How Can You Tell Someone’s Ring Size?

So it’s time to buy an engagement ring for your partner. You have done a lot of research and found out the exact ring that you intend to purchase. But one thing that holds you back is that you don’t know your partner’s ring size. How can you tell someone’s ring size?

Ring size plays a vital role in your engagement because you need to slide the ring on your partner’s finger. The ring should fit appropriately. You don’t want to ruin the moment by presenting a ring that’s too small (or too big).  

Fortunately, there are various tactics or ways to determine your partner’s ring size. While some ways are easy, they may not give a very accurate result. Whereas other ways may be a bit difficult but will give you the right answer.

So how can you find out your partner’s ring size? Read on to find out!

How Can I Determine Someone’s Ring Size?

Most reputable jewelry stores advise buying a ring that should fit comfortably on the finger. The ring size in the United States follows a set of numbers, from 3 to 13.5 for adults. 

Women’s ring sizes usually vary between 3 and 9. These units match the width of the finger in millimeters. For instance, if you pick a ring of size 3, it will most probably fit on a finger that is 0.55 inches (14 mm) in width. The ring size of most women lies between 5 and 7. 

But engagement rings are expensive, especially if you are planning to give a diamond ring to your partner that may cost thousands of dollars. If you give her the wrong ring size, then it will be either too loose or too tight.

Of course, you can find a jeweler, later on, to measure the finger of your fiancee and adjust the ring size. But it’s more fun to present your engagement ring in the right size on your special engagement day.  

Wearing a loose ring is a no-no because you might end up losing it. If you give a ring that is too tight, then it will be difficult for your partner to remove it later on. Of even put it on in the first place.

So, it’s important to give your partner a ring of the correct size on a special occasion like an engagement. Below, we discuss a few ways that will help you determine your partner’s ring size.

1. Borrow One of Her Rings for Some Time

One of the easiest ways to know the size of the ring is to borrow a ring from your partner for a temporary period. It’s best to just borrow a ring without telling her, otherwise, she might suspect something. If you decide to borrow a ring without telling her, then you need to have a strategy in place.

Keep a note of where your partner keeps her ring. For instance, she may keep her ring on the jewelry box or nightstand while going to the shower. Take advantage whenever the opportunity presents itself and grab the ring. 

Take the ring to a jewelry shop. The jeweler can find out the exact ring size of your partner with the help of the ring you have taken to the shop.

However, it’s vital to know on which finger your partner usually wears that particular ring. Ring sizes often differ from one finger to another. The dominant finger of any woman is usually larger than a less dominant finger.

Also, the ring finger of a righthanded woman is usually a bit bigger than the ring size on her left hand and vice versa.

2. Go With the Average

The average ring size of most women is between 5 to 7. If your partner is shorter than the average female height (5 foot 4 inches in the US) and has more weight, you may want to try buying one or two sizes above the average ring size. If your partner is thin and tall, her ring size might be slightly less than the average.

3. Use a String

You can take a string or dental floss and wrap it on your partner’s finger. For example, when she is asleep. The thread should be close to her knuckle because the ring has to be able to slide over the knuckle.

Mark the string where both ends meet and measure that distance with a scale or ruler. [add ring size scale chart].

You have another option too. Take the measured string to the jewelry shop, where a jeweler can find out the exact size of the ring for your partner.

4. Buy a Ring Sizer

You can purchase a ring sizer either online or from your local shop. This specially-designed ring sizer will help determine the size of your partner’s ring. There are two common types of ring sizers available:

• Thin Measuring Tape Ring Sizer (for example this one via Amazon)

You will have to put the ring sizer on your partner’s finger and adjust it to a suitable place to measure. Shake her fingers so that you know the ring will not be too loose or too tight. Remove the ring sizer like a ring once you have measured the inner diameter of the ring.

