How To Measure Your Ring Size At Home: A Complete Guide | Linjer Jewelry

It can be confusing trying to find the perfect ring size, especially when you're shopping online. Whether you're looking for your first ring or at engagement rings to adorn your ring finger, we've got you covered—read on for tips on how to measure your correct ring size at home!

March 23, 2023

How to Measure Ring Size at Home

While there are a few ring size scales internationally, Linjer uses the scale commonly adopted in North America. Depending on your region, you may be used to an alphabetical chart or the ring size actually being the same number as the inner circumference in millimeters.

The North American scale is still directly derived from either the inner circumference or diameter of the ring. Let’s look at some different methods to find out both!

Find Your Ring Diameter:

Measure a Ring That You Own

If you already own a ring that fits the intended finger, to determine the ring size, you can just measure the ring’s diameter:

Use a ruler or tape measure and measure straight across the inside of the ring from edge to edge
Using a size chart guide, refer to the "Ring Diameter (mm)" column to find the ring size

Find Your Finger Circumference:

How to Measure Ring Size with a Ring Sizer

Measure your ring size at home - How to use a ring sizer

If you have a ring sizing tool like the one in the picture above, you're in luck! This is a really easy way to figure out your ring size.

Determine which finger you want the ring for. Remember, your fingers are all different sizes!
Push the end of the ring sizer through the 'buckle' so it forms a ring shape, and slide the sizer onto the intended finger
Adjust the tightness until you have a comfortable fit. Shake your fingers a bit to make sure it's not too loose!
When you have the right fit, read the size indicated by the arrow

How to Measure Ring Size Without a Sizer

How to measure your ring size at home - household items you need

If you do not have a ring sizer at home, you can easily determine your ring size finger with some common household items! You will need a piece of thin string, dental floss or a strip of paper, a pen, and a measuring tape or ruler.

To find your ring size, simply follow these instructions:

Wrap the intended finger snugly with a piece of string/floss or strip of paper
Use a pen to mark where the string/floss/paper meets around your finger
Straighten out the string/floss/paper and measure it against a ruler in millimeters
Check the ring size chart in the "Finger Circumference (mm)" to find your correct size!

Common Questions When Measuring Your Ring Size:

Is It Better to Size a Ring up or Size a Ring Down?

When in doubt, it’s always best to size up. Your finger measurement is constantly in flux, affected by everything from the temperature outside to what you had for lunch. So, keep in mind that your ring size is a reference point. There will be moments when your ring fits a bit more snugly and moments when it fits a bit more loosely. And, for many, the knuckle is notably larger than the base of the finger. That’s why it’s important to slightly size up if necessary: to make sure that the ring easily slides on and off and that it will accommodate the naturally fluctuating size of your finger.

Pro tip: Looking for surprise engagement rings? In most cases, engagement rings can be exchanged or resized for free within a certain time frame. So don’t be afraid to size up to ensure the ring will easily slide on when you pop the question.

How Tight Should a Ring Fit?

A ring should fit snugly and comfortably. Nobody wants squished fingers. Equally obnoxious is having to constantly adjust your ring to keep it from slipping off (and heaven forbid! falling down a drain or gutter). The perfect ring fit is easy to take on and off, sliding comfortably over the knuckle; it won’t accidentally slip off even if you dangle or shake your fingers, yet it’s still loose enough that you can’t tell it’s there while you’re wearing it throughout the day.

London Blue Topaz Ring - Ilse	Open Leaf Ring - Ada
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Diamond Eternity Ring	Gold Stacking Ring - Liv
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How Do You Know If Your Ring is Too Small?

If you can “feel” your ring or are very aware that it’s there, it’s probably too tight. Other sure signs include being unable to easily twist the ring around the base of your finger or that pins-and-needles sensation you get from things like sitting on your foot. Another sign is if you struggle to get it on and off. Finally, if you experience any discomfort, you can’t feel your finger, or it looks swollen or pale… your ring is definitely too tight, and you should take it off, as cutting off blood circulation has some serious health consequences.

How Will I Know if I Have the Right Size?

