring-sizing tool. A jeweler will sell you one, and in many cases, give you one for free (they’re not expensive). You can order plastic ring sizers online, some designed for women, some for women and men. The latter is perfect if you’re worried about how to measure ring size — men being the "owners" of the fingers you’re planning to size up.
If you want to know how to measure ring size with a tape measure, follow the basic steps we've already laid out. But use a cloth tape measure instead of string or floss to gauge the circumference of your finger before comparing your marked tape measurements to the appropriate sizing chart.
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Welcome to Nota Bene (both Latin and Italian for “note well,” which we do around here!). At Waxing Poetic, we make things, and get the chance to see them made real (and loved, and changed – by all of you). Here you will find tiny actions, tiny pieces, and tiny particulars of our process – the small (and not so small) things that matter much.
Enjoy!
Patti Pagliei, Founder
