Exactly How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

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Wedding and engagement rings have long been exchanged as symbols of love, honor and devotion. The circular ring has neither a start nor finish, which is emblematic of an everlasting union, and the custom of wearing it on the left hand is said to stem from the ancient Egyptians' belief that the fourth finger's vein connects directly to the heart. With such rich meaning and symbolism, wedding and engagement rings are designed to last a lifetime—so it makes sense that the ring size needs to be spot on.

If you're not sure how to measure ring size, you're in the right place. We've created a printable ring size chart to help you measure your ring size from the comfort of home. Of course, we know it's not always that simple. If you're planning to propose 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:

• How to Understand Ring Sizes
• Printable Ring Size Chart
• How to Use Our Ring Size Chart
• Common Questions About How to Measure Ring Size
• Where to Get Your Ring Sized
• Ring Sizing Tips from Jewelers
• How to Measure Ring Size Without Your Partner Knowing

How to Understand 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.

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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 of 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."

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.

Printable Ring Size Chart

If you find yourself wondering, "What's my ring size?" we have good news: You can easily measure it at home. We've created a printable ring size chart measured to scale. Simply print out this image to its actual size, and follow the directions below to successfully use this ring sizing chart.

How to Use Our Ring Size Chart

There are three ways you can use the ring size chart above to measure your finger, which we explain here:

With 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.

1. Print the ring size chart. To make sure it's printed to 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 on the ring size chart. If the ring is in between two sizes, choose the larger ring size.

With the Paper Strip

Using the paper strip at the bottom of the chart, this ring size method uses a tape measure-style approach with specific ring metrics.

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.

With a Piece of String

This ring size method provides a flat measurement tool to be used with a plain piece of string.

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 in between two sizes, choose the larger ring size.

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 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.

Common Questions About How to Measure Ring Size

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Have a specific concern about how to measure ring size? We've listed out some of your frequently asked questions regarding how to measure your ring size.

What do I need to measure my ring size?

It depends on what method you want to try. You can purchase a mandrel set or print out a ring size chart to measure a ring that already comfortably fits you. If you don't have a ring to measure against, use a string to measure your finger and compare it to your printed ring size chart.

Can I tell my ring size from a ring I already have?

There are several ways to find out your ring size if you already have a ring that fits you well. Bring it to a jeweler to measure or slip the ring onto a mandrel to determine the size. You can also compare your ring to a printed ring size chart, in which you find the circle size that best matches your ring.

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.

Can I find out my partner's ring size without them knowing?

Yes! If you can temporarily get your hands on a ring that already fits your partner, you can use the tips mentioned above to determine the size. If you're in a pinch, you can always slip the ring on your own finger and see where it fits and then consult with a jeweler. Alternatively, ask your partner's friends or family members if they know the correct size.

Where to Get Your Ring Sized

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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.

"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.

Ring Sizing Tips from Jewelers

Before you head to a store or print out our ring size chart, read up on a few more ring sizing tricks of the trade to find the perfect fit.

• Go for a snug fit. "As jewelers, we always say the ring should 'go on easy, come off hard,'" Duke says. "This means you have the right fit and the ring is sized properly for the finger, minimizing the risk of loss."
• Keep seasons in mind. "Your fingers tend to change size throughout the course of the year, especially during summer and winter," Kothari says. "They'll swell up a bit during the summer so keep that in mind so the ring doesn't become uncomfortable to wear during those months."
• Consider the width of the band. "The wider the band, the tighter it will fit," says Duke, who recommends going up .25 to .5 size for rings with wider styles.
• Warm up your hands. If you've just come in from the cold or naturally have colder hands, Pomije recommends warming them to room temperature for the most accurate ring sizing.
• Go big. If you get two different finger measurements or find that a ring you wear often fits differently from time to time, Duke says it's best to choose a slightly larger ring size, and, if you can, consult a professional.

How to Measure Ring Size Without Your Partner Knowing

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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.