Finding a ring that reflects your unique self is a key marker of personal style—and finding a ring that also fits you perfectly is just as essential.
While most jewelers offer free ring sizing services, measuring your ring size at home is just as straightforward.
This guide is here to assist you with expert tips on how to measure ring size at home, effective strategies to ensure precision, and why finding the perfect fit is crucial to enhancing your personal style and comfort.
The Importance of Accurate Ring Sizing
Rings are measured in standard sizes, each differing by less than half a millimeter in circumference. This means that even the tiniest difference might cause discomfort—and a wrongly sized ring can easily become stuck if too small or lost if too large.
Moreover, a well-fitted ring is visually appealing—it sits naturally on your finger without sliding or feeling too tight, creating a seamless look. Comfort and aesthetics go hand in hand; when a ring fits perfectly, you're more inclined to wear it often, ensuring longevity and enjoyment from your cherished piece. When wearing pieces regularly, consider how the material of your ring may affect its sizing, like learning how to clean gold jewelry can ensure it holds up against daily wear and tear.
For these reasons, accuracy in ring sizing is crucial. By taking the time to measure with precision now, you’re investing in your ring’s future and reducing its risk of loss or damage.
Methods for Measuring Ring Size at Home
Ranging from 3 to 13.5, each standard ring size corresponds with your finger’s circumference (with a 0.4mm increase per half size).
Using a Ring Sizer
A ring sizer tool typically costs no more than a few dollars, and they can be found online, at craft stores, or in major retailers. Many simply include a larger ring, draped with smaller rings in various sizes to try on (à la a ring of keys). Others are more compact, built like a circular tape measure that’s adjustable around a finger.
Measuring With a String or Paper
One of the easiest ways to take your ring size is by using a string or a strip of paper. Simply wrap your string or paper around your finger and mark it with a marker or by tying a knot to indicate your finger’s circumference. Then, measure the string or paper in millimeters with a ruler or tape measure.
You can then find your corresponding ring size online or use a printable ring sizer chart.
Measuring With Existing Rings
Another simple way to determine an accurate ring size is by using a ring you already own that fits you comfortably. This method is also great if you're looking to find out your partner's ring size without their knowing. Find a printable ring size chart. To ensure it’s to scale, choose “Scale 100” when printing. Then, find the circle that most closely matches the size of your existing ring.
Tips for Ensuring Accuracy
Ring sizing is not an exact science, so it’s essential to account for any potential errors before making your purchase. That said, the following guidelines will help ensure precision:
Measure multiple times– Measure your finger multiple times (and perhaps using multiple methods) to confirm the correct size. Remember, even one or two millimeters difference could change your result.
Measure at different times of day – As humans, our size fluctuates throughout the day, influenced by fluid retention, our diets, temperature, and even compression from gravity (which is why we wake up slightly taller). In general, your fingers will be at their largest in the evening, but sometimes, conditions like arthritis (or even sleeping in the “wrong” position) can cause morning swelling, so be sure to take measurements at multiple times of the day and denote an average measurement to find the right size.
Don’t be afraid to resize – Worst case scenario: you order the wrong ring and need a different size. Sometimes, you won’t even notice its fit until you’ve worn the ring a few times. Don’t fret: your local jeweler may offer ring resizing services. The service is typically inexpensive and will ensure a long and happy life for your new piece.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When measuring ring size at home, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to an inaccurate fit. These errors can affect the comfort and appearance of your ring, making it essential to be aware of common pitfalls.
In general, you’ll want to avoid:
Printing the wrong size chart – To ensure an accurate ring size reading, you’ll need an accurately sized ring sizer chart. Don’t forget to set that print scale to 100.
Measuring the wrong finger – To get an accurate measurement, Be sure to measure the exact finger you plan to wear the ring on. Your ring finger as opposed to your pointer finger can vary by half to a whole size, and the fingers on your dominant hand are likely a half-size larger than their corresponding finger on your non-dominant hand.
Neglecting knuckle size – When measuring your ring size, it's crucial not to overlook the size of your knuckles. Many people forget that the ring needs to comfortably slide over the knuckle, which can be significantly wider than the base of the finger, depending on your finger shape. To ensure a proper fit, measure both the base of your finger and your knuckle. If there's a significant difference, consider choosing a slightly larger size or a ring with an adjustable band.
Forgetting to consider the weather– When measuring your ring size, it's important to take into account the effect of weather on your fingers. Our bodies, including our fingers, naturally expand in warmer temperatures and contract in colder weather. This fluctuation can significantly impact the fit of a ring. To avoid any fluctuations, try to measure your ring size at a time when your body is at a comfortable, average temperature.
Additional Considerations for Ring Sizing
Ring sizing is not only a matter of precision, but also a matter of personal preference. Since the difference between ring sizes is so minute, your finger will likely be able to fit in multiple sizes, and it’s up to you whether you choose a snug or looser fit.
Considerations to ask yourself include:
How do I plan to wear my ring? Will I need it to easily slip on and off, or do I prefer a secure fit?
Do I want to wear this ring on multiple fingers?
Will the style of the ring or gemstone adornments affect its fit and feel?
Do I live in a warmer or colder climate?
Will I be wearing the ring all the time or only on special occasions?
Am I planning to wear the ring alongside other rings? If so, how will they fit together?
Do I engage in activities that might cause my fingers to swell, such as exercise or manual labor?
Do I have larger knuckles that need to be considered when sizing?
The way your ring fits is up to you—that’s the beauty of sizing yourself. Take all aspects of your lifestyle into consideration, and don’t sweat it: resizing is always an option.
Find Your Perfect Fit With John Hardy
Choosing the perfect ring size will ensure a comfortable and secure fit for years to come—and it’s more than possible to do from home. As long as you account for your body’s natural fluctuations and your preferred fit, you can build your ring collection from home with professional-level precision.
John Hardy is here to help you find a ring with a glass-slipper fit. No matter if you need the engagement ring of your dreams, or a dazzling gemstone ring with your birthstone, our collection of men's designer rings and women's rings has the right piece for any occasion. Our unique yet classic, sustainably handcrafted pieces come in gold, silver, and rose gold, with adornments in diamond, sapphire, mother of pearl, and more.
Your dream ring is out there, and we have it in your size.
Sources:
Livestrong. Why Do You Look Slimmer in the Morning? https://www.livestrong.com/article/13714521-the-carnivore-diet-is-going-all-meat-right-for-you/
Real Simple. How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/shoes-accessories/jewelry/how-to-measure-ring-size
Healthline. Swollen Hands in the Morning. https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands-in-the-morning
Vogue. How to Measure Your Ring Size With a Few Reliable Steps. https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-measure-ring-size