Finding Your Ring Size: Three Methods That Actually Work

Finding the right ring size before purchasing is one of the most important steps in buying a ring — whether for yourself or as a gift. Getting it right means a ring that fits comfortably, stays in place, and can be worn without the discomfort of a ring that is too tight or the anxiety of one that is too loose. Here is a practical guide to measuring ring size accurately at home.

Understanding Ring Sizes

Ring sizes are numerical designations that correspond to the inner circumference or diameter of a ring. Different countries and regions use different sizing systems:

• US/Canada: Numerical scale (sizes 3-13 for adults, with half sizes available). The most common system in North American retail.
• UK/Australia/South Africa: Alphabetical scale (A through Z with half sizes).
• Europe: Inner circumference in millimeters (47-68 for adult sizes).
• Japan: Numerical scale similar to but not identical to US sizing.

Most US retail and online jewelry, including the ring collection at Amir Oud, uses the US numerical sizing system. When ordering from international sources, check which system is being used and convert if necessary.

Method 1: Using a String or Thin Strip of Paper

This is the most accessible method and works well for getting a close measurement:

1. Cut a thin strip of paper or use a piece of non-stretchy string approximately 15cm (6 inches) long.
2. Wrap it around the base of the finger you want to measure. Wrap it snugly but not tight — it should be able to slide over your knuckle with slight resistance.
3. Mark the point where the strip overlaps with a pen.
4. Measure the length from the end to the mark you made. This is the inner circumference of your ring size in millimeters.
5. Use a ring size conversion chart to convert this measurement to a US ring size. As a reference: US size 7 corresponds to approximately 54.4mm circumference; US size 8 corresponds to approximately 57.2mm.

Method 2: Measuring an Existing Ring

If you have a ring that already fits the target finger well:

1. Place the ring on a flat surface.
2. Measure the inner diameter of the ring in millimeters using a ruler — measure across the inside opening at the widest point.
3. Multiply the inner diameter by pi (3.14159) to get the inner circumference, or use a size chart that lists diameters directly.
4. US size 7 has an inner diameter of approximately 17.3mm; US size 8 approximately 18.2mm.

This method is particularly useful when buying a ring as a gift and you can discreetly borrow a ring from the recipient's collection.

Tips for Accurate Measurement

• Measure at the right time of day: Fingers change size throughout the day and with temperature. They tend to be slightly larger in the afternoon and evening and when warm, and slightly smaller in the morning and when cold. Measure at a moderate temperature and in the middle of the day for the most representative size.
• Consider the knuckle: If your knuckle is significantly wider than the base of your finger, the ring needs to be large enough to pass over the knuckle. Size for the knuckle and accept that the ring may be slightly loose at the base — a ring clip can address this.
• Measure the correct finger: Ring size varies between fingers on the same hand and between your dominant and non-dominant hands. The ring finger on your right hand is often a different size from the ring finger on your left hand.
• When in doubt, size up: For most ring styles, a slightly loose ring is easier to resize down than a tight one is to resize up. If you are between sizes, consider going half a size larger.

Using a Ring Sizer Tool

Ring sizer tools — small plastic or metal multi-size rings on a key ring — are available inexpensively and provide the most accurate at-home measurement method. If you plan to buy rings regularly, a ring sizer tool is worth having.

Simply try on each ring in the sizer set until you find one that fits the target finger correctly — slides over the knuckle with slight resistance and fits snugly but comfortably at the base of the finger. The number on that ring sizer is your US ring size.

Need Help?

If you are uncertain about your size after measuring, contact Amir Oud for assistance. The team can help you navigate sizing options for specific ring styles and make sure your ring order arrives ready to wear.