Field note 02

Buying a ring online, or as a surprise, is easier when you know the size. These three methods take a few minutes and need nothing special.

Method 1: measure a ring that already fits

1. Pick a ring worn on the same finger (the right and left hands can differ).
2. Measure the inside diameter from edge to edge, in millimeters. The calibrated online ruler works well: lay the ring on the screen.
3. Enter the diameter in the ring size converter.

Method 2: the paper strip

1. Cut a thin strip of paper about 10 cm long.
2. Wrap it snugly around the base of your finger and mark where it overlaps.
3. Lay it flat, measure to the mark in millimeters: this is your circumference, and also your EU size.

Use paper rather than string, which stretches and gives a size that is too large.

Method 3: the on-screen ruler

Calibrate the online ruler with a bank card, lay a ring that fits on the screen and read its inside diameter at true scale. Then enter it in the ring size converter.

Tips for a comfortable fit

• Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are slightly larger, and not when your hands are cold.
• If you have large knuckles, measure the knuckle too and choose a size in between.
• Wide bands (over 6 mm) usually need a half size up.
• If you fall between two sizes, pick the larger one.