How to Size Your Finger When Buying Rings
Getting your ring size right before you buy is one of the easiest ways to make sure your new jewellery fits perfectly — and stays put. Whether you're treating yourself or buying a gift, here's the simplest method using things you already have at home.
Why Ring Sizing Matters
A ring that's too loose risks slipping off and getting lost. One that's too tight can be uncomfortable to wear and difficult to remove. Getting the right fit means you can wear your ring with confidence, every single day.
The good news? You don't need a jeweller's mandrel or a special sizing tool. A short length of string (or even a strip of paper) and a ruler are all you need.
What You'll Need
- A thin piece of string, thread, or a strip of paper (roughly 10–15cm long)
- A pen or fine marker
- A ruler (mm markings work best)
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home
Step 1 — Wrap Wrap the string snugly around the base of the finger you want to wear your ring on. Make sure it's comfortable — not too tight, not too loose. You should be able to slip it on and off without forcing it.
Step 2 — Mark Use your pen to mark the exact point where the string overlaps — this is the circumference of your finger.
Step 3 — Measure Lay the string flat against your ruler and measure the distance from the end to your mark in millimetres. This is your finger circumference.
Step 4 — Find Your Size Use the table below to convert your measurement into a ring size.
Ring Size Chart (UK, EU & US)
| Circumference (mm) | UK Size | EU Size | US Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44–45 mm | F | 44 | 3 |
| 47–48 mm | H | 47 | 3½ |
| 49–51 mm | J | 50 | 5 |
| 51–53 mm | K–L | 51–52 | 5½ |
| 53–55 mm | M–N | 54 | 6½ |
| 55–57 mm | N–O | 56 | 7 |
| 57–59 mm | P–Q | 58 | 8 |
| 59–61 mm | R | 60 | 9 |
| 61–63 mm | S–T | 62 | 9½ |
Sizes shown are approximate ranges. When between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
Tips for the Most Accurate Measurement
- Measure at the end of the day. Fingers naturally swell slightly with warmth and activity, so an evening measurement tends to reflect your true fit.
- Measure the right hand. Your dominant hand is often slightly larger, so size the specific finger you'll be wearing the ring on.
- Avoid measuring in the cold. Fingers shrink in cold weather and can feel deceptively slim.
- Do it twice. Take two or three measurements and use the average.
- For wider bands, consider sizing up by half a size, as wider rings sit differently on the finger than slim bands.
Not Sure? We're Here to Help
At The Eighth Hour Studio, every piece is handmade in North London — and we want your ring to feel as good as it looks. If you're unsure of your size, have a wider knuckle, or are ordering as a gift and can't measure the recipient's finger, just get in touch before you order. We're happy to help you find the right fit.
Buying a Ring as a Gift?
If you're buying for someone else and can't measure their finger, a few useful tricks:
- Borrow a ring they already wear on that finger and trace the inside on paper (a circle you can measure across the diameter)
- Ask a mutual friend or family member discreetly
- When in doubt, go slightly larger — a ring can often be resized, and it's easier to add a size adjuster than to squeeze into something too small
