Wedding Bands: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and there are so many things to think about. One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the perfect wedding band. But how do you know what size to get?

There are a few different ways to determine your finger size for a wedding band. One way is to use a printable ring size chart, which you can find online. Simply print out the chart and place a ring you already own over the circles until you find the one that matches the inside of your ring. If your ring falls between two circle sizes, always choose the larger size. You can also use a piece of string or paper to measure your finger and then use a ring size chart to determine your size.

Another option is to order a plastic or metal ring sizer, which you can use to measure your finger and get an estimate of your ring size. You can also visit a jeweler to get your finger professionally sized. This is the most accurate way to determine your ring size and ensure that your wedding band will fit comfortably.

It's important to consider the width of your wedding band as well. Wedding bands for women typically range from 1.6mm to 4mm, while men's bands usually fall between 4mm and 7mm. Thinner bands are usually less expensive and more comfortable, but they may not be as durable. Wider bands tend to be more modern and sturdy, but they can be more expensive and may require a larger ring size.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a wedding band that you love and that fits your style and budget. With a little bit of planning and research, you can find the perfect wedding band that you'll be proud to wear for years to come.

Using a ring size chart

Using a Ring You Already Own

If you already have a ring that fits the finger you plan to wear your wedding band on, you can use this to find your size. First, print out a ring size chart, making sure it's printed to actual size. Then, place your ring over the circles on the chart, lining up the inside edges with the circle that best matches. If the ring falls between two sizes, opt for the larger one.

The Paper Test

Some ring size charts include a paper strip at the bottom that can be used like a tape measure. Cut out the paper test, creating a slot where marked. With the numbers facing out, slip the tip of the paper through the slot. Place the sizer on your ring finger and pull it taut to read the size.

With a Piece of String

For this method, you'll need to print out a ring size chart. Take a piece of string and wrap it around your ring finger, cutting it where the ends overlap. Then, line up the string with the ring size guide on the chart. The one that matches is your ring size. If your finger measures between two sizes, go for the larger size.

Tips for Using a Ring Size Chart

• Ensure your ring size chart is printed to actual size.
• If your ring falls between two sizes, always choose the larger size.
• Consider using multiple methods to ensure accuracy.
• Your ring should be snug enough not to fall off but loose enough to slide over your knuckle with some resistance.
• Measure your ring size at the end of the day when your fingers are warm, as finger size changes depending on the time of day and weather.
• Measure 3 to 4 times for more accuracy.
• If you have a larger knuckle, consider ordering a half size bigger.
• Band thickness can affect ring size, so try to use a sizer that's close to the thickness of the ring you'll be wearing.

Using a plastic ring sizer

To use a plastic ring sizer, start by wrapping the plastic tool around your chosen finger. Then, thread the pointed end into the loop and pull it until you get a snug, comfortable fit. The arrow on the loop will point to your ring size. If the arrow doesn't point to an exact size, round up to the nearest larger half or whole number.

If you're between sizes, it's recommended to go up a size. It's easier to resize a ring to make it smaller than larger. Additionally, your fingers may swell throughout the day, so sizing up can prevent the ring from becoming too tight.

It's best to measure your ring size at the end of the day, as that's when your fingers tend to be at their largest. Your ring should be snug enough to stay on your finger but loose enough to slide over your knuckle.

Measuring with string, paper and a ruler

Measuring your ring size at home is simple and can be done with a few basic tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to determine your ring size using string, paper, and a ruler:

Step 1: Wrap the String or Paper Around Your Finger

Take a piece of string or paper and wrap it around the base of the finger you want to measure. If you are using paper, cut a thin strip with a width of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). The length of the paper or string should be around 6 inches (15 cm). Ensure that the paper or string is snug but not too tight—it should be comfortable and not too loose that it slips over your knuckle.

Step 2: Mark the Overlapping Ends

Once you have wrapped the string or paper around your finger, use a pen to mark the point where the ends meet or overlap. This will help you measure the circumference of your finger accurately.

Step 3: Measure with a Ruler

Now, take the string or paper and measure its length using a ruler. It is important to do this measurement in millimetres for accuracy. This length is the circumference of your finger.

Step 4: Calculate the Diameter

To find the diameter of your finger, divide the circumference (the length of the string or paper) by 3.14 (Pi). This will give you the diameter of the ring that would fit your finger.

Step 5: Compare to a Ring Size Chart

Finally, take the diameter measurement and compare it to a ring size chart. Choose the measurement on the chart that is closest to your diameter. This will give you your ring size.

It is important to note that if your measurement falls between two sizes, it is generally recommended to choose the larger size. Additionally, you can repeat this process a few times to ensure accuracy and consistency in your measurements.

Using a tape measure

Using a flexible measuring tape is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine your ring size. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wrap a flexible measuring tape around your finger

Choose a cloth measuring tape for an accurate measurement. Wrap the tape close to the knuckle of the exact finger that will wear the ring so that the ring will be able to slide over it comfortably. Remember that even the same finger on your other hand may be a different size—your dominant hand might be larger or smaller than the other.

Record the measurement where the tape overlaps

Note where the end of the measuring tape overlaps on your finger. Write down the measurement in millimetres to get the circumference of your ring size.

Compare the measurement to a sizing chart

Now that you have the circumference, it’s time to find your size. These charts convert measurements into ring sizes. For instance, 59.5 mm would be a size 9. If your measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger size.

Additional Tips

• The size of your fingers tends to change throughout the day. For best results, measure at the end of the day.
• Measure your finger three to four different times because the size fluctuates depending on temperature.
• If you are between sizes, go up a size. It's much easier to resize a ring to make it smaller than the other way around.
• The average ring size for women is between 5 and 7 and between 10 and 11 for men.

Asking friends and family

• Shopping buddies often pay attention to these kinds of details, so they might be a good place to start.
• Parents might remember the size of your partner's graduation ring or other jewellery they've received as gifts.
• Friends might be able to take your partner shopping for a ring and encourage them to get sized. They can also window shop for engagement rings together, which will give them an idea of your partner's style preferences.
• If your partner's friends have similarly-sized hands, they might be able to try on rings and purchase one of a similar size.

If you're unsure about the accuracy of the information you've gathered, it's always a good idea to go for a larger size. It's easier to resize a ring and make it smaller than the other way around.

Frequently asked questions