Ring Size Guide: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

Why ring size matters more than people expect

A ring that fits well should slide over the knuckle with gentle resistance and sit comfortably at the base of the finger without spinning. A half size can be the difference between a ring you never take off and one that sits in a drawer. Because every Seventyninth Avenue piece is made to order in 14K or 18K gold, getting the size right before production begins saves you time and keeps your piece exactly as it was designed.

The string or paper method

You can measure at home in about two minutes with a strip of paper and a ruler.

1. Cut a strip of paper about 4 inches long and a quarter inch wide, or use a length of non-stretchy string.
2. Wrap it around the base of the finger you plan to wear the ring on. Snug, not tight.
3. Mark where the end overlaps, then lay the strip flat and measure the length in millimeters.
4. Match that measurement to the chart below. That length is your finger circumference.

US ring size chart

If your measurement falls between two sizes, go up rather than down. A slightly loose ring can be worn with a sizing bead; a ring that will not pass the knuckle cannot be worn at all.

Measure at the right moment

Finger size changes throughout the day, and the difference can be a full half size.

• Measure in the late afternoon or evening, when fingers are at their largest.
• Avoid measuring when your hands are cold, since cold fingers shrink noticeably.
• Skip days when you are unusually warm, after exercise, or after a salty meal.
• Measure three times on different days and use the largest result.

Sizing for wide bands and eternity rings

Band width changes how a ring fits. A wide band covers more of the finger and feels tighter than a slim one at the same size, so for bands wider than about 6mm, many people go up a quarter to a half size.

Eternity rings deserve special attention. Because diamonds run the full circumference of the band, an eternity ring generally cannot be resized later without rebuilding it. Measuring carefully the first time matters more here than with any other style. Browse the eternity ring collection once you know your size.

Sizing a surprise proposal ring

If you are buying an engagement ring without giving away the surprise, try one of these:

• Borrow a ring she already wears on the correct finger and trace its inner circle, or press it into a bar of soap to leave an impression.
• Ask a close friend or family member to bring it up naturally in conversation.
• Compare it to your own finger: slide her ring onto one of your fingers, note where it stops, and measure that point.

When in doubt, order slightly larger. A ring that fits loosely still works for the proposal, and the correct size can be confirmed afterward.

The most accurate option

A professional jeweler measures with a set of steel mandrel sizers and can account for knuckle size and band width in a way home methods cannot. If you are investing in a piece you plan to wear for decades, a five-minute visit is worth it. Plastic ring sizers are also inexpensive and more accurate than paper.

Still unsure?

Reach out before you order and we will help you work through it, especially for eternity bands or wide designs. Visit our contact page or read the frequently asked questions. Once your piece arrives, our jewelry care guide covers how to keep it looking its best.