• Key Ring Type Ring Sizer (for example this one via Amazon)

The keyring type ring sizer has almost 27 sizes, and each size is stamped on the stem of each ring. With this, it is easy to use and measure your partner’s ring size accurately.

5. Compare Your Ring Size With Your Partner

Another great way to know your partner’s ring size is to observe her finger size, compare it with your finger, and estimate her ring size. This method is easy, but you may not get a very accurate guess.

6. Try a Ring of Your Partner

You can secretly try on your partner’s ring on one of your fingers. If it fits, then you can go to a jeweler and have that specific finger measured. Now it’s easy for you to buy a ring for her. If the ring doesn’t fit one of your own fingers, you know whether it’s bigger or smaller. You will have a rough estimate to give to the jeweler.

7. Get Help From Family and Friends

You can get help from friends and family members of your partner to learn the ring size. Your friends or family member may have purchased a ring for your partner at some point in time. So they might be able to advise you about her ring size.

8. Ring Diameter Technique

Ask for an old ring from your partner, or take one unseen, and then measure the inner diameter of the ring in millimeters. Now check a ring sizing chart to figure out the ring size of your partner. For instance, if you measure the inner diameter of the ring as 18.19 mm, then the size of her ring is 8.

9. Ask Her Directly

Nowadays, many couples like to discuss before their engagement. You can ask your partner directly about her ring size and favorite style. This would certainly be the most accurate method to figure out ring size.

10. Try to Pretend

You can tell your partner that you want to buy a ring for your sister whose finger size is just like hers. Ask for her ring size for reference.

11. Get Help From Your Partner’s Best Friend

You can get the help of your partner’s best friend in determining the correct ring size for your partner. She could ask your partner about her ring size and inform you.

12. Use Soap

First, you need to find an old ring from your partner’s jewelry box. Then grab a minibar soap. Now push the old ring into the soap to get an imprint. But don’t forget to wipe away any soap residue; otherwise, your partner will know about what you’ve done.

Take the soap to the jewelry shop. A jeweler can measure the imprint and tell you the correct ring size of your partner.

13. Use a Candlestick

You can use candlestick wax to determine the ring size of your partner. Take an old ring from her jewelry box and push it on the candlestick till the ring stops. 

Mark the area to find out the exact size of the ring. Don’t forget to remove any wax residue so that your partner doesn’t know. 

Take the candle to the jewelry shop. They will help you in finding the correct ring size for your partner.

14. Ask the Mother of Your Partner

You can ask your partner’s mother to learn the correct ring size. She can also ask your partner directly about her ring size if she does not know.

15. Take Her to a Jewelry Shop

Does your partner’s birthday fall within a few days or weeks? Is there a big accomplishment that you need to celebrate?

If yes, then take her to the jewelry shop to give her a gift like a bracelet, earrings, or necklace. In the meantime, tell her to try on any ring for fun and casually ask the jeweler what size it is. This can help you figure out your partner’s ring size accurately.

16. Take Advantage of a Show

If you have gone to a show or festival where there is a display of many rings, then you can convince your partner to try some rings. Then casually ask the seller what size the ring is. It will help you learn their exact ring size.

Tips for Measuring Ring Size Accurately

• Our fingers’ thickness varies throughout the day and can even change with changing temperature. In the morning, our fingers can be a bit thinner than in the evening. If you measure a finger size in summer, it will be thicker compared to winter. Thus, measure ring size at an average temperature.
• Try to take measurements several times a day to confirm a ring size.
• The left and right fingers vary with circumference. If someone is right-handed, the fingers will be a bit more muscular because this hand gets more exercise. Therefore, make sure you know on which hand your partner will be wearing the ring.

Wrapping Up

You can try the above tips to figure out the correct ring size for your partner. If none of these tricks work, and you have bought a ring that is incorrect in size, then don’t worry. 

You can always resize the ring. The jeweler can cut some portion of the ring band and resolder it to make it into a size that will correctly fit on your partner’s finger.

Related article: What are SI Diamonds?