If you’re planning on popping the question and are currently searching for the perfect engagement ring to #putaringonit, chances are you’ve hit the roadblock of how to measure ring size at home. And you’ve come to the right place! Here at GWS, we know that the process of figuring out ring size can be a liiiiiiitle confusing, so we invited the experts over at Diamonds Factory to break it down for you.
Below you’ll find our complete ring sizing guide, including expert tips (and a handy ring size chart) to help you determine and measure the size of your engagement ring with confidence. Let’s get into it!
Must Know Details About Determining Ring Size – The Truth About Measuring
A proposal is one of the most exciting moments in anyone’s life, and the last thing you want is the wrong size ring to put a damper on the moment. But it’s actually way more common than you think.
Ben Stinson, Head of Commerce at Diamonds Factory, tells us, “A lot of people get ring size wrong the first time. In fact, around 30% of the engagement rings we sell are sent back for re-sizing. While getting the size wrong isn’t the worst issue in the world, having the perfect fit can really add to the magic of the moment!”
That’s why we’re here to help you make measuring your ring size at home an easy process. We’ve created this handy guide (along with the experts at Diamonds Factory) to show you all the different ways you can measure your partner’s ring size, including a few discreet tips for your surprise proposal. Because your partner deserves a ring that fits perfectly, starting from the very first time they slide it on their finger!
Ring Sizing Pro Tip: When measuring ring size, ideally the ring should be tight enough that it doesn’t fall off but loose enough to take it off if need be. By following the steps below, you should be able to find a ring size that fits your partner perfectly!
Ring Sizing Tips
While jewelers have professional tools for measuring ring sizes, it can be a little trickier to figure out your partner’s ring size at home. So to help you get that professional-quality fit, here are a few ring sizing tips and tricks that you can use at home — no trip to the jewelry store necessary!
- Measure Ring Size A Few Times: We’re all human, and it’s easy to make mistakes when measuring ring size at home. So to help you avoid any human error in the ring sizing process, it’s best to measure your partner’s ring size more than once to determine the correct size. This will also account for any fluctuation in size, which brings us to our next tip…
- Measure Ring Size at Different Times of Day: Did you know that the size of your fingers can fluctuate depending on factors like temperature, physical activity, and even how much water you’re drinking? Measuring your partner’s ring size at different times of the day will help you determine their best measurement overall — because the last thing you want is a ring that’s too small!
- Factor in the Season When You Measure Ring Size: As we mentioned above, temperature can make a big difference when measuring ring size. Warmer weather causes more swelling (aka, a larger ring size), so your partner’s measurements may look different from summer to winter. If you measure their ring size during the colder months, we suggest sizing up slightly so that the ring still fits when temperatures start to rise.
- Try Multiple Ring Sizing Methods: To help you verify your measurements, we suggest using more than one method to measure your partner’s ring size at home. For example, you can start with a ring size chart (more on that below!), then double-check that measurement using a professional sizing guide, like this adjustable measuring tool.
- Don’t Forget the Knuckle When Measuring Ring Size: Typically, your knuckle is slightly thicker than the base of your finger (where the ring sits), so be sure to factor in both sizes when measuring your partner’s ring size at home. For the best fit, choose a size that sits somewhere in the middle — this will give you a ring that’s not too loose, not too tight, but juuuust right.
- Make Sure You Measure Ring Size on the Correct Finger: If you’re ready to pop the question, then you need a ring that perfectly fits your partner’s ring finger on their left hand. Ring sizes can be different for each hand — fingers on the dominant hand are usually larger — so make sure you measure the correct hand AND finger to determine an accurate size.
- When in Doubt, Size Up The Ring: If you’re choosing between two measurements, it’s always better to pick the larger ring size. Not only does this leave room for any fluctuation or swelling, but it’s also better for re-sizing. After all, it’s easier to make a ring smaller than it is to make it larger!
How to Measure Ring Size At Home
So, how exactly do you measure ring size at home? There are a few different ring sizing methods to choose from, so we wanted to quickly break down each one to help you find the right technique for your situation. And don’t worry — we’ll also go into greater detail for each of these methods down below!
- Measure Ring Size With a String: For this ring sizing method, simply wrap a string around your partner’s ring finger and use a tape measure to determine the circumference (aka, the length of the string). Once you have this measurement, you can use a sizing conversion chart to figure out the correct ring size.
- Measure Ring Size With Another Ring: If you don’t want your partner to know what you’re up to, you can also use one of their existing rings to figure out their ring size. Just measure the diameter of the ring and compare it with a ring size chart, or take the ring to a jeweler for a professional measurement.
- Measure Ring Size With a Sizing Chart: Another way to measure ring size using an existing ring is to match it with the circles on a ring sizing chart. The matching circle should just touch the inside of your ring without overlapping — the number inside is the ring size!
- Measure Ring Size With a Sizing Tool: For a professional measurement method, it doesn’t get better than ring sizers. Choose between a set of pre-sized rings or an adjustable sizing strip to measure the exact size of their ring finger. Simple, easy, and accurate!
- Ask for Help to Get Sizing Right: When in doubt, you can also phone a friend (or a family member) to figure out your partner’s ring size. Someone close to your partner may have more insight into their sizing — or be able to measure their ring size without giving away your proposal plans!
Once you’ve measured your partner’s ring size at home, it’s time to find the perfect ring! To help you find the one, we’ve rounded up the best places to buy engagement rings for women. Happy shopping!
How to Measure Ring Size With a Ring Sizing Chart
Don’t have a professional ring sizing tool on hand? No prob! As we mentioned above, there are multiple different ways to measure ring size at home with the help of a sizing chart (as well as a few materials that are probably collecting dust in your junk drawer). Scroll on for these simple techniques, plus our step-by-step guides for how to measure your partner’s ring size at home!
Our Sizing Chart
A ring size chart is one of the most accurate ways to measure your partner’s ring size at home, and we created this handy chart to make the sizing process even easier!
With the help of this chart, you can use two different methods to figure out your partner’s ring size: measuring the circumference of their finger with string, or using an existing ring to determine the size. We’re breaking down each of these measuring techniques below, so keep this ring size chart on hand for a simple and accurate guide!
Ring Sizing Pro Tip: When using this method at home, it’s important to ensure that the ring size chart is to scale. If you’re printing it out, set the page scaling to “100” for a standard paper size.
How to Measure Ring Size With String and Tape Measure
Finger Circumference to Ring Size
What You’ll Need for this Ring Sizing Method: To accurately determine ring size at home, all you need is a piece of string, a tape measure (or ruler), a pen, and a ring size conversion chart. Here’s a quick step-by-step tutorial for this simple measurement method!
- To measure the circumference of the finger, wrap a thin piece of string (or even dental floss) around the base of the ring finger and mark it with a pen. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight — you want it to fit comfortably.
- Next, lay the string flat and use the tape measure or ruler to measure the length from the start of the string to the mark you made. This measurement (in millimeters) is equivalent to the circumference of the ring finger.
- If the knuckle is much larger than the base of the finger, measure the circumference of the knuckle too, then choose a measurement that is in between both sizes.
- Using a ring size conversion chart, match this measurement with the correct ring size. If the chart only includes measurements for the diameter of the ring, you can calculate this by dividing the circumference by pi (or 3.14). And voilá: you have your ring size!
Ring Measurement Pro Tip: Be wary not to tug on the string or floss too hard when sizing the finger, as this can stretch it out and make the measurement less accurate.
How to Determine Ring Sizing Using Another Ring
If you’re planning a surprise proposal and think that measuring your partner’s finger with a string might be a little too obvious, simply borrow one of your partner’s existing, well-fitted rings to measure instead.
With this method, you can either measure the diameter of the ring to determine its size, or compare the ring to the circles on a chart for an accurate measurement.
When measuring ring size, the diameter is the measurement across the inner width of the ring. To measure this, grab a tape measure or a ruler and measure the widest points of the inside of the ring — from edge to edge. If possible, try to use a circular ring for the most accurate reading of their ring size.
Once you have the diameter, match it with the closest measurements on the ring sizing conversion chart to determine the correct size.
Don’t want to use a tape measure? We’ve got you! For an even easier measuring method, you can also figure out the size of the ring by comparing it to the circles on the sizing chart. Simply move the ring over each circle until you find the one that matches the inner edge of your ring (without overlapping). The number inside this matching circle is the correct ring size!
Ring Sizing Pro Tip: Alternatively, you could also take this well-fitting ring to a jeweler, who will be happy to professionally measure and size it for you. However, it’s important to bear in mind that most people don’t wear a ring on their wedding finger before they are engaged, and most fingers are different sizes. For the most accurate sizing, try to find a ring that your partner typically wears on their ring finger, even if it’s on the other hand!
How to Determine and Measure Ring Size With a Ring Sizer
Looking for a professional way to measure ring size at home? Then all you need is a ring sizer! You can purchase ring sizers online, or even pick one up at a jewelry store. Since they’re also used by jewelers, they tend to be the most accurate way to figure out your partner’s ring size.
For this method, you can choose between two different types of ring sizers: a set of pre-sized rings or a flexible strip that adjusts to different sizes. Here’s a quick guide for how to use each type to measure your partner’s ring size at home!
- Pre-sized rings: This type of ring sizer comes with multiple rings in different sizes, so your partner can try on each one until they find the perfect fit. The correct size should be loose enough to slide on easily, but tight enough that it doesn’t slip off when they move or shake their hands.
- An adjustable measuring strip: To determine ring size using this sizer, simply wrap the flexible strip around the base of the finger, pulling it tight enough to fit comfortably. Take note of the number that lines up with the arrow or circle on the ring sizer. This is your ring size!
How to Figure Out Ring Size By Guessing
While guessing your partner’s ring size may sound risky, it’s actually not unusual. So how can you make an educated guess when measuring ring size? Generally speaking, our fingers are proportionate to the rest of our bodies, which gives us a good place to start when figuring out ring size.
If your partner is petite, they’ll likely have a smaller ring size. Likewise, if they are a bigger build, you can assume that their ring size may be on the larger size.
The average engagement ring size for women in the US is a 6 (an inside circumference of 51.9 mm), with most sizes measuring somewhere between a 5 and a 7. For men, the average ring size is a 9 (an inside circumference of 59.5 mm), with popular sizes measuring from 8 to 13.
If you can’t get away with borrowing their ring for a day, another way to make an educated guess while measuring ring size is to playfully slide a ring they are already wearing onto your finger. Using a pen, quickly mark where it gets stuck on your finger, then determine the circumference using the string method (or ask a jeweler to measure the ring size for you). Clever, right?!
If you measure wrong, can you get the band resized?
In most cases, it is possible to get your ring re-sized if you measured the size incorrectly. As Ben at Diamonds Factory says, “First of all, don’t panic. Mistakes happen when buying an engagement ring as a surprise. You can never be certain your measurements or guesses are completely accurate. Plenty of people don’t get the size right the first time.”
Typically, most rings can be resized by two sizes up or down without any issues. However, resizing beyond that might require more complex work or may not be possible, depending on the design and materials of the ring. Super intricate rings can be trickier to resize, so be sure to ask your jeweler about their resizing or exchange policy when purchasing your ring.
According to Ben, “Most jewelers will be very transparent regarding their policies, which can help you relax when making the purchase!” For example, Diamonds Factory offers a 60-day free ring resizing service for up to two sizes up or down. However, other jewelers may charge an additional fee or have a smaller window for complementary resizing, so always check first!
Thinking About Popping the Question? We’ve Got You Covered.
Feel like you’ve nailed the process for how to measure ring size? Then you’re ready for the next step: choosing the dream ring! Check out our list of the best places to buy engagement rings, as well as our A-Z guide on how to buy the perfect ring.
Already have the ring? Make sure you get it insured!
And once you’ve checked these steps off your to-do list, all that’s left to do is get down on one knee and pop the question. To help you prepare, we’ve rounded up the most unique proposal ideas to use as inspo!
Have any more questions about how to figure out your partner’s ring size at home? Let us know in the comments below!
