Ring Size Guide & Most Common Ring Size

This guide will show you how to measure your ring size so you can avoid ordering the right ring in the wrong size. It will also provide you with some handy measuring tips and tools (such as a ring sizer, ring size chart, and ring size conversion chart), so you will be able to shop with confidence.


HOW TO MEASURE YOUR RING SIZE CORRECTLY

When buying a ring, it’s essential to select one that fits comfortably. The ideal ring should have enough grip to not fall off by itself but should still be loose enough to slide off with little to no effort. Before measuring your finger, keep in mind that its size will change depending on the time of day and the temperature of your surroundings.

The average ring size for women ranges from size 3 to 9, with 6 being the global average ring size. The average men’s ring size ranges from size 8 to 12, with size 10 being the average size in the US.

Measuring your size ring is important since ordering a ring in the wrong size can be devastating! Fortunately, there are several ways to find your ring size at home. All of the best methods for doing so are outlined below. Alternatively, you can check out this Virtual Ring Sizer from James Allen.

Know your finger size to find The Correct Ring Size
Finger Ring Sizer to measure ring size

Free Ring Sizer

We are happy to provide you with a free ring sizer to help determine your own ring size at home.

Printable Ring Size Chart

Another option is to use our free printable ring size chart. Just print it out and follow the instructions. The chart includes a cutout sizer that you can wrap around your finger to determine your ring size.


Please note that our ring size chart only lists standard US sizes. If you already know your size in a different country’s sizing system, just use the ring size conversion chart below to find your equivalent US size.

Also, note that this guide does not take ring style into account. Thus, you may need to size up when selecting a ring with a deep bandwidth.

Iconic Ring Sizer Guide

Before Printing Please refer to the instructions within the downloadable PDF.

HOW TO USE THIS RING SIZING GUIDE

  • Ring size may vary depending on temperature and time of day. Therefore, it is best to measure your finger at the end of the day when your hands are warm.
  • Take your measurements several times to ensure accuracy. 
  • We recommend selecting a ring size that is comfortable but requires slight force to slide over your finger. If a ring slides on and off too easily, it may fall off when your ring finger is at its smallest (when it’s cold, etc.).

Ring Size Conversion Chart

Our ring size chart lists standard US sizes. If you know your size in a different country’s sizing system, you may use the Ring Size Conversion chart below or download a printable PDF.

Size Conversion Chart

HOW TO GET YOUR GIRLFRIEND’S ENGAGEMENT RING SIZE WITHOUT HER KNOWING

Engagement rings are probably the most significant jewelry purchase most men will make. However, picking out the perfect engagement ring can be quite tricky. Besides knowing her ring size, there are several other things that you need to take into account, like whether she has slender fingers or large knuckles. These are all things you need to know beforehand, especially if you hope to make your proposal an unforgettable surprise! Also, remember that this ring symbolizes your undying love and commitment, so you want it to be a perfect fit, not just a rough estimate.

If you already have an idea of the design and style of the engagement ring you want from the jewelry store, here are some ideas on how to get your partner’s ring size without her catching on, starting with some of the less accurate methods.

First, you could try using her shoe size to get a ballpark measurement for her ring size, but this isn’t recommended. Another method involves using average height and weight to determine ring size since there is usually a correlation between the three. So, if your surprise proposal allows no time for you to get the size of her finger early on, you can use an average woman’s ring size guide to get a rough estimate. With more time to prepare, however, you can try some other methods that will yield more accurate results.

Method 1 : Use a String

Try looping a piece of string around her finger while she’s asleep. Just be sure it’s not wound too tightly. When you’ve got the string sitting comfortably around her finger, take note of where the two ends meet. Then, remove the string from her finger and mark it with a pen or cut it to the correct length. Next, lay it flat against the ring sizer from our website to measure her exact finger size.

Use A String

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Remember that her dominant hand will most likely be about a half size bigger than the other. If she’s right-handed, her ring finger on the left hand might be smaller in size.

