Ordering a ring online is easy. Getting the size right is the part people worry about. The good news is you can measure accurately at home in a few minutes if you know a few tricks.
Why sizing matters more for some metals
Gold and silver can usually be resized by a jeweler. Harder metals like tungsten and titanium generally can’t, and Damascus steel is difficult to resize too. That makes getting the size right the first time especially important for modern bands.
Method 1: Measure a ring you already own
This is the most reliable method if you have a ring that fits the right finger well.
- Choose a ring that fits comfortably on the finger you’ll wear the new one on.
- Measure the inside diameter across the widest point, in millimeters.
- Match that number to the chart below.
Method 2: The string or paper strip method
- Cut a thin strip of paper or a piece of non-stretchy string.
- Wrap it around the base of your finger.
- Mark the point where the ends meet.
- Lay it flat and measure the length in millimeters. That’s your finger circumference.
- Match it to the chart below.
Method 3: A printable or plastic ring sizer
Ring sizers are inexpensive and give the most direct read, since you try the sizing band on your finger. Pick one that includes half sizes.
US ring size chart
| US Size | Inside Diameter (mm) | Circumference (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 15.7 | 49.3 |
| 6 | 16.5 | 51.8 |
| 7 | 17.3 | 54.4 |
| 8 | 18.1 | 57.0 |
| 9 | 18.9 | 59.5 |
| 10 | 19.8 | 62.1 |
| 11 | 20.6 | 64.6 |
| 12 | 21.4 | 67.2 |
| 13 | 22.2 | 69.7 |
Tips for getting it right
Measure at the end of the day. Fingers swell slightly in the heat and shrink in the cold, so avoid measuring when your hands are cold or right after exercise.
Measure more than once. Check on two or three different days and go with the most consistent result.
Account for your knuckle. If your knuckle is larger than the base of your finger, the ring has to slide over it. Choose a size that passes the knuckle with a little resistance but still sits snugly at the base.
Go up for wide bands. A wide band, such as 8 mm or more, covers more of your finger and feels tighter than a thin one. Many people size up a half size for wide bands.
Avoid measuring over a ring you’re wearing. Take it off first.
What if you’re between sizes?
For thin bands, round to the nearest size that fits comfortably. For wide bands, round up. A ring that’s slightly loose is easier to live with than one that’s too tight, but it shouldn’t slide off when you wash your hands.
A quick fit check
A well-fitting ring slides over the knuckle with slight resistance, sits snugly without squeezing, and doesn’t spin freely or fall off when you shake your hand.
Ready to find your band? Browse tungsten bands, titanium and Damascus rings, and the full collection at Quinova Jewelers.