How to Measure Ring Size
Finding the right ring size is an important part of designing an engagement ring or piece of fine jewellery, particularly when you’re purchasing online or planning a surprise proposal.
A ring should feel comfortable and secure, sitting neatly on the finger without feeling too tight or slipping over the knuckle. While professional sizing is the most accurate option, there are several reliable ways to get a close measurement at home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to measure ring size, from using an existing ring to measuring your finger at home, along with helpful tips for getting the most accurate result.
The Basics of a Good Fit
Before measuring your ring size, it’s helpful to understand how a well-fitting ring should feel. A ring should slide over the knuckle with a small amount of friction, then sit comfortably at the base of your finger without feeling tight or leaving deep marks on the skin.
Some resistance when removing the ring is important, as this helps keep it securely in place throughout the day. If it slides over the knuckle too easily, there is a greater risk of it coming off unintentionally.
Professional sizing is always the most accurate option, but this isn’t always possible when you’re planning for a surprise proposal, or unable to visit a local jeweller.
In the journal below, we’ll cover some of the most reliable methods for measuring ring size, along with tips to help you get as close to the right fit as possible.
Timing Matters: When to Measure Your Finger
Finger size can vary throughout the day, so when you measure can affect the result. Temperature, activity and natural changes in fluid retention can all influence how your fingers fit.
For the most consistent measurement, we recommend measuring in the late afternoon or early evening, when your hands have had time to return to their usual daytime size. Avoid measuring when your hands are particularly cold or hot, as temperature can temporarily affect finger size.
For the most reliable result, measure your finger when your hands are at a comfortable room temperature and take the measurement more than once to check for consistency.
How to Measure Ring Size at Home
If you’re wondering how to measure ring size at home, there are several ways to get a reliable estimate using tools you may already have at home. While professional ring sizing is the most accurate option, at-home methods can be particularly useful when you’re shopping online or choosing an engagement ring as a surprise.
Method One: Ring Sizing Kit
Our first and most accurate recommendation is our complimentary ring sizing kits. Equipped with all the tools and instructions you need, you can use this ring sizing tool from the comfort of your own home, and purchase your dream ring with confidence. Keep in mind that your dominant hand tends to be slightly bigger, so make sure you are measuring the finger you intend to wear the ring on. Simply request one of our free ring sizers below, or get in touch via email.
Method Two: An Existing Ring
Check for sizing stamps inside you or your partner's rings. Take the time to discreetly search through your partner's jewellery box and look for hallmark stamps on the inside of the ring. Typically you can identify the ring by a letter or number (For example, “52” or “M”).
It is important to note which finger you typically wear that ring on, and how that translates to the finger you intend to wear your new piece of jewellery on. It isn’t uncommon for your dominant hand to be larger, and for fingers to increase in size closer to the thumb.
At TMC, we work with standard Australian ring sizing. Wherever you are located in the world, refer to our international sizing chart so you convert the measurement and choose the right ring size.
Method Three: The String Method
One of the simplest ways to measure ring size at home is with a piece of string, dental floss or a narrow strip of paper. This method measures the circumference of your finger, which can then be compared with a ring size chart.
- Wrap the string or paper comfortably around the base of your finger.
- Mark the point where the material overlaps.
- Lay it flat against a ruler and measure the length in millimetres.
- Compare your measurement with a ring size chart to find the corresponding ring size.
This method can be useful as a guide, but it is less precise than a ring sizing tool. String and dental floss can also stretch, and pulling the material too tightly can result in a measurement that is smaller than your actual finger size.
How to Measure Ring Size Without Them Knowing
When designing an engagement ring and keeping the proposal a surprise, it can make measuring ring size a little more difficult. Fortunately, there are several discreet ways to get an indication of your partner’s ring size without giving away the surprise.
Compare Their Ring to Your Finger
If you have access to one of their rings, place it on one of your own fingers and note where it sits. While this won’t provide an exact measurement, it can give you a useful starting point.
During a TMC consultation, our team can also assess the ring and help estimate the appropriate size for the new ring. If you know which finger they wear this ring on, it will also be super valuable information for our consultants to make an education assumption on their size.
Bring an Existing Ring to a Jeweller
One of the most reliable ways to find someone’s ring size discreetly is to bring one of their existing rings to a jeweller.
Ideally, choose a ring they wear on the same finger the new ring will be worn on. There may still be some variation in size between fingers, but an existing ring gives a jeweller a much more useful reference point than an estimate alone.
Ask Someone Close to Them
Sometimes the simplest approach is to ask someone who may already know. A close friend, sibling or family member may know your partner’s ring size or be able to find it out naturally without revealing the reason.
You can also use a casual conversation about jewellery as an opportunity to ask about ring sizes without raising suspicion.
Ring Size Charts and International Ring Sizes
Once you have measured your finger, you’ll need to convert the measurement into a ring size. This is where a ring size chart comes in.
Ring sizing systems differ around the world, so your size may be represented by a letter or number depending on where you are shopping. TMC Fine Jewellers uses standard Australian ring sizing, which follows the alphabetical sizing system used in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
If you are shopping internationally, use our international ring size conversion chart to convert between Australian, US and other international ring sizes. When using a ring size chart, make sure you are comparing the correct measurement. Finger circumference, ring circumference and ring diameter are different measurements, so it is important to use the corresponding column.
DIY Methods vs Professional Ring Sizing
At-home methods can provide a useful estimate, but professional ring sizing remains the most accurate way to determine your ring size.
Jewellers use tools such as ring mandrels and sizing rings to assess the size of an existing ring or determine how different sizes fit on the finger. A ring sizing tool is also generally more reliable than measuring with string or paper, as it allows you to assess the actual fit of a ring around your finger.
