How To Use a Ring Size Chart To Measure Your Ring Size at Home

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Measuring your ring size at home can seem intimidating (trust me, I've been in your shoes) but it's actually as simple as using a printable ring size chart or even just a piece of string. Here's the thing, deciding on the perfect engagement ring is a lot of pressure as it is, from working out your ring budget and finding the perfect diamond shape to deciding on your ideal ring metal. Figuring out your exact ring size should not be a heavy lift on your engagement to-do list. That's where our printable ring sizer comes in to help make measuring your ring size at home a breeze. Of course, I know it's not always that simple. If you're planning a surprise proposal and want to secretly measure your partner's finger, fear not: In this all-encompassing engagement ring size chart guide, you'll find tips to find your partner's size without them knowing, answers to common questions about how to measure ring size and a few top tips straight from jewelers.

In this article:

• The Knot's Printable Ring Size Chart
• How to Use Our Ring Size Chart
• Understanding Ring Sizes
• How to Secretly Find Your Partner's Ring Size
• Where to Get Your Engagement Ring Properly Sized

The Knot's Printable Ring Size Chart

Illustration: Tiana Crispino

How to Use Our Ring Size Chart

There's not just one, but three different ways you can use our printable ring size chart above to measure your ring size at home. Try one or all three to ensure your perfect fit:

1. Use a ring you already have

Head to your jewelry box and grab a ring you already have. This ring size method is based on the inside diameter measurement of a ring that fits the fourth finger of your left hand. Basically, be sure to pick out a ring that you wear on your left ring finger (or whichever you plan on wearing your engagement ring) for the most accurate sizing.

1. Print the ring size chart. To make sure it's printed to the actual size, choose "Scale 100" when selecting your print options.
2. Place the ring over the circles, lining up the inside edges of the ring to the circle that best matches the ring size chart. If the ring is between two sizes, choose the larger one.

2. With the paper test on our ring chart

Next up is the paper test. You can use the paper strip at the bottom of the chart like a tape measure to find your specific ring size:

1. Print the ring sizer, making sure that it is printed to actual size.
2. Cut out the ring sizer paper test and create a slot where marked.
3. With the numbers facing out, slip the tip of the ring sizer through the slot.
4. Place the sizer on your ring finger and carefully pull it taut to read the finger size.

3. With a Piece of String

Let's get crafty! This ring-size method uses a string to find your most accurate ring size:

1. Print the ring size chart, making sure that it is printed to actual size.
2. Wrap a piece of string around your ring finger and cut it at the point where the end overlaps.
3. Line the string up with the ring size guide provided on the ring size chart. The one that best matches is your ring size. If the ring is between two sizes, choose the larger one.

While all of these ring size methods are fast, convenient and free, there may be accuracy discrepancies due to things such as printer settings or the stretch of the string. Consider using more than one ring size method for a "measure twice, cut once" approach to ring sizing. We also recommend using tools and tips provided on any jeweler's website. Some may also offer to send a free ring sizer before you make a purchase, so read the fine print to learn about your options.

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Understanding Ring Sizes

When it comes to engagement rings and wedding rings, one thing is for sure: size matters. Standard ring sizes are given in millimeters based on the inner circumference of the ring. Just like clothing, rings are sized on a standard scale so that a woman's size 6 is the same from jeweler to jeweler. With that said, if you've ever bought jeans from different brands, you're well aware that a clothing size 6 doesn't always fit the same way—and it's no different for rings.

Are ring sizes universal?

If you're curious to know whether ring sizes are universal, the answer ultimately depends on where you are in the world. Ring sizing becomes a little more complicated when you factor in regional variations. The US and Canada follow a numerical scale with half and quarter sizes; however, other countries may follow an alphabetical scale, which only uses whole sizes or includes a set circumference adjustment. There are also some deviations in ring size charts among jewelers regardless of location. "All the jewelers in the world go by two different metrics of sizing," says David Ryan Pomije, co-founder and CEO of Bijoux Jewels. "The metrics have to do with the starting point of your ring size—either on the side edge of the ring or the center of the inside of the ring. It's up to the jewelry company to decide what metrics they want to use."

Does ring style impact ring size?

And to add one more wrench in ring sizing, the style needs to be considered. "Some designs, like those with diamonds all the way around, cannot be sized after they're designed because it will stretch the metal holding the stones in place, causing them to fall out," says Emily Duke, creative director and design consultant of DiamondEnvy.com. Such factors are important to take into consideration when using a ring size chart at home—so if you find yourself confused by the process, you can always head to a local jewelry store to ask a gemologist for help.

What should I do if I'm in between ring sizes?

When in doubt, go up a size. It's much easier to resize a ring to make it smaller than the other way around. A size up may also be better if you live in a warm environment as heat can cause your fingers to swell.

How to Secretly Find Your Partner's Ring Size

Wondering how to measure ring size without your partner knowing? Don't worry! You don't have to ruin a surprise proposal by asking your partner their ring size. Find an insider source who might have the scoop on what ring size they wear. A parent, best friend or sibling may know, or they may be able to work their magic to find out their ring size without them suspecting a thing.

"Also pay attention to the jewelry they're already wearing," Duke says. "Do they have a ring that fits on their left ring finger or even the middle finger? If so, wait for them to remove it and secretly take it to a jeweler to be sized. If they only take it off to work out or shower and you have limited access to the ring, buy a bar of soap and press the ring in to make a mold. Your jeweler should be able to use the markings to identify the correct ring size."

If your partner literally only takes off their rings to lotion their hands for five seconds, slip the ring on your finger and note exactly where it fits on your finger. Using the various ring size charts and sizers, you or a jeweler should be able to replicate the fit. If all else fails, go for a larger ring size; it's easier to resize a ring smaller than it is to go bigger.

Where to Get Your Engagement Ring Properly Sized

There are a variety of ring sizers, ring size charts and other tools to measure your ring size at home, but if you'd rather get it done by a professional, that's absolutely an option. In fact, possibly the easiest ring sizing method of all is to skip the ring size chart and go straight to the source: a jeweler, which you can easily find near you using The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

"In-store, jewelers use a mandrel—a graduated metal wand with markers for size—to determine the size of a ring," Duke says. "We simply slip the ring on and wherever it stops tells us the size." By working directly with a jeweler, you won't need to worry about ring size charts or measurement methods, as they'll measure using any unique specifications they require.

If the in-person method logistically won't work, consider purchasing your own mandrel set or a plastic ring sizer to use at home while following a ring size chart. "While getting sized by a jeweler is more accurate, purchasing a ring sizer online can be more convenient and won't cost too much," says Monil Kathari, founder of Antandre.