Getting the ring size right means a ring that's comfortable, secure and ready to wear the moment it's on the finger. Here's how to find a ring size, including how to figure it out secretly before a surprise proposal.
Quick Answer
The most accurate way to find a ring size is to be measured by a jeweler with a professional ring sizer. For a surprise, borrow a ring your partner already wears on the same finger and bring it in; we can measure it in seconds. If you have to guess, it's usually safer to go slightly larger, since most rings can be sized down.
Ways to Find a Ring Size
| Method | Accuracy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional ring sizer at a jeweler | Best | Accounts for band width and knuckle size |
| Measure a ring they already wear | Very good | Make sure it's worn on the same finger and hand |
| Ask a close friend or family member | Good | They may know, or can help borrow a ring |
| String or paper strip at home | Fair | Easy to measure too tight or too loose |
| Printable or online charts | Fair | Printer scaling can throw sizes off |
How to Find a Ring Size Secretly
- Borrow a ring from their jewelry box for a day; check it's one worn on the ring finger.
- Trace the inside of a ring on paper, or press it into a bar of soap, and bring the tracing in.
- Enlist a friend to go "ring shopping for fun" and try on sizes.
- Compare to your own fingers: slide their ring onto your finger and mark where it stops.
Sizing Tips
- Wide bands fit tighter. For bands wider than about 6mm, many people go up a quarter or half size.
- Mind the knuckle. The ring has to slide over the knuckle but not spin at the base of the finger.
- Measure at room temperature. Fingers swell in heat and shrink in cold, and change through the day.
- Dominant hand fingers are often slightly larger.
Can a Ring Be Resized Later?
Most gold and platinum rings can be resized, and our on-site jewelry repair team handles sizing in-house. Some designs are harder to resize: full eternity bands, rings with stones all the way around, tension settings, and tungsten rings. For those, getting the size right before purchase matters more.
Get Sized in Person Shop Engagement Rings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common women's ring size?
Many women wear between a size 5 and 7, with 6 being very common, but sizes vary widely. Measuring is always better than guessing.
What is the most common men's ring size?
Many men wear between a size 9 and 11, with 10 being common. Wider men's bands may need a slightly larger size.
Should I guess bigger or smaller?
If you must guess, slightly larger is usually safer, since most rings can be sized down more easily than up and a ring that's too small may not go on at all.
Can Ralph's Jewelers measure a ring I bring in?
Yes. Bring in a ring and we can measure its size quickly at our Sacramento or Carmichael showroom.
Keep Reading
- Custom Engagement Rings in Sacramento
- Diamond Engagement Ring Buying Guide
- Men's Wedding Bands Guide
Visit Ralph's Jewelers in Sacramento & Carmichael
Ralph's Jewelers has been Sacramento's jeweler for decades, with one of the largest selections of fine diamond and gold jewelry and fine Swiss timepieces in the Sacramento area, shown in a high-end, luxury showroom atmosphere at two locations: Arden Way in Sacramento and Madison Avenue in Carmichael.
Ralph's Jewelers – Arden (Sacramento)
3416 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 207-4710
Ralph's Jewelers – Madison (Carmichael)
6630 Madison Ave
Carmichael, CA 95608
Phone: (916) 627-5986
Serving Sacramento, Carmichael, Arden-Arcade, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Roseville, Rocklin, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Folsom, Natomas, West Sacramento and Davis. Email info@ralphsjewelers.com · Instagram @RalphsJewelers