Ultimately, you know you have the right size ring when it’s easy to put on, it’s comfortable to wear even for hours, and it won’t fall off no matter how much you wiggle your fingers. We have some pro tips for getting the most accurate measurement. First, if you already have a ring collection, which one is the most comfortable, and which one do you find yourself reaching for most often? That ring is your ideal ring size.

If you’re measuring from scratch, make sure to measure the base of the finger near the nape of your knuckle, where the ring will sit. Also, measure the knuckle and consider sizing up if it’s noticeably bigger (but not if it’s the same size or smaller, so the ring won’t fall off). Finally, given that several factors, including exercise, temperature, and a salty meal, impact finger size, measure your fingers several times over the day and take an average.

What Is the Average Ring Size for Women?

The average ring size for women is a U.S. size 6. This size corresponds to a 51.3 mm inner circumference. While the U.S. scale goes from 3 to 16 and can include half or even quarter sizes, usually, brands that specialize only in rings are the ones that carry the full spectrum of sizes. Jewelers that offer a variety of pieces stick to a range that they feel best serves their customer base. Linjer, for example, carries sizes 4 - 10 (46.7 to 62.2 mm in circumference). Also, different fingers have different sizes, so before you order, consider which finger you want the ring for.

How Do I Secretly Find Out Someone Else’s Ring Size?

The first and easiest way is to ask friends and family. Many women share their ring size in the event that one day their fiancé will need to ask. But, if even Mom doesn’t know, don’t despair. Another clever method is to take one of her favorite existing rings and measure that. Just remember that not all fingers are the same size, and fingers on the dominant hand are usually bigger.

Finally, and for the most accuracy, invent an excuse or game in which she either needs to try on rings or use the string method (or try it while she’s sleeping!).

Pro tip: It’s less suspicious if someone else does this. For example, maybe a photographer friend needs to do a photo shoot with costume jewelry. Or maybe a colleague wants to “borrow” her finger to help estimate the ring size for his girlfriend. Get creative!

Diamond Solitaire Ring	Moonstone Ring - Elisa
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Baguette Ring London Blue Topaz - Charlotte	Leaf Ring - Freya
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Does Ring Size Increase With Age?

Ring size can change with age as our bodies undergo changes. The more you use your fingers, the more likely they are to experience muscle, tissue, and bone growth; that’s why the fingers are your dominant hand tend to be larger—because you use them more. The knuckles can also grow larger with time (especially if you’re given to cracking them).

Other factors affecting finger size are pregnancy, dietary changes, allergies and intolerances, weight gain, and moving to a warmer, more humid climate. That said, ring size can also decrease with age. In the end, it really depends on your unique set of circumstances. The good news is that many rings can be resized.

Does Band Thickness Affect Ring Size?

Yes, you may need slightly different ring sizes for bands of different thicknesses. The reason is that thicker bands cover more surface area, and they need to be appropriately sized to slide over the knuckle and to comfortably fit the entire area of the finger that it will rest on. Thin rings are a bit easier to wiggle over the knuckle and can be situated on the part of the base that best suits the size.

Does Ring Size Change With Weather?

Yes, ring size definitely changes with the weather. Your fingers will be slightly smaller in the winter than in the summer. But, factors beyond temperature affect your ring size also! Things like humidity and barometric pressure can have an effect as well. It’s best to measure your finger in the climate where you live. And, if you want an average, you can try measuring the circumference of your fingers at different temperatures.

Are Ring Sizes Different On Each Hand?

Yes - your ring size differs between the left and right hands, with the fingers on the dominant hand being larger. Because you use your dominant hand more often and for different kinds of activities, there is more muscle, tissue, and bone growth in the fingers on that hand. Keep in mind that that might not be the case for some musicians.

The Bottom Line

Ring sizing isn’t rocket science, but with a bit of precision, you’re guaranteed the most comfortable fit. There’s more than one way to measure, and they are all quite simple! Once you know your size, get inspired with Linjer's Ring Collection, where you’ll find all of your favorite designs, from edgy to elegant to everyday.