RELAX….Free Resizing: If you order the wrong ring size or your ring needs resizing in the first year of ownership we will cover the cost. See full details here.
How Should a Ring Fit?
A correctly sized ring should:
- Slide over the knuckle with gentle resistance.
- Sit comfortably without squeezing the finger.
- Remain secure during normal movement.
- Need a slight twist or gentle pull to remove.
- Leave no deep or painful indentation.
A ring that passes over the knuckle without any resistance may be too large. If it is difficult or uncomfortable to remove, it may be too small.
Finger size naturally changes during the day and can also be affected by temperature, exercise, travel, diet and fluid retention. A ring may therefore feel slightly different at different times without necessarily being the wrong size.
How to Find Your Ring Size
Method One: Have Your Finger Professionally Measured
Professional measurement is the most reliable method, particularly when choosing an engagement ring, eternity ring or wide wedding ring.
A jeweller will normally use a set of metal sizing rings and can consider the width and design of the ring you intend to purchase. This is helpful because a broad band can feel tighter than a fine band in exactly the same stated size.
If possible, ask to be measured using a sizing ring of a similar width to the ring you are considering.
Method Two: Measure a Ring That Already Fits
If you already have a ring that fits the intended finger comfortably, you can use it to estimate your size.
Choose a ring that:
- Fits the correct finger.
- Is worn on the same hand.
- Is still perfectly round.
- Has a similar band width, where possible.
Measure straight across the widest part of the empty centre of the ring, from one inside edge to the opposite inside edge. Do not include the metal band in your measurement.
This measurement is the ring’s inside diameter. Compare it with the inside-diameter column in the conversion chart below.
A calliper will produce a more accurate result than an ordinary ruler because differences of less than one millimetre can alter the ring size.
Method Three: Use Our Printable Ring Size Guide
Download and print our A4 ring-size guide, then place an existing ring over the printed size spots.
The guide must be printed at 100% or “Actual size”. Do not select “Fit to page”, “Scale to fit” or any other automatic resizing option.
Before using the size spots, check the printed 50 mm ruler and bank-card-width box. If either measurement is incorrect, the page has not printed at the correct scale and the size spots will not be accurate.
Place your ring flat over the circles and look directly down at it. The printed circle should meet the inside edge of the ring exactly. There should be no visible space between the printed circle and the inside of the ring.
Please remember that a printable guide provides an estimate. If the ring falls between two size spots, or you are uncertain about the result, please ask Malcolm before ordering.
Can I Measure My Finger With Paper or String?
You may see instructions suggesting that you wrap string or paper around your finger. We do not recommend relying on this method when purchasing an important ring.
String can stretch, while paper can crease, loosen or tighten as it is wrapped. These methods may also measure the base of the finger without allowing sufficiently for the knuckle.
A professional ring gauge, a plastic ring sizer or a correctly printed guide used with an existing ring will usually provide a more dependable result.
When Should I Measure My Finger?
For the most useful measurement:
- Measure the exact finger and hand on which the ring will be worn.
- Measure when your hands are at a comfortable, normal temperature.
- Avoid measuring immediately after exercise or coming in from very hot or cold weather.
- Measure more than once and, ideally, at different times of day.
- Do not measure when your fingers are noticeably swollen.
- Remember that the corresponding fingers on your left and right hands may differ in size.
Many people find that their fingers are smaller in cool conditions and slightly larger later in the day or during warm weather. The aim is to find a size that remains comfortable through ordinary daily changes.
Consider the Knuckle
If your knuckle is noticeably wider than the base of your finger, the ring must be large enough to pass over it while remaining secure once in position.
Measure both the knuckle and the base of the finger. A suitable size will normally be somewhere between the two measurements.
If the difference is considerable, please ask for advice. Depending on the ring, discreet sizing beads may sometimes help prevent a ring from turning or feeling loose once it has passed over the knuckle.
Band Width and Ring Size
Rings with wider bands generally feel tighter than fine rings of the same internal size. This can be particularly important with wedding rings, broad dress rings and several rings intended to be worn together.
