How to Measure Ring Size at Home (and His, Secretly)
Short answer. The most accurate way to measure a ring size at home is to measure the inside diameter of a ring that already fits, in millimeters, and match it to a size chart. If you have no ring, wrap a thin strip of paper around the base of the finger, mark where it overlaps, and measure the length to get the circumference. To get his size secretly, borrow a ring he wears on the same finger, or ask someone close to him to help.
Below are three methods that work, how to do each one on someone else without him noticing, and the mistakes that cause most wrong sizes.
Method 1. Measure a ring that already fits (most accurate)
- Pick a ring that fits the finger you want to size. A ring from the right hand does not tell you the left hand size.
- Lay it flat on a ruler with millimeters.
- Measure the inside diameter, edge to edge on the inside, across the widest point.
- Match the number to the chart below or to our size guide.
If you can, measure twice and turn the ring 90 degrees between measurements. Older rings are sometimes slightly oval.
Method 2. The paper strip method
- Cut a thin strip of paper, about 5 mm wide. Paper is better than string, which stretches and twists.
- Wrap it around the base of the finger, snug but not tight.
- Mark where the paper overlaps with a fine pen.
- Lay it flat and measure from the end to the mark in millimeters. That is the circumference.
- Check it will slide over the knuckle. If the knuckle is much bigger than the base, use a measurement between the two.
Repeat it three times. If the results differ, use the larger one.
Method 3. A ring sizer or the size finder
A plastic ring sizer costs a few dollars and is more accurate than string or paper because it behaves like a real band. Slide it on, pull it snug, and read the size. If you already have the inside diameter from Method 1, our size guide has a finder where you type the millimeters and it shows the US size.
US men's ring size chart
| US size | Inside diameter (mm) | Circumference (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 17.3 | 54.4 |
| 8 | 18.1 | 57.0 |
| 9 | 19.0 | 59.5 |
| 10 | 19.8 | 62.1 |
| 11 | 20.6 | 64.6 |
| 12 | 21.4 | 67.2 |
| 13 | 22.2 | 69.7 |
These are standard US measurements, rounded. Bucarti rings come in whole US sizes 7 to 13.
How to get his ring size secretly
Buying a ring as a surprise means getting the size without asking. These work best, in order.
Borrow a ring he already wears
Pick one he wears on the same finger you are buying for, ideally one he does not wear every day so he will not miss it. Measure the inside diameter with Method 1 and put it back. If you cannot take it out of the house, put it on your own finger and mark where it stops with a pen, or trace the inside circle on paper.
Photograph it next to a ruler
If you only have a minute, lay the ring flat on a ruler and take a sharp photo from directly above. You can measure the inside diameter from the photo later.
Ask a friend or family member
His brother, best friend or mother may already know, or can ask casually. A shopping trip where he tries on rings for fun also works.
Measure while he sleeps (risky)
The paper strip method works on a sleeping hand if he is a deep sleeper. Fingers are slightly smaller when cool and relaxed, so lean toward the larger side of your result.
Use the average only as a last resort
Many men wear around US 9 to 10, but sizes vary a lot. If you have nothing else, a bracelet or necklace is a safer gift than a guessed ring. See the Cuban Bracelet or Genesis Necklace.
Mistakes that cause the wrong size
- Measuring the wrong hand. The dominant hand is often slightly larger.
- Measuring cold fingers. Fingers are smaller in the morning and in the cold, and larger in the evening, in the heat and after exercise. Measure at the end of the day at room temperature.
- Ignoring band width. Wide bands feel tighter than thin bands of the same size. For a wide band, many jewelers suggest going up a quarter to half size.
- Ignoring the knuckle. The ring must slide over it. Large knuckles need a size between the knuckle and the base.
- Using stretchy string. Use paper or a plastic sizer.
Between two sizes? Go up. A slightly loose ring can still be worn. A tight one cannot.
How it should fit
A well fitting ring slides over the knuckle with a little resistance and does not spin freely at the base of the finger. You should be able to take it off with a gentle twist, not a fight.
If you still get it wrong
It happens, especially with surprises. At Bucarti, if the size is wrong, send us a photo of it worn within 14 days, post it back, and we remake it in the right size and ship it to you free. Every ring is made to order, ships in 2 to 7 days, and comes with lifetime repair and re polish. See our guarantee and browse all rings, including the Twisted Ring and Genesis Ring.
FAQ
What is the average ring size for men in the US?
Many men wear around US 9 to 10, but the range is wide. Use it only as a starting point.
Is string or paper better for measuring ring size?
Paper. String stretches and twists, which often gives a size that is too big or too small.
Can I use a ring from his other hand?
Only as a rough guide. Fingers differ between hands, and the dominant hand is often slightly larger.
Should I size up for a wide band?
Often yes. Wide bands feel tighter, so many jewelers suggest a quarter to half size up. With whole sizes, check our size guide or contact us.
What time of day should I measure?
In the evening at room temperature, when fingers are at their normal largest.
What if the ring does not fit?
At Bucarti, send a photo of it worn within 14 days, post it back, and we remake it in the right size and ship it free.
