3 Easy Ways to Find Your Ring Size at home

Knowing your ring size is important when purchasing a ring online, gifting a ring to someone, or resizing a ring that no longer fits. But how can you easily find your ring size without visiting a jewelry store? In this article, you’ll learn three easy methods using minimal tools that you can try at home.

Of course, if you are making an expensive purchase, you’ll want to have a professional ring fitting session with your local jeweler for complete accuracy. However, for less expensive purchases online, these methods will help you find the ring size you need using minimal tools and can be done from the comfort of your own home. I’ve also included a handy size chart for you to compare your measurements.

1. String Method  

Most people have a piece of string at home so this is a quick and easy way to measure your ring size. Here’s what to do:

Tools Needed: String, ruler with millimeters and a pen 

1. Most people have a piece of string at home so this is a quick and easy way to measure your ring size. 
2. Wrap the string around the base of your finger.
3. Tie a knot or mark it where the ends meet.

Carefully slide the string off your finger and measure the the inside diameter of the string in millimeters using a ruler or tape measure.

2. Paper Strip Measurement

A similar method like string is using a small strip of paper.

1. Cut a small strip of paper
2. Cut a slit in one end ¾ the width of the paper. 
3. Make a circle and slide the cut end onto the band of paper connecting it.  This creates a sliding band to make it easier to cinch the paper closer to your finger.
4. Use a pen to mark where the paper band feels like a good fit making sure it slides over the knuckle
5. Place a small piece of tape to secure in place before sliding off your finger (opt)
6. Either measure the length of the paper band to the mark, or measure the diameter of the circle. Compare your measurements with the conversion chart below to find your ring size.

Pro Tip: Perform the measurement twice at the beginning and at the end of the day as your finger size does fluctuate throughout the day depending on heat, swelling etc. 

Questions: 

How tight should the string or paper be around the finger?  Not too tight but it should fit comfortably snug. Make sure you can slide it over your knuckle easily.

What type of string or paper should I use?  Use non-stretchy string and regular copy paper should work just fine.

What if my size falls between two sizes? It's best to size up so you are able to remove the ring comfortably over your knuckle and to accommodate any possible swelling.  Nothing is worse than a ring that is too tight and is a struggle to remove.

3: Using an Existing Ring

If you have an existing ring that fits the finger you are trying to find your ring size for, you can use this method.  It’s also a great way to size a ring for a surprise gift.

Tools Needed: An existing ring that fits well, a ruler with millimeters, a ring size chart (below).  

Measure the inner diameter of the ring with a ruler or tape measure, then take that measurement and match it to the chart.

Pro Tip: Make sure it is a ring that fits the correct finger. For instance, If the person is right handed and the ring fits perfectly on a finger on that hand, it won’t necessarily fit perfectly on the left.  This is because the dominant hand is always slightly larger than the opposite hand.

Ring Size Conversion Chart

U.S Ring Size	Inside Diameter (mm)	Inside Circumference (mm)
3	14.1	44.2
3.5	14.5	45.5
4	14.9	46.8
4.5	15.3	48.0
5	15.7	49.3
5.5	16.1	50.6
6	16.5	51.9
6.5	16.9	53.1
7	17.3	54.4
7.5	17.7	55.7
8	18.1	57.0
8.5	18.5	58.3
9	18.9	59.5
9.5	19.4	60.8
10	19.8	62.1
10.5	20.2	63.4
11	20.6	64.6
11.5	21.0	65.9
12	21.4	67.2
12.5	21.8	68.5
13	22.2	69.7

4: Bonus Method - Use a Printable Ring Size Guide

If you need some extra reassurance that you are finding your ring size correctly, you can double check against a printable ring sizing tool.  You can find one easily online.  This one from Zales is great for measuring an existing ring, perfect for planning a surprise gift!  

Tools Needed: Printable ring sizer tool (available online), a printer, paper, scissors and an existing ring.

1. Print a ring sizer template, make sure you print to the scale that is suggested.
2. Follow the guide to measure either your finger or an existing ring.
3. Match the measurement to the provided chart. Use to double check the methods 1 and 2 above.

Pro Tip: Remember that finger sizes can change due to factors such as pregnancy, weight loss, and other conditions. Keep this in mind when sizing a ring with this method, and ensure the ring will still fit comfortably.

General tips

When sizing a wide band ring or cuff ring take note that the ring needs to slide over the knuckle comfortably. If in doubt, size up!

Can I use the size chart for silicone rings? Yes, but the fit will seem looser because of the softness and flexibility of the material compared to a metal ring, and may be more difficult to get an accurate fit.

Ring sizes vary by region; for instance, sizes differ in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Japan (e.g., U.S., UK, EU, Japan). Use the appropriate chart for the country you are purchasing from, or refer to a global conversion chart.

Finding your ring size is easy when you know how!

Find your ring size easily by following one of these simple at home methods. Whether you use a string, a strip of paper, or an existing ring, these techniques will help you get a good idea of the measurement without leaving your house. Remember to consider factors like finger swelling and size variations depending on where you live for the best results.

Ready to find the perfect ring? Use these tips to measure your size, then explore my unique collection of Handmade Unique Rings to match your style!