How to Measure Your Ring Size (Without Going to the Jewelers)

What You’ll Need to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

There are three ways you can measure ring size at home. We’ll walk through the steps for each of them, below.

1. The String Method

I recently measured my ring finger at home using this method, and the process was easier than I thought. While I had a vague recollection of what my ring size was (I remember it being a 7 or 8), I wasn’t 100% sure even though I’ve been told by a jeweler more than once. (File this under facts I easily forget). But thankfully I was able to find out my ring size with these four things that I already had at home.

What You’ll Need:

• A piece of paper, string, or floss. (I used a piece of scrap paper.)
• Scissors
• A tape measure or ruler
• Pen or pencil

How to Do It:

Step 1: Cut a thin (and long) strip of paper or piece of floss.

Step 2: Wrap the paper around your ring finger just below the knuckle. You measure this high up because you want to make sure your ring can easily fit over this part.

Step 3: Once it’s snug you’ll want to mark where the two ends meet on the inside of your finger with your pen. (See photo above.) If you’re using a piece of string, you’ll want to cut it at this point instead. Just make sure you’re not wrapping it TOO snug. You’ll want to find a comfort fit vs. a tighter fit.

Step 4: Flatten out the thin strip of paper or string and measure how many millimeters (or inches) from the mark you just made to the end of the paper or string you used.

Step 5: Match that measurement with the corresponding standard ring sizes, below. Note that most ring sizes are in millimeters (mm) and range from size 5-13.

Here’s a video showing how to do it as well. (Just ignore the centimeters part.)

2. The Ring Sizer Method

If you don’t want to bother using measuring tape or a ring size guide, you can use a printable ring sizer like this one. These are great because they do the measuring for you. Remember to cut a small slot for the pointed end of the paper to go through.

3. Use a Ring Size Chart

This method is especially useful if you want to find out your partner’s ring size in secret. The only thing you’ll need is a ring they currently wear on the finger you’re buying one for (IE: the left ring finger). All you need to do is take the ring and place it over the ring circle (like the ones on this chart). Just make sure the chart is printed at 100% for accuracy.

WGM Says: If you’re already working with a jeweler and want to get them a ring size in secret, you can trace the inside of a similar ring on a piece of paper and bring it to them. Your jeweler will be able to use this to determine the ring size.

Things to Remember:

• The average women’s ring size is 6-7
• The average men’s ring size is 9.5-10
• If using the floss or paper method, make sure you measure your finger at the end of the day when they tend to be a bit more swollen.
• If your knuckle is much bigger than the base of your finger, measure both areas and find a size in between.
• This is the most important: Make sure you’re buying a ring with at least a 2 week return policy (30 days is better) in case it doesn’t fit.

And yes…it turns out I AM a 7. 🙂