If you regularly shop for jewellery online, keeping a ring sizing tool at home can also make it easier to check your size before ordering.
Below, are several factors to be mindful of, that can affect how a ring feels once it is on your finger.
Knuckle Size
If your knuckle is wider than the base of your finger, your ring needs to be large enough to pass comfortably over the knuckle while still sitting securely at the base of your finger.
A correctly sized ring should have some resistance when passing over the knuckle. If you have a significant difference between the size of your knuckle and the base of your finger, speak with a jeweller about the best fit for your ring.
In some cases, sizing beads or other adjustments can help keep a ring secure without reducing the overall ring size.
Ring Width and Fit
The width of a ring can affect how it feels on your finger. Wider bands have more surface area against the skin and can feel more snug than a narrow band in the same size.
The interior shape of the ring can also make a difference. Comfort-fit rings have a slightly curved interior, allowing the ring to move more easily over the finger and knuckle. Standard-fit rings have a flatter interior.
If you are choosing a wider wedding band or engagement ring, we recommend trying on a similar width where possible, as the same ring size can feel different depending on the design.
What to Do If You Are Between Ring Sizes
If your measurement falls between two ring sizes, don’t automatically assume that you need to choose the larger size.
The best fit can depend on the width and design of the ring, your knuckle size and how the ring feels when worn. A jeweller can help determine which size is most appropriate for the individual ring.
Complimentary Ring Resizing at TMC
While we have a few recommendations on how to make an educated guess, we know sometimes it’s just not possible to get it perfect. If your TMC ring is not the correct size, we provide one complimentary resize, within the first 6 months of your purchase, inclusive of 2 sizes up and 2 sizes down. Simply secure a ring drop-off appointment, or get in touch with our friendly team so we can support you on your journey.
We recommend wearing it for at least a week before deciding whether or not to resize it. This is because our fingers can fluctuate in size, due to temperature, weather, hormones and even exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our first and most accurate recommendation is our complimentary ring sizing kits. Equipped with all the tools and instructions you need, you can use this ring sizing tool from the comfort of your own home, and purchase your dream ring with confidence. You can also measure an existing ring that fits well or use the string or paper method, although these methods may be less precise.
Our first and most accurate recommendation is our complimentary ring sizing kits. Equipped with all the tools and instructions you need, you can use this ring sizing tool from the comfort of your own home, and purchase your dream ring with confidence. You can also measure an existing ring that fits well or use the string or paper method, although these methods may be less precise.
If you’re planning a surprise proposal, you can discreetly measure their ring size by borrowing a ring they already wear on the correct finger, comparing it against your own finger, or asking a close friend or family member. Bringing an existing ring to a jeweller can also help determine the closest size.
If you’re planning a surprise proposal, you can discreetly measure their ring size by borrowing a ring they already wear on the correct finger, comparing it against your own finger, or asking a close friend or family member. Bringing an existing ring to a jeweller can also help determine the closest size.
Having your finger professionally measured by a jeweller is the most reliable way to determine your ring size. A ring sizing kit is a useful alternative when measuring at home, particularly if you’re unable to visit a jeweller.
Having your finger professionally measured by a jeweller is the most reliable way to determine your ring size. A ring sizing kit is a useful alternative when measuring at home, particularly if you’re unable to visit a jeweller.
For a more consistent measurement, we recommend measuring your ring size in the late afternoon or early evening when your hands are at a comfortable room temperature. Finger size can change throughout the day due to temperature, activity and natural fluid retention.
For a more consistent measurement, we recommend measuring your ring size in the late afternoon or early evening when your hands are at a comfortable room temperature. Finger size can change throughout the day due to temperature, activity and natural fluid retention.
If you fall between two ring sizes, the best choice depends on the ring design, band width and how the ring feels on your finger. A jeweller can help determine which size is most suitable based on the specific ring you’re purchasing.
If you fall between two ring sizes, the best choice depends on the ring design, band width and how the ring feels on your finger. A jeweller can help determine which size is most suitable based on the specific ring you’re purchasing.
Yes. Wider bands can feel more snug than narrow bands in the same ring size. When choosing a wider ring, it’s important to consider how the band feels when it moves over your knuckle and sits at the base of your finger.
Yes. Wider bands can feel more snug than narrow bands in the same ring size. When choosing a wider ring, it’s important to consider how the band feels when it moves over your knuckle and sits at the base of your finger.
Yes. Finger size can vary throughout the day due to changes in temperature, activity and natural fluid retention. Measuring more than once can help you check that your measurement is consistent.
Yes. Finger size can vary throughout the day due to changes in temperature, activity and natural fluid retention. Measuring more than once can help you check that your measurement is consistent.
Yes. Ring size can vary between fingers, and your dominant and non-dominant hands may also differ slightly. Always measure the specific finger the ring will be worn on rather than relying on the size of another ring.
Yes. Ring size can vary between fingers, and your dominant and non-dominant hands may also differ slightly. Always measure the specific finger the ring will be worn on rather than relying on the size of another ring.
Bespoke
Made to order, to your chosen specifications in 5-7 weeks. You lead the way choosing each intricate detail of your ring. This includes metal type, gemstone size, band width, melee stones and more.
Lifetime Warranty
Lifetime Warranty for all engagement, wedding and fine jewellery pieces. This is also inclusive of complimentary lifetime servicing.
ETHICAL
Lovingly crafted from ethically sourced precious materials, including the highest quality Australian gold, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite gemstones.
COMPLIMENTARY RESIZING
If your TMC ring is not the correct size, we provide one complimentary resize, within the first 6 months of your purchase.
