Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.
Here at Holden, we make ring shopping easy by sending free ring size kits directly to your door. It’s a great way to get an accurate reading of your ring size at home before purchasing a wedding or engagement ring. If you’re wondering how to measure ring size, this is one of the most reliable methods. Make sure you know your ring size before ordering - sending an improperly sized ring back for resizing can be frustrating if you’re excited to rock your new ring.
The contents of your kit include a plastic ring sizer as well as a width guide. Learning how to measure your ring size at home is easy if you follow our step-by-step guide!
Before you begin, make sure you’re measuring the correct finger. In the United States, wearing your wedding ring on the fourth finger of your left hand is common, but it varies in different cultures. At the end of the day it's totally up to you and your partner to decide! It’s also important to measure the correct hand, as the fingers on your dominant hand tend to be bigger than the corresponding fingers on your non-dominant hand.
The reason your ring traditionally goes on your left ring finger? This goes all the way back to Ancient Rome - Romans believed that this finger had a vein that connected directly to your heart - also known as the “vena amoris.” We’ve since learned that this vein doesn’t actually exist, but the romantic idea persists, and the tradition has remained! If you want to learn more, make sure to check out our post on which hand your wedding ring goes on.
How to Use a Ring Sizer
- To begin, take the tip of the ring sizer and push it through the buckle to make a loop (it’s like a belt!).
- Put the loop on your finger.
- Once the loop is on your finger, pull the end of the belt to tighten the loop around your finger.
- This next step is the most important - the sizer must be able to come on and off your finger (like a ring would). You should feel resistance when sliding it past your knuckle, but it should be able to come on and off. If this is possible, the ring fits - comfortable doesn’t mean loose. It’s important that the ring fits snugly, otherwise it will be too big on your finger.
- To read your finger size, take a look at the arrow on the buckle. The line on the right edge of a number indicates a full size (i.e. if your correct size is to the right of the number 7, you’re a size 7). The line on the left edge of a number indicates a half size (if it’s pointing to the left of the number 7, you’re a 6.5).
Note: The ring sizer measures in half sizes, but we can accommodate quarter and three-quarter sizes as well - send us an email at help@hiholden.com.
Now that you’ve found the perfect fit, it’s time to determine the width you’d like your ring to be. Can’t decide if you want a wide ring or something narrower? Our ring sizing guide includes a width guide so you can see our various widths on your own finger and it’s also helpful if you’re still figuring out how to measure ring size accurately.
How to Use the Holden Width Guide
- Cut the width guide included in your sizing kit.
- Wrap each width around your finger to see which is best for you!
- If you’re looking for an in-between width, feel free to send us an email at help@hiholden.com - someone on our design team can get the process started for you!
Other Methods
Are there other ways to measure a ring finger? While some sites might recommend a printable ring sizer or a piece of string to measure your finger at home, we don’t love these techniques as they are extremely unreliable. The best way to check your ring size before buying is properly measuring it using the right tools. That’s why we encourage you to use a ring size kit for the most accurate fit - and ours is free! You can sign up here.
Do you know your ring size on a different sizing scale, but not your United States ring size? We’ve included an international ring size chart at the bottom of this blog for your convenience. Trying to find someone’s ring size without them knowing? Be sure to check out our blog post on how to secretly find a ring size.
If you want to look at engagement rings and/or wedding bands with your partner, but you still want that element of surprise, we’ve even had partners set up their sizer in a loop and put it in a box as a gift! This way, you can surprise your partner, and the two of you can look at rings together once you know the perfect fit. It’s a thoughtful and fun way of measuring a ring finger while keeping the magic alive.
What does comfort fit mean?
You might have noticed on our website that our rings are “comfort fit.” But what exactly does that mean? Comfort fit just means that your ring is ever so slightly curved on the inside, which makes the ring more comfortable to wear. You’ll be wearing it every day for the rest of your life, so it’s important that it’s comfortable, especially after measuring a ring finger to get the perfect fit!
“Standard fit” means that the ring is completely flat on the inside, but this can feel less comfortable on your finger. Comfort fit is also easier to take on and off, as it slips over your knuckle more easily. Learn more in our blog post on comfort fit wedding rings.
Of course, if you’d prefer for your ring to be standard fit, we’re happy to help. Feel free to send an email to help@hiholden.com, and someone on our customer support team can get you started with a custom order.
Check out this video with detailed instructions. Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
FAQs
1. How do I use a ring sizer at home?
To use a ring sizer, form a loop with the plastic belt, slide it onto your finger, and tighten until it fits snugly. You should feel slight resistance over the knuckle—this is how to use a ring sizer effectively.
2. What's the best way to check my ring size?
The best method is using a physical ring size kit like the one Holden provides for free. It’s much more accurate than printable or string-based methods if you’re wondering how to check ring size at home.
3. Can I measure my ring finger without a sizer?
While you can try string or paper methods, they’re often inaccurate. For best results when measuring a ring finger, we recommend a plastic sizer or professional jeweler’s help.
4. How tight should my ring be?
Your ring should fit snugly and slide over your knuckle with slight resistance. This ensures comfort without slipping off.
5. How do I measure ring size for someone else secretly?
Try borrowing a ring they already wear on the correct finger and use a sizing guide, or read our full blog post on how to secretly find someone’s ring size.
About Holden
The best love stories aren't found in fairy tales. They're written by real couples choosing each other every day. That's why Holden creates custom wedding and engagement rings for all love stories, not just the ones that fit traditional molds. We know that authentic love comes in infinite forms. Our Solitaires, Gemstone Bands, and Signet Rings are crafted to celebrate your unique journey. Because when love is real, your ring should be too.