How to Find Your Perfect Ring Size

Buying a ring online is exciting, until you realise you’re not quite sure what size you need!

Getting the right ring size is important, particularly when purchasing a special or handmade piece. While there are plenty of online ring-sizing guides, printable charts and clever little tricks involving string or paper, the reality is that these methods can be surprisingly inaccurate.

So, what’s the best way to find your ring size?

Ring sizing guide

The Most Accurate Way? Visit Your Local Jeweller

Our number one recommendation is simple: pop into your local jewellery store and ask them to measure your finger.

Jewellers have professional ring-sizing tools and can quickly determine the appropriate size for you. Stores such as Angus & Coote and other local jewellers will generally be able to measure your finger or an existing ring for you.

It only takes a few minutes and can save you the disappointment of ordering the wrong size.

Even better, if you already have a ring that fits the finger you intend to wear your new ring on, take it along. A jeweller can measure the inside diameter and help determine the corresponding ring size.

Measure the actual finger the ring is intended for

It might sound obvious, but fingers aren't all the same size!

Your ring finger may be a different size to your middle finger, and even your left and right hands can differ slightly. If you are buying a ring for a particular finger, make sure that exact finger is measured.

Your fingers can also change size throughout the day due to temperature, activity and swelling, so a professional measurement is always preferable to a quick measurement at home.

Ring Sizes in Australia

Here in Australia, ring sizes are generally given using letters of the alphabet, rather than the numerical sizing system commonly seen in the US.

You'll often see Australian ring sizes written as:

K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T...

For example, a ring listed as size M is an Australian ring size.

Australian Ring Size Comparison

Australian Size	Approx. US Size	Approx. UK Size	Inside Diameter*
J	4¾	J½	15.1 mm
K	5¼	K	15.9 mm
L	5¾	L	16.3 mm
M	6¼	M	16.7 mm
N	6¾	N	17.1 mm
O	7¼	O	17.5 mm
P	7¾	P	17.9 mm
Q	8¼	Q	18.3 mm
R	8¾	R	18.8 mm
S	9¼	S	19.2 mm
T	9¾	T	19.6 mm
U	10¼	U	20.0 mm

*Measurements are approximate and can vary slightly between sizing systems and manufacturers.

What About Measuring at Home?

If visiting a jeweller isn't possible, an online sizing guide can certainly give you a rough indication of your size.

You may see suggestions such as wrapping a piece of string or paper around your finger, marking the circumference and comparing it with a chart.

The problem is that even a tiny difference in how tightly the string is wrapped can change the result. Printer settings can also affect printable ring-sizing guides, and measuring an existing ring on a screen isn't necessarily accurate either.

So, while these methods can be useful as a starting point, we wouldn't recommend relying on them when ordering a special ring.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Wide bands can feel different. A wider ring generally feels more snug than a delicate, narrow band in the same size. If you're purchasing a particularly wide ring, it's worth discussing sizing with your jeweller. (we recommend sizing up)

Your fingers change throughout the day. Heat, exercise and even flying can cause your fingers to swell slightly. Don't panic if your rings feel a little different at different times of the day.

Don't measure just one finger and assume it applies to all rings. The finger you intend to wear the ring on is the one that needs to be measured.

When in doubt, get professionally measured. It is by far the easiest way to take the guesswork out of ordering your ring.

Our Best Advice

Online ring-sizing hacks are handy, but they're not foolproof.

Jewellery ring sizer guide

If you're unsure of your ring size, take a quick trip to your local jewellery store and ask them to measure either the finger the ring will be worn on or an existing ring that fits perfectly.

Once you know your Australian ring size, whether that's L, M, N, P or something completely different, you'll have much more confidence when shopping for your next piece of jewellery.

And, of course, if you're shopping with us at Nord Haus and you're unsure about sizing, we're always happy to help you work out which size is likely to be right for you.