Australian Ring Size Guide: How to Measure your Finger Accurately
Professional jeweller measurement delivers 99% accuracy and eliminates guesswork entirely.
Getting your ring size spot-on matters more than you might think. A poorly fitted ring can slip off during daily activities or feel uncomfortably tight around your finger. The good news? Accurate ring measurement doesn’t require complex calculations when you know the right approach.
Quick tip: If you can dash out during the weekend and get your finger measured at a jewellery store, you don’t have to continue reading this page. Professional measurement takes 2 minutes and guarantees perfect results.
For everyone else who wants to measure from home, below are the only 2 methods we actually recommend.
A BIT MORE ABOUT The Most Accurate Method: Professional Jeweller Measurement
Professional sizing remains the gold standard for ring measurement accuracy.
Major Australian jewellery stores offer free ring sizing. Professional jewellers across Australia provide this service at hundreds of locations nationwide.
Professional jewellers use calibrated ring sizers and consider factors like knuckle width, finger shape, and ring style preferences. This eliminates the trial-and-error approach of home measurement methods.
The process takes 2–3 minutes per finger. Many stores offer this service without requiring a purchase, though some independent jewellers charge $10-25 for standalone consultations.
Want to avoid the weekend rush? Most jewellery stores are quieter on weekday mornings.
Alternative Method 1: Buy a Ring Measuring Kit Online
If you want to measure your finger accurately from the comfort of your home, a professional measuring kit is the way to go.
Professional ring measuring kits contain the same graduated sizing tools that jewellers use. These plastic or metal sizers provide consistent, reliable measurements without the guesswork of improvised methods.
You can buy a measuring kit from us for convenient home measurement. Here’s a not-so-well-known secret: if you end up buying a ring from us, we’ll deduct the amount you paid for the measuring kit.
The kit includes detailed instructions and takes about 5 minutes to use properly.
Alternative Method 2: Measure an Existing Ring
Do you have an existing ring that fits perfectly? This method works brilliantly for replacement rings or similar styles.
Take your well-fitting ring down to a jewellery store and get it measured professionally. Most jewellers will measure existing rings for free, giving you the exact size in Australian standards.
Alternatively, use callipers to measure the ring’s internal diameter at multiple spots. Take 3 measurements and average the results for accuracy.
You can also download our printable PDF sizing chart and compare the inner diameter to the closest circle shape. Be careful with this method – it can be misleading if the PDF isn’t printed at exactly 100% scale or if you’re not measuring precisely.
The key is using a ring that fits the same finger you’re sizing for. Your ring finger and middle finger often differ by 1-2 sizes.
Other Alternative Methods? Why We Don’t Recommend Other Methods
There are no other alternative methods we can recommend with confidence.
Methods like string measuring or plastic adjustable belt measurers aren’t reliable because string is flexible and can stretch as well as belt measurers, leading to false measurements. String also doesn’t account for your knuckle’s width, which affects how easily a ring slides on and off.
Smartphone ring size apps aren’t reliable enough at this point in time. These apps use camera estimation and achieve only 60-80% accuracy – not sufficient for important ring purchases.
Paper strip methods suffer similar problems to string measurements, with added issues from paper tearing or creasing during measurement.
Trust us on this one – we’ve seen too many disappointed customers who relied on these methods and ended up with poorly fitting rings.
Getting It Right the First Time
It’s very well worth getting the correct ring size the first time to avoid all the unnecessary back-and-forth with ring resizing and time delays.
Ring resizing can be costly and time-consuming. Whilst we don’t charge for the first resize on all wooden rings and non-custom rings, a resizing in some cases can cost $40-$329, depending on the metal and complexity. Some ring styles – like tungsten, titanium, or full eternity bands – cannot be resized at all. It’s annoying however to have to send the ring back and forth – much better to get it right from the start.
Temperature affects finger size throughout the day and seasons. Measure during late afternoon at room temperature for most consistent results.
Consider the ring’s width when sizing. Bands wider than 6mm typically require upsizing by 0.5-1 sizes for comfortable wear.
Resizing typically takes 1-3 weeks, which means you’ll be without your ring during this time.
Australian Ring Size Standards
Australian ring sizes follow the same system as UK standards, using letters A-Z with half-sizes between. For larger sizes we just add a number to Z – Z1, Z2, Z3 …
Each Australian ring size represents specific circumference and diameter measurements. Size N (17.12mm diameter, 53.8mm circumference) is the most popular women’s size, while size T (19.56mm diameter) dominates men’s shopping cart.
Australian sizing differs from US numerical systems and European millimetre measurements. Converting between systems requires precise charts to avoid sizing errors.
Our finger measuring kit is marked with American scale – numbers and half numbers. To make it easier for you, you can either convert using the chart below or when you’re selecting the size, you’ll see the American equivalent next to each Australian size in the dropdown on every ring listing.
Average Australian Ring Sizes:
Fashion rings: Because they are often wider, rings are sized 1 larger for comfortable removal
Women: Sizes M-P (most common: Size N)
Men: Sizes S-V (most common: Size T)
Engagement rings: Typically 0.5 sizes smaller than wedding bands
International Ring Size Conversion Chart
| Australian / UK | US / Canada | European | Diameter (mm) | Circumference (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | 4 | 47 | 14.88 | 46.7 |
| I | 4½ | 48 | 15.29 | 48.0 |
| J | 4¾ | 49 | 15.49 | 48.7 |
| K | 5¼ | 50 | 15.90 | 50.0 |
| L | 5¾ | 51 | 16.31 | 51.2 |
| M | 6¼ | 52 | 16.71 | 52.5 |
| N | 6¾ | 54 | 17.12 | 53.8 |
| O | 7¼ | 55 | 17.53 | 55.1 |
| P | 7¾ | 56 | 17.93 | 56.3 |
| Q | 8¼ | 58 | 18.34 | 57.6 |
| R | 8¾ | 59 | 18.75 | 58.9 |
| S | 9¼ | 60 | 19.15 | 60.2 |
| T | 9¾ | 61 | 19.56 | 61.4 |
| U | 10¼ | 63 | 19.96 | 62.7 |
| V | 10¾ | 64 | 20.37 | 64.0 |
| W | 11¼ | 65 | 20.78 | 65.3 |
Bold sizes (N & T) are the most frequently bought women’s and men’s sizes respectively
What Affects Your Ring Size?
Several factors influence finger size and ring fit throughout your life.
Seasonal changes affect ring size, particularly in Australia’s varied climate zones. Summer heat and humidity can increase finger size by 0.5-1 full sizes.
Daily fluctuations occur naturally, with fingers typically smallest in early morning and largest during late afternoon. Alcohol, salt intake, and exercise cause temporary finger swelling.
Life changes like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and ageing gradually alter finger size. Most people’s ring size increases by 0.5-1 sizes between ages 25-55.
Ring Type Considerations and Sizing Adjustments
Different ring styles require specific sizing adjustments for optimal comfort and fit.
Engagement Ring vs Wedding Band Sizing
wedding bands and engagement rings often require different sizes due to design variations and wearing patterns.
Engagement rings with prominent settