How to know the size of your ring finger

July 27, 2020

Written by Lani Williams

How to know the size of your ring finger

July 27, 2020

Written by Lani Williams

How to measure the size of your ring finger

There’s no argument that online shopping has opened up a world of opportunities for jewellery lovers and makers. We can compare, customise and purchase all within a few clicks – the entire process is streamlined for our enjoyment.

But, we often see that our customers can be caught off guard when asked to enter their ring size, which can leave your online shopping at a dead end.This goes for both custom ring designs, and ready-made jewellery – before you add to cart, you’ve got to be able to fill in your ring size measurements.

Can I measure the size of my ring finger at home?

When it comes to measuring the size of your ring finger, there are plenty of methods out there for getting the most accurate ring size measurements possible. These can be done with common household objects, too. Before you start measuring your ring finger – or any finger – there are some important considerations to take into account first.

Preparing to measure your ring finger

If you’ve perused a bounty of online jewellery stores, and have finally landed on ‘the one’, there’s one more thing you need to check: what metrics is the store using for measuring ring sizes?

We use both US and UK metrics for ring measurement. US ring sizes follow a scale of whole and half numbers, which typically begin at ring size 4 to 13.5 for adults. UK ring sizes use letters, beginning from G ½ and measuring up to Z+2.

These metrics can be a little confusing. If you’re feeling a bit stuck, you can take a look at our conversion chart, which provides a clear conversion between US and UK metrics.

Methods for measuring your ring finger

If you’re measuring your ring finger in the comforts of your own home, you can use the string or paper test to obtain the most accurate measurement.

The string test

Whether it’s string or tooth floss, the ‘string test’ is one of the most common – not to mention accurate – ways to measure your ring size. It’s easy to measure and lets you play around with the fit to make sure the measurements are comfortable and snug.

The paper test

Very similar to the string test: cut a very thin strip of paper (one that may mimic the width of a ring) and use it to measure your ring finger. This one can be a little tricky though, especially as the paper sometimes won't hug your finger unless you pull it very tight.

How to measure your ring finger with string or paper

To measure your ring finger with string, tooth floss, or a strip of paper, here’s what you need to do:

Cut the string, floss or paper to measure at least 3 inches long
Wrap or tie the string or paper around the base of your knuckle
Grab a pen or pencil and mark where the string or paper overlaps
Measure the length of the string or paper and where you’ve made the mark on your ruler and convert it using our conversions chart

Using a ring that you already own that fits

If you want to ensure that you’re as accurate as possible with measuring your ring size, you can always measure a ring you already own.

All you need to do is grab a ring that fits you well and measure the inner diameter with your ruler (the straight length between one side of the inside of the ring to the other) then convert the millimetre measurement to the ring size using our ring conversion chart.

Buy your own ring sizer

When all else fails, you can always purchase your own ring sizer – and we happen to have one of the best. That way you know exactly what yours or your partner’s ring size is without having to use any paper, string, a ruler or conversion chart.

Things to consider when measuring your finger

When measuring the size of your ring finger, it’s important to take into consideration how you’d like the ring to fit. You want your ring to be comfortable but snug on your finger, and not cutting off any circulation either.

Also, make sure that you consider the size of your finger joints. If you know that your knuckles tend to be difficult to slip rings over, we recommend ordering a ring that’s a half-size larger than your measurement so it can slip on with ease.

You should also be aware that your finger size will fluctuate depending on temperature, so be sure to measure it at least four times for accuracy before making your purchase.

How to measure your partner’s ring finger without them knowing

Let’s face it: if you’re ordering a custom engagement ring for your loved one, getting their ring size wrong could put you and your jeweller in a rather awkward position (luckily, we can resize rings in most circumstances).

If you’re shopping for your partner’s ring finger, it can feel a little awkward trying to get their measurements, not to mention almost impossible to be subtle about it. Here’s a few tips for measuring your partner’s finger as discreetly as possible.

Ask a confidant for help

Try asking your partner’s best friend, sibling, even their parents – they can help give you an idea what your partner’s ring size is, or help measure their ring finger without giving away the surprise.

Measure a ring from their jewellery collection

If you can sneak away a ring for the day and bring it to your jeweller, they’ll be able to size up the ring to fit your partner’s wedding ring as accurately as possible. Otherwise, you can always measure the ring with a ruler as mentioned above.

Try and compare fingers

This one may be a little fiddly, but it’s probably a great conversation point for ‘measuring your fingers’. Be sure to act as casual as possible so you don’t give it away!