Buying an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful purchases you will ever make. While the diamond usually gets the most attention, the engagement ring size is just as important. A ring that fits properly will feel comfortable, stay secure on the finger and allow the diamond to sit beautifully on the hand.
Many people ask questions like how do I size a ring, how do you find ring size, or how to measure ring size at home. The good news is that finding the correct size is easier than you think.
Getting the Perfect Fit for an Engagement Ring
An engagement ring should feel secure without being tight. The perfect fit allows the ring to slide onto the finger easily and pass over the knuckle with a little resistance. Once it is on, it should sit comfortably without spinning excessively or leaving deep marks on the skin.
Finger size naturally changes throughout the day. Warm weather, exercise and hydration can cause fingers to swell slightly, while colder temperatures may make them smaller. Because of this, jewellers recommend measuring ring size when your hands are at a normal temperature and preferably later in the day.
Getting the right fit also helps the diamond look balanced on the finger. A large diamond on a very small ring size can appear oversized, while a small stone on a wider finger may look more subtle. Finding the right proportion between the engagement ring size and the diamond helps create a balanced and elegant look.
How Do You Find Ring Size?
If you are wondering how do you find ring size:
Visit a Jeweller
The most accurate way to determine ring size is to visit a jeweller who can measure the finger using professional tools. Jewellers use sizing rings to match the exact finger circumference and recommend the correct engagement ring. This is particularly helpful if the ring has a wide band or large centre stone, as these can affect how the ring fits.
Book a visit to our jewellery design studio for professional ring sizing and expert advice on choosing the perfect engagement ring.
Measure an Existing Ring
If the person already wears a ring on their ring finger, you can measure the inside diameter of that ring. Jewellers can then match this measurement to a ring size chart to determine the correct size. Just make sure the ring being measured is worn on the same finger where the engagement ring will be worn.
Use a Ring Size Chart
A ring size chart allows you to compare the inner diameter or circumference of a ring to standard sizing measurements.
Download our free printable ring size chart to estimate the size for engagement rings and wedding bands.
How Do I Size a Ring at Home?
If you cannot visit a jeweller, you can still learn how to measure ring size at home using simple tools.
The Paper or String Method
One common method is using a strip of paper or a piece of string.
- Wrap the strip around the base of the finger
- Mark the point where the ends meet
- Measure the length in millimetres
You can then compare this measurement with a ring size chart to find the closest engagement ring size.
Measure a Ring You Already Own
Another easy option is measuring the inside diameter of a ring that already fits. Place the ring on a ruler and measure the inside edge across the centre. This measurement can be matched to a diamond ring size guide or ring sizing chart.
Printable Ring Sizers
Download our free printable ring size chart to measure ring size for engagement rings and wedding bands.
While these methods work well, professional sizing is still the most accurate. Visit our Jewellery Studio in Perth for accurate sizing and professional advice on choosing an engagement ring.
Engagement Ring Size Guide for Australia
Australia uses an alphabetical sizing system from A to Z. Each letter represents a specific finger circumference.
The average ring size for women in Australia typically falls between L and N, although finger sizes can vary widely.
Below is a general engagement ring size table showing approximate finger circumference and diamond sizes that tend to look proportionate on different ring sizes.
