4 Easy Ways to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

Nothing spoils a big moment like offering up a ring that's the wrong size. Whether you're presenting an engagement ring, giving your sweetheart a sapphire for her birthday, or surprising your husband with an anniversary band, getting the ring size right the first time saves you the hassle of a return trip to the jeweler for resizing—and the embarrassment of trying to force an ill-fitting ring onto your partner's finger.

If you're visiting a jeweler in person, their specialized ring-sizing tools—and expert experience—can help you find the size that's best for your finger. But if a trip to the store would spoil the surprise, take measurements at home with these key tips and low-tech measuring methods.

Use a Ring You Already Have

Measuring a ring you (or your partner) wear often—and find comfortable—lowers your risk of ordering the wrong size. Many jewelers offer online tools that allow you to compare a ring you have to a pre-sized circle and find a match, like the Bario Neal ring sizing guide, which allows you to compare diameters for rings from size 2 to 16.

If you opt to use this type of size guide, make sure that your printer scale settings match the guidelines from the company, and that you are measuring the inside diameter of the ring—not from outer edge to outer edge (which would include the width of the metal, throwing off your final number). 

Measure With String or Dental Floss

Using string—or dental floss—to measure your finger allows you to feel how loose or tight the band will be.

1. Wrap the string around the base of your finger, marking where the loose end meets the rest of the string.
2. Lay the string out and measure its length in millimeters.
3. Divide that number by 3.14 to find the diameter of the circle.

Online ring size conversion charts, like those from Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth, and Bario Neal can help you find the size that's closest to the diameter you measured; for example, a diameter of 14.1 to 14.4 usually fits a size 3, a diameter of 14.5 to 14.8 typically fits a size 3.5.

Use a Measuring Tape

To skip the lay-flat-and-measure step, use a flexible measuring tape—like the one in your sewing kit—to measure the circumference of your finger. If you can't get a close look at the millimeter measurement, use inches; then translate inches into ring size using a conversion chart like the one from Brilliant Earth.

Print Out a Ring Size Measurer

Printable measuring tools offer the best of several techniques: A chance to feel how the ring fits around your finger and no need for conversion math. With printer settings matching the indicated scale, you can print and cut out a paper strip with a ring size chart printed on it. Make a slit in the sizer where indicated, and pull the shorter end through to see which ring size your finger lands on. 

3 Tips That Will Help You Measure Accurately

Heed this advice to ensure you order a ring sized just right.

Get the Right Fit

Take your cue from Goldilocks when considering the ideal fit for your ring: You don't want it too loose or too tight—but just right. This means you can fit the ring over your knuckle when you're putting it on, but it won't slip back over your knuckle and fall off. It should sit comfortably at the base of your finger without spinning, but also without cutting off your blood circulation.

Measure More Than Once 

Since the size of your finger can change based on what you had for dinner, how cold or hot you are, and the time of day, you should measure multiple times—perhaps even over several months—to get a result that accurately accounts for these fluctuations, says Page Neal, co-founder and principal designer at Bario Neal. "It could even take a few seasons to get the right ring size for you, as a ring can feel tighter after consuming alcohol or a salty meal, or amid certain weather or activities," she says.

Try Your Rings Together (If Possible)

Another reason to try on rings in person: The specific band, gem, and coordinating rings you choose can all influence the way the jewelry feels on your finger. "There are lighter-weight, narrow bands, comfort fit bands, and heavier gemstones, all of which play into the size and fit that's right for you," says Neal.

She also recommends discussing your vision for your entire set of wedding jewelry—and any anniversary pieces you hope to collect in the future—with a professional before confirming your ring size. "You need to consider the full stack of your rings—engagement, wedding band, etc.—as you might need to shift your ring size by a quarter if you're stacking a wider band with a narrow ring."