Also, be sure not to make the string too tight when measuring her finger. If this happens, the measurement you get may end up being smaller than her actual size. The string should be able to move gently over her knuckle. Also, when using a pen or a marker, make sure that the pen you use is finely tipped. If the ink bleeds, the markings will be too wide, and you will end up having a highly inaccurate measurement. Even a half-size difference will make the ring measurement too small or too big.

Also, keep in mind that rings are not as flexible as a piece of string. So, even when this method is executed perfectly, it’s still less accurate than simply having your girlfriend try a ring on, and errors of even half sizes could result in you having to get the ring resized at a later stage.

Method 2 : Trace a Ring She Owns

Check her jewelry box when she’s not looking. All you have to do is trace out her favorite ring on a piece of paper and bring it to an expert for accurate sizing. But be careful! She might own a ring that is meant to be worn on the thumb or pinky finger. Even a ring for her middle finger will be at least a half size larger. If you happen to measure a ring for the wrong finger, you will get a completely different size than the one for her designated ring finger.

Trace A Ring She Owns

Method 3 : The Direct Approach

Alternatively, you can always just ask her for her ring finger size and then gift her with some jewelry to throw her off track – resulting in an even bigger surprise when you pull out the actual ring during your proposal!

The Direct Approach

Method 4: The Subtle Approach

Ask her if she has a trusted jeweler. Most jewelers keep the sizes of their clients on file. Just tell her you want to buy some jewelry for your mom and would love to try her trusted providers. If she has jewelers she uses and trusts, you can find her ring size and gain insight into her design preferences at the same time.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR RING IS TOO TIGHT

For most of our customers, a tight-fitting ring is preferred. But how can you tell if a snug ring is, in fact, “too tight”? It may not seem important, but having an overly narrow ring may cut off circulation and leave your finger feeling numb.

Is Your Ring Too Tight

One way to know whether your ring is too tight is by twisting it on your finger. The size is just right if you can turn it effortlessly from side to side with little resistance. However, if your skin sticks to the metal and twisting the ring requires force, then it’s safe to say that your ring is too tight for your finger.

Alternatively, try taking your ring off. The ring fits you perfectly if you can remove it without a hitch. But if it remains stuck on your finger, your ring is too tight. If you’re in a situation where you can’t slide your ring off, you can try icing your finger or dipping it in oil or butter. If it still doesn’t come off by itself, you should seek medical help immediately.


HOW TO TELL IF YOUR RING IS TOO LOOSE

No couple wants their wedding rings to fit too tightly, but you also don’t want them to be too loose. Rings are often quite costly, and losing one can be a nightmare! It’s even more devastating when you don’t realize it’s gone until hours later. A ring that fits correctly should slide off your finger comfortably, without having too much mobility around the base of the finger for it to slide off without you knowing.

If the ring can slide off your finger without having to twist or pull it, or it’s so loose that it spins on your finger, you should have your ring resized immediately.


RING RESIZING

We Offer Free Resizing

Most jewelers provide resizing for engagement and wedding rings. However, certain pieces, such as eternity rings and rings that are ornate, may not be eligible for resizing.

Resized or altered rings may also not be returned. This is because the ring will get weaker with each subsequent resize, making it more susceptible to tearing and damage. For this reason, we highly recommend adjusting ring sizes only once for both men and women.

If you do decide to get your ring resized, make sure that you get an expert’s opinion first, especially if you have a ring with an intricate design. 

We recommend a jeweler like James Allen or Blue Nile to assist you in getting the perfect fit for your engagement ring. Contact them today to inquire about ring sizes or click here for James Allen’s Virtual Ring Sizer.


Average Ring Size for Women

The typical range for the average female ring size is between a size 5 and a size 7, although this can vary depending on the person’s height. We also know that the average-sized woman in America is about 5 feet 4 inches tall. You can use these averages to get your girlfriend’s finger dimensions without her knowledge, but bear in mind that you may need to go up or down a size or two if she’s shorter or weighs more. This will only give you a rough estimate of the size of the ring you need to get based on her height and weight.

However, you might want to get her finger measured if you think she might prefer a ring with a thin band because rings that are too wide could cause pain and inflammation. Remember, the most important thing is for the ring to fit comfortably!

