Ring-Sizing Guide: How to Measure Ring Size at Home
Stop guessing ring sizes and running the risk of an imperfect fit—our downloadable ring sizing guide and other tips and tricks will help you nail the ring-buying process.
As if picking the perfect ring wasn't stressful enough—whether a “treat yourself” act of self-giving or (gulp) an engagement ring meant to last a lifetime—there's the added strain of trying to nail the sizing when you're buying online.
The good news is that you don't have to eyeball your own finger or compromise your surprise proposal by asking for your partner's ring size (dead giveaway). There are a few ways to ensure you get the right fit, depending on just how sneaky you need to be—we'll break them down below, but first, a few things to consider.
One Size Doesn't Fit All
Unlike most accessories, rings aren't a one-size-fits-all deal. Sizes are given in millimeters based on the inner circumference of the ring, and understanding the basic measurements will put you a step closer to achieving the perfect fit.
Average Ring Size for a Woman: The average ring size for women ranges from size 3 to size 9, and the most commonly bought rings range between size 5 and size 7.
Average Ring Size for a Man: For men, the sizing ranges from size 6 to size 13, with most fellas falling between sizes 8 and 10.
Can You Enlarge or Downsize a Ring?
So what's the big deal with ring sizing anyway, and why can't you just fix it later with resizing? Jewelers say that the biggest mistake most people make is buying a random size ring with the intention of having it resized later. Not only is resizing a costly process, but it can also affect the quality of a ring overtime.
If a ring is too small, an extra piece of material needs to be added, or the band is slightly stretched, which makes it thinner and weaker. While in general, a ring can be resized up to two sizes smaller or larger, resizing down is easier and less expensive because the jeweler cuts out the extra material from the bottom and solders the ends back together.
Overall, if you absolutely have to wing it on sizing, it's better to go a little bigger and downsize instead of starting too small.
What Kind of Rings Should Not Be Resized?
Certain rings should not be resized based on their composition, including eternity bands, tension rings, stainless steel, tungsten, titanium rings, pave or channel set rings, rose gold rings and delicate gemstones.
What Do I Need to Find My Ring Size?
Gone are the days of having to visit the jewelry store to get an accurate ring size (so early 2000s), and the boom in online shopping means you often need the sizing ASAP. There are a couple of different ways to nail the sizing, depending on your resources and how covert your sizing mission needs to be.
Don't want to let the cat out of the bag that there's a ringcoming? Borrow an existing ring to establish size via measuring or our printable guide. Measuring for yourself or a ring recipient well aware of the gift—or printer out of ink? A combination of simple string and measuring tape can often do the trick.
How to Find Your Ring Size at Home
Measure a Ring: You can select a ring that fits the desired finger and simply measure the internal diameter of the ring (in mm), but you run the risk of botching the job. For peace of mind, use our printable ring sizer as a simple and easy resource for nailing ring size at home. Print the ring sizing guide, place the comparison ring over the various size circles until you find one that matches the inside edge of your ring, and then record the size. For example, a 17.3mm measurement equates to a size seven ring. Quick and easy!
Measure a Finger: Although this method is more prone to error, it'll do in a pinch if you don't have access to a printer. Wrap a piece of string or strip of paper around the finger where you'd like the ring to sit, making sure the string or paper is pulled snug. Mark the spot where the string or paper meets, then measure the distance in millimeters with a ruler. Reference a ring-sizing guide for millimeter-to-ring-size translation—just make sure you're looking at circumference, not diameter.
Six Things to Consider When Measuring Ring Size
Ring Styles: Wider bands fit tighter on the fingers. Select a ring at home for the printable sizer that is most like the band you'll purchase.
The Right Fit: If the ring that you're measuring falls between two sizes, go with the larger size. The perfect fit should have some resistance but be loose enough to slide over the knuckles.
Make it Count: This is a major investment —that's why we encourage you to measure 3-4 different times before deciding on the perfect size
Body Temperature: Fingers tend to expand or shrink when it's hot or too cold. Having a normal body temperature at the time of measurement will help to get an accurate size.
Time of Day: In the morning fingers are the smallest, and remember that sizing up costs more and often comes at the price of band integrity. The best time of day to measure your fingers is in the evening—when they are slightly larger—to ensure a comfortable fit.
Cocktail Hour: Both alcohol and salty snacks can make your fingers bloat, so consider abstaining from happy hour if you're measuring an actual finger.
Find the Perfect Ring at Sam's Club
Sam's Club offers thousands of rings in popular styles, cuts, and metals, ranging from eternity bands to freshwater pearl stunners to sleek men's titanium bands—all with clearly marked sizing. With your Sam's Club membership, get your sparkler faster with free shipping for plus members, plus 2% back on qualifying purchases.