If you are between sizes, the larger size may be more comfortable for a wide band. However, the most appropriate adjustment depends on the width, internal profile and design of the ring, so please ask before choosing a different size.
Slim diamond engagement rings and fine bands may feel more generous than a broad wedding ring in the same stated size.
Wearing Several Rings Together
An engagement ring and wedding ring worn together will cover more of the finger than either ring worn alone. Adding an eternity ring creates an even broader combined fit.
If you intend to wear several rings together, measure your finger with a comparable set of rings or tell us how the new ring will be worn. You may require a slightly different size from the one that feels comfortable for a single fine ring.
Buying a Ring as a Surprise
If the ring is intended as a surprise, try to borrow a ring that the recipient already wears on the correct finger and hand.
You can then:
- Compare it with our printable size spots.
- Measure its inside diameter.
- Ask a jeweller to measure it on a ring mandrel.
Do not assume that a ring worn on another finger will provide the correct size. Also remember that the same finger on the opposite hand may be slightly different.
A friend or family member may know the recipient’s size, but it is worth checking how recently the measurement was taken and which finger it relates to.
UK and International Ring Size Conversion Chart
Ring-sizing systems vary between countries. Malcolm Cooper Jewellery uses standard UK letter sizes.
International conversions are approximate because sizing charts and manufacturing tolerances can vary slightly. If you know your size in another system, it is helpful to provide both that size and the inside diameter or circumference in millimetres.
| UK size | Inside diameter | Inside circumference | Approx. US/Canada | Approx. EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | 14.88 mm | 46.8 mm | 3¾ | 47 |
| I | 15.29 mm | 48.0 mm | 4¼ | 48 |
| J | 15.49 mm | 48.7 mm | 4⅝ | 49 |
| K | 15.90 mm | 50.0 mm | 5⅛ | 50 |
| L | 16.31 mm | 51.2 mm | 5½ | 51 |
| M | 16.71 mm | 52.5 mm | 6 | 53 |
| N | 17.12 mm | 53.8 mm | 6½ | 54 |
| O | 17.53 mm | 55.1 mm | 7 | 55 |
| P | 17.93 mm | 56.3 mm | 7½ | 56 |
| Q | 18.34 mm | 57.6 mm | 8 | 58 |
| R | 18.75 mm | 58.9 mm | 8⅝ | 59 |
| S | 19.15 mm | 60.2 mm | 9⅛ | 60 |
| T | 19.56 mm | 61.4 mm | 9⅝ | 61 |
| U | 19.96 mm | 62.7 mm | 10¼ | 63 |
| V | 20.37 mm | 64.0 mm | 10⅝ | 64 |
| W | 20.78 mm | 65.3 mm | 11⅛ | 65 |
| X | 21.18 mm | 66.6 mm | 11⅝ | 67 |
| Y | 21.59 mm | 67.8 mm | 12 | 68 |
| Z | 21.79 mm | 68.5 mm | 12½ | 69 |
Half sizes are also available for many designs. If your measurement falls between two of the sizes shown, please contact us rather than estimating.
Standard and Made-to-Order Sizes
Many Malcolm Cooper Jewellery rings are available as standard in UK sizes L, M, N and O.
Other sizes can usually be made to order. Availability, production time and the exact range of sizes will depend on the individual ring and its setting.
Eternity rings, rings with diamonds extending around the band and some intricate designs may be difficult or impossible to resize after manufacture. It is therefore particularly important to confirm the size before ordering one of these designs.
What If I Am Still Unsure?
Tell us:
- The ring you are considering.
- The UK or international size you currently wear.
- The measured inside diameter or circumference.
- Whether the ring will be worn alone or beside other rings.
- Whether your knuckle is significantly wider than the base of your finger.
We will help you choose the most suitable size before your ring is made.
Ring-size charts and home measurements provide useful guidance, but they cannot account for every finger shape, ring width or personal preference. If there is any uncertainty, professional measurement remains the best option.