| AU Ring Size | Finger Circumference | Typical Finger Type | Recommended Diamond Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 37.8 mm | Very petite fingers | 0.25 to 0.50 ct |
| B | 39.1 mm | Very petite fingers | 0.30 to 0.60 ct |
| C | 40.4 mm | Petite fingers | 0.30 to 0.70 ct |
| D | 41.7 mm | Petite fingers | 0.40 to 0.80 ct |
| E | 42.9 mm | Slim fingers | 0.40 to 0.90 ct |
| F | 44.2 mm | Slim fingers | 0.50 to 1.00 ct |
| G | 45.5 mm | Slim fingers | 0.50 to 1.10 ct |
| H | 46.8 mm | Average petite | 0.60 to 1.20 ct |
| I | 48.0 mm | Average fingers | 0.70 to 1.30 ct |
| J | 49.3 mm | Average fingers | 0.70 to 1.50 ct |
| K | 50.6 mm | Average fingers | 0.80 to 1.70 ct |
| L | 51.9 mm | Average fingers | 0.90 to 1.80 ct |
| M | 53.1 mm | Common women's size | 1.00 to 2.00 ct |
| N | 54.4 mm | Common women's size | 1.00 to 2.20 ct |
| O | 55.7 mm | Slightly larger fingers | 1.10 to 2.50 ct |
| P | 57.0 mm | Larger fingers | 1.20 to 2.80 ct |
| Q | 58.3 mm | Larger fingers | 1.30 to 3.00 ct |
| R | 59.5 mm | Larger fingers | 1.50 to 3.20 ct |
| S | 60.8 mm | Wide fingers | 1.70 to 3.50 ct |
| T | 62.1 mm | Wide fingers | 1.80 to 4.00 ct |
| U | 63.4 mm | Wide fingers | 2.00 to 4.50 ct |
| V | 64.6 mm | Very wide fingers | 2.20 to 5.00 ct |
| W | 65.9 mm | Very wide fingers | 2.50 to 5.50 ct |
| X | 67.2 mm | Very wide fingers | 3.00 to 6.00 ct |
| Y | 68.5 mm | Very wide fingers | 3.00 to 6.50 ct |
| Z | 69.7 mm | Very wide fingers | 3.50 ct or larger |
These recommendations are based on visual proportion rather than strict rules. Personal style and ring design will always influence the final choice.
Choosing the Right Diamond Size for Your Ring Size
Many buyers search for diamond size vs finger size because they want to know what carat diamond will look best on their hand.
Smaller fingers often suit diamonds between 0.5 and 1.2 carats, while average finger sizes can comfortably wear diamonds between 1 and 2 carats. Larger fingers may balance better with stones above 1.5 carats.
Halo settings are also popular because they can make a diamond appear significantly larger without increasing the centre stone size.
For example, a 1 carat diamond with a halo setting can visually resemble a much larger stone. This is a good option if you want the ring to appear bigger while keeping the centre diamond more affordable.
Diamond Shapes That Suit Different Hand Types
The shape of the diamond can dramatically change how a ring looks on the hand.
- Small hands
Oval, pear and marquise diamonds work well because their elongated shape makes fingers appear longer. - Short fingers
Oval and pear shaped diamonds help create the illusion of length. - Long fingers
Emerald cut, radiant cut and princess cut diamonds add width and balance. - Wide fingers or larger hands
Round brilliant and cushion cut diamonds provide a larger visual surface area and suit wider fingers well.
Choosing the right shape is often just as important as choosing the right carat weight.
How Ring Band Width Affects Ring Size and Appearance
Band width can also influence how a ring looks and feels.
Thin bands between 1.5 and 2 mm are popular for smaller ring sizes and delicate designs. They can make the diamond appear larger and more prominent.
Medium bands between 2 and 2.5 mm offer a balanced look and suit most engagement ring styles.
Wide bands between 3 and 4 mm work well for larger ring sizes because they provide better visual balance. It is also worth noting that wider bands sometimes require a slightly larger ring size for comfort.
What to Do If the Engagement Ring Size Is Wrong
Even when you carefully measure the finger, it is still possible for the engagement ring size to be slightly incorrect. Fortunately most rings can be resized by a professional jeweller.
Resizing usually involves adding or removing a small section of metal to adjust the ring circumference. This process works well for most solitaire and plain band rings.
However some designs, such as eternity bands with stones around the entire band, can be more difficult to resize.
Visit our Jewellery Design Studio in Perth for expert engagement ring sizing, personalised design advice and help choosing the perfect diamond for your ring.
