Ring Size Guide: How to Measure at Home, With a US, UK and EU Chart

To find your ring size at home, measure the inside diameter of a ring that fits you, or wrap a strip of paper around the base of your finger to get the circumference in millimeters, then match the number to the chart below. For example, an inside diameter of about 17.3 mm (54.4 mm around) is a US 7, UK O, EU 54.

Measuring takes five minutes, but a few details make the difference between a ring that slides off and one you forget you are wearing. Here is how we explain it to customers at our Grand Bazaar counter.

Method 1: measure a ring that already fits

This is the most reliable home method, as long as the ring fits the finger you are buying for.

1. Choose a ring with a similar band width to the one you want.
2. Lay it flat on a ruler with millimeter markings.
3. Measure the inside diameter, from inner edge to inner edge, across the widest point. Do not include the metal.
4. Find the closest diameter in the chart below. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger.

You can also place the ring on a printed ring sizer, but only trust a printed sizer if you have checked that it printed at 100% scale by measuring its reference line with a ruler.

Method 2: the string or paper strip method

1. Cut a thin strip of paper, about 5 mm wide, or use a piece of non-stretchy string.
2. Wrap it around the base of your finger, snug but not tight.
3. Mark where the end overlaps with a fine pen.
4. Check that the loop can slide over your knuckle. If it cannot, loosen it slightly and mark again.
5. Lay the strip flat and measure from the end to the mark in millimeters. This is your circumference.
6. Match it to the circumference column in the chart.

Paper is better than string because string can stretch or compress. Measure two or three times and use the average.

Ring size conversion chart

Inside diameter and circumference are the true measurements; letter and number systems are just labels for them. Charts from different sources can differ by a fraction of a millimeter, so if you are between sizes, go by the millimeters.

Two quick rules help if your number falls outside this range: each whole US size adds about 0.8 mm to the inside diameter (about 2.6 mm to the circumference), and the EU size is simply the inside circumference in millimeters, rounded. Turkey also uses this millimeter-based system.

Fit tips that most charts leave out

Wide bands fit tighter

A wide band covers more of the finger, so it feels snugger than a thin band of the same size. For bands about 6 mm wide or more, many people go up half a size. Chunky and textured rings, such as dome or mesh bands, often need the same allowance.

Measure at the right time

Fingers swell when warm, after exercise and later in the day, and shrink when cold. Measure at room temperature, at the end of the day, and not right after a shower or workout. Measure twice on different days if you can.

Knuckles

If your knuckle is larger than the base of your finger, size for the knuckle so the ring can get on and off, but not so loose that it spins. Measure both the base and the knuckle and choose a size between the two if they differ a lot.

Dominant hand and specific fingers

Fingers on your dominant hand are often slightly larger. Each finger is different, so measure the exact finger the ring is for. Your index finger and ring finger can easily be a full size apart.

Buying a surprise ring

Borrow a ring the person wears on the same finger and measure it with Method 1, or trace its inside on paper. If you have to guess, many women wear between US 5 and 7, but a guess is only a guess, so check the return and resizing terms.

14K Solid Gold Flat Wedding Band Polished Ring for Him and Her View Flat Wedding Band Polished Ring for Him and Her on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Half Eternity Ring View Half Eternity Ring on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Twisted Rope Ring View Twisted Rope Ring on Etsy

Ordering a ring from us

Several of our ring listings are made to your size: you choose your size when ordering and our goldsmiths make the ring to fit. Where a size option is shown, select it carefully using the steps above. If you are unsure, send Şerif a message with your millimeter measurement and the band width you are considering, and he will help you choose.

Because our rings are solid 14K gold, many designs can be resized later by a goldsmith. Eternity and half eternity bands, with stones running around the band, are harder to resize, so it is worth taking extra care with those. Returns are accepted, with the exact window shown on each Etsy listing. Browse our solid gold rings or start with our matching sets.

14K Solid Gold Solitaire Ring View Solitaire Ring on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Toi et Moi Ring View Toi et Moi Ring on Etsy 14K Solid Gold Chunky Gold Ring View Chunky Gold Ring on Etsy

Related guides

If you are choosing a ring as a gift, our anniversary gold jewelry ideas may help. Wondering which metal suits a daily ring? Read 14K vs 18K gold. Sizing a bracelet next? See our bracelet size guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common ring size?

Sizes vary widely, but many women wear around US 6 to 7 and many men around US 9 to 10. Always measure rather than relying on averages.

Should a ring be tight or loose?

A ring should slide over your knuckle with slight resistance and sit snugly at the base of your finger without spinning freely or leaving a deep mark.

Is it better to size up or down?

If you are between sizes, size up, especially for wide bands. A slightly larger ring is more comfortable in warm weather and easier to adjust than one that will not go on.

How do I convert a US ring size to UK?

Use the chart above: for example, US 6 is about UK M and US 7 is about UK O. Comparing inside diameters in millimeters is the most accurate way.

Can a solid gold ring be resized?

Most plain and lightly set solid gold rings can be resized by a goldsmith. Eternity bands and some patterned designs are difficult or impossible to resize, so measure carefully before ordering.