Average Ring Size for Men

The average ring size for men, or average finger size, ranges from 8 to 14. However, the most commonly purchased sizes in men’s rings are from size 8 to 12. The average ring size for men on the numeric scale is 10 in the US – around 19.8 millimeters when you measure the inside circumference.

Like women’s ring sizes, men’s ring sizes also vary. The way they are measured also differs between countries. Fortunately, there are conversion charts that you can use to get the right size regardless of where you are located. As mentioned above, there are several ways of ensuring the right fit for your partner’s ring size. If all else fails, you can ask him directly.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much should an engagement ring cost?

A general rule is that you should spend at least two months’ salary, or 10% of your annual income, on the engagement ring. For example, if someone earns $60K per year, 10% of their annual income gives them a budget of about 5,000 dollars for an engagement ring. This currently falls within the average price range for an engagement ring in America, which is between $5K and $10K. However, some couples may find this rule too restrictive and may spend more or less than this depending on factors such as income and location. Thus, the question of how much to spend on an engagement ring is really up to you as a couple.

Which engagement ring should I buy?

Some important points to consider:
An engagement ring is meant to last forever, so you want to look for something timeless that will complement your future bride’s style preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, have a look at her current jewelry and take cues from it.
Then, when it comes to choosing a diamond, don’t be fooled into thinking you need to find the “perfect” one. Most people can’t tell if a diamond is flawless or not since any imperfections the stone might have will generally require a microscope and a trained eye to see. So instead, go with your gut and choose something that will appeal to her (which may not be a diamond at all, mind you!).
You may also be relieved to hear that size doesn’t matter! Remember, the ring will be an extension of your future wife’s style. So, if she likes wearing minimal jewelry, it’s unlikely that she will appreciate an engagement ring with lots of “bling”. Anything goes these days, so don’t restrict yourself to the traditional rings you might see at the jewelry store. Instead, find something that will reflect who she is as a person but is still timeless enough to remain in fashion for decades to come.
Next, when choosing a stone, think about what can be done to make it stand out. The stone is the centerpiece of the ring, after all. Take inspiration from the way people frame paintings and other works of art, and ask for a professional’s opinion on ring settings. You might also want to find out where the stone came from. According to Page Neal, jewelry designer and co-founder of Bario Neal, clients appreciate jewelry with backstories—especially when those stories involve ethically sourced gems. So he searches high and low for mines that can prove their diamonds are 100% natural (and completely traceable) or have been handpicked by experts in metalwork and gemology. Some suppliers even offer online auction listings, so shoppers know exactly what they’re buying.
As you can probably tell from this, engagement rings aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re tailored to meet each couple’s needs.
Feeling anxious about shopping for engagement rings? You don’t have to do it alone! Friends and family are excellent sources of advice, so don’t be shy to ask them for their opinion. Nine times out of ten, they’ll know what your future bride will prefer.
Finally, avoid getting into an agreement with the jeweler until you are absolutely sure that your intended will love what you have come up with. In some cases, it may be wise to show her the design before having it made so that you can both avoid disappointment.
The bottom line when buying an engagement ring is that it’s not about the cost! If you have a budget, try to stick to what you can afford. You can find many cheaper alternatives that are just as stunning (and a whole lot more practical), leaving you with more money to spend on other things, like the honeymoon.

How much is a 1-carat diamond worth?

Many factors influence the cost of a diamond, including color, cut, clarity, and caratage. A 1-carat stone can cost anything from between $1,800 to $12,000.

How many sizes can a ring be sized up?

Rings can usually be resized twice, up or down. However, any more than that will put too much stress on the band, which could cause it to bend or crack under pressure. For this reason, it’s best to order your ring in the correct size from the beginning.

What is the most common ring size?

In the US, the average ring size for women is a size 7, while a size 10 is considered the most common ring size for men. Rings for men tend to be larger since they generally have thicker fingers than women. However, women’s finger sizes tend to fluctuate a lot more with lifestyle changes like pregnancy, which can cause them to gain weight. Thus, it is highly recommended to size women’s rings up by a quarter size to allow room for any changes to their most consistent weight.