Ordering a ring online should be exciting, not stressful. One of the most common concerns when buying rings — especially engagement rings or gifts — is getting the size right. The good news is that you can accurately measure your ring size from the comfort of your own home using simple tools you probably already have. In this guide, we walk you through three reliable methods so you can order with confidence.
Before You Begin: Important Tips
Before measuring, keep these essential guidelines in mind to ensure the most accurate result:
- ✦ Measure at the right time — Your fingers change size throughout the day. They are typically smallest in the morning and largest in the evening. For the most accurate measurement, measure in the late afternoon when your fingers are at their average size.
- ✦ Consider temperature — Cold weather causes fingers to shrink, while warm weather causes them to swell. Measure when your hands are at a comfortable, normal temperature.
- ✦ Account for knuckle size — If your knuckle is significantly larger than the base of your finger, measure both areas. Your ideal ring size should slide over the knuckle comfortably but fit snugly at the base without spinning freely.
- ✦ Measure the correct finger — Ring sizes differ between fingers and between hands. Always measure the exact finger you intend to wear the ring on.
- ✦ Measure multiple times — Take measurements on at least two different occasions to confirm consistency.
Method 1: The String or Dental Floss Method
This is the most popular at-home method and requires only a piece of string (or dental floss), a pen, and a ruler.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut a piece of string or floss approximately 15 cm (6 inches) long. Non-stretchy materials work best — avoid elastic or yarn.
- Wrap the string around the base of the finger you want to size. Make sure it passes comfortably over your knuckle. The string should be snug but not tight — you should be able to slide it along your finger with slight resistance.
- Mark the overlap point where the string meets itself. Use a pen or marker to make a clear mark on both sides of the overlap.
- Lay the string flat against a ruler and measure the distance between the two marks in millimetres.
- Use the measurement to find your ring size in the conversion chart below, or visit our size guide page for a detailed conversion table.
Pro Tips for This Method
- ✦ Use a non-stretchy material for accuracy.
- ✦ Wrap snugly but do not pull tight — the ring needs to slide over your knuckle.
- ✦ Repeat the measurement at least three times and take the average.
Method 2: The Paper Strip Method
This method works on the same principle as the string method but uses a strip of paper, which some people find easier to handle and mark accurately.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut a thin strip of paper approximately 1 cm wide and 10-12 cm long. Standard printer paper works well. Do not use cardboard (too rigid) or tissue paper (too flimsy).
- Wrap the paper strip around your finger at the base, ensuring it slides over the knuckle comfortably.
- Mark the point where the paper overlaps using a fine pen or pencil. For maximum accuracy, mark both edges of the overlap.
- Flatten the paper strip and measure the distance from the end to your mark using a millimetre ruler.
- Match your measurement to the ring size chart to determine your size.
Why This Method Works Well
Paper is stiffer than string, which prevents it from stretching or shifting during measurement. The flat surface of the paper also makes it easier to mark a precise point. This method tends to produce very consistent results when done carefully.
Method 3: Measuring an Existing Ring
If you already own a ring that fits the finger you want to size — or if you are secretly measuring someone else's ring for a surprise gift — this method is the easiest and most accurate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Select a ring that fits well on the intended finger. Make sure it is a ring that is worn regularly and fits comfortably — not too tight, not too loose.
- Place the ring on a flat surface such as a piece of paper or a table.
- Measure the internal diameter of the ring using a ruler. Place the ruler across the inside of the ring at the widest point and measure in millimetres.
- Match the diameter measurement to the ring size chart below to find your size.
Tips for Measuring a Partner's Ring
- ✦ Choose a ring your partner wears on the same finger you are buying for.
- ✦ Borrow the ring briefly and trace its inner circle on paper, then measure the diameter of the traced circle.
- ✦ If in doubt, it is generally better to go slightly larger — a ring can always be resized down more easily than up.
Ring Size Chart: Circumference and Diameter
Use this reference table to convert your measurements into standard ring sizes. All measurements are in millimetres.
| EU Size | UK Size | US Size | Circumference (mm) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | E | 3 | 44.2 | 14.1 |
| 46 | G.5 | 3.75 | 46.1 | 14.7 |
| 48 | I | 4.5 | 48.0 | 15.3 |
| 50 | K | 5.25 | 50.0 | 15.9 |
| 52 | L.5 | 6 | 51.9 | 16.5 |
| 54 | N | 6.75 | 53.8 | 17.1 |
| 56 | P | 7.5 | 55.7 | 17.7 |
| 58 | Q.5 | 8.25 | 57.6 | 18.3 |
| 60 | S | 9 | 59.5 | 18.9 |
| 62 | T.5 | 10 | 61.4 | 19.5 |
| 64 | V | 10.75 | 63.4 | 20.2 |
| 66 | X | 11.5 | 65.3 | 20.8 |
For a comprehensive and printable chart, visit our complete size guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✦ Measuring with cold hands — Cold fingers are smaller. Wait until your hands are warm and relaxed.
- ✦ Using stretchy materials — Elastic bands, yarn, or fabric strips will stretch and give you an inaccurate measurement.
- ✦ Measuring only once — Finger size can vary throughout the day. Measure at least twice at different times.
- ✦ Forgetting about ring width — Wider bands require a slightly larger size to feel comfortable. If you are ordering a wide band (over 6 mm), consider going up half a size.
- ✦ Ignoring the knuckle — The ring must pass over the knuckle. If your knuckle is much larger than your finger base, size for the knuckle and consider a comfort-fit band.
When in Doubt: Our Advice
If you are between two sizes, we generally recommend choosing the larger size. A ring that is slightly loose is more comfortable and easier to adjust than one that is too tight. Many of our rings can also be professionally resized — contact our team for advice on specific pieces.
For the most accurate result, we recommend combining methods. Measure using the string or paper method and compare against an existing ring. If both methods give you the same size, you can order with complete confidence.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Ring?
Now that you know your ring size, it is time to explore. Whether you are looking for a timeless engagement ring, a statement cocktail ring, or a simple everyday band, Biovlia has a piece that is waiting for you.
