When shopping for a ring, finding the right size can be tricky. Whether you’re buying for yourself or for someone special, getting it right can be important.
Fortunately, there are several common methods for measuring finger size that are easy to do at home. However, none of them are 100% accurate.
Measure Your Fingers
If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, finding the right size is critical. Your ring should fit snugly and not slip off your knuckle, but still be comfortable.
To determine your ring sizes, wrap a piece of string or dental floss around your finger and mark the point where it overlaps. Then, lay the string up against a ruler and measure the length of it in millimeters.
Keep in mind that fingers swell during different times of day and season, so it’s best to take your measurements at the end of the day when they tend to be a little swollen.
Another way to measure your ring size is by using a paper strip. This can be tricky, so try to use a strip of paper that’s about 6” long and 1/4” wide.
Use a Ring
Ring size can vary from one finger to the next, so it’s important to take a measurement when buying a ring. The shape of the finger also plays a role in determining the right size for a ring; some fingers are largest at the base and gradually taper without a prominent knuckle, while other fingers are large in the center but narrow toward the knuckle.
There are several easy ways to measure your ring size at home. The best way is to use a flexible measuring tape.
Wrap it around the base of your finger and mark where it overlaps with a pen. Repeat until you have a consistent length in millimeters.
You can then measure the string against a Ring Size Chart to find the correct size for your finger. It’s a good idea to do this multiple times, as the size of your finger can vary depending on temperature, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, and other factors.
Wrap a Carrot
For the purists out there, a carrot may be the king of all things kitchen related. Using this green plant in place of a finger is one of the best ways to avoid the unsightly scarring that accompanys wearing a loose fitting ring while you eat dinner or play a game of poker. It is also the star of many a wedding toast or two. To make it fun and easy, scout out your local farmers market and scour the aisles for the best buy. The best part? The best juxtaposition of the resulting pairing is a memorable and satisfying culinary experience.
Use a Paper Strip
Many ring sizers online use paper strips to measure a finger, which can be inaccurate. They can be prone to creases and can be pulled too tightly or too loose.
One way to avoid this is to cut a thin strip of paper (preferably non-stretchy) and wrap it around your finger, making sure that it doesn’t stretch or pull. Then, mark where it overlaps and measure it with a ruler to get an accurate measurement.
In conclusion
Next, compare the number on the strip with a chart that displays half and quarter sizes. This will translate the paper strip’s measurement into a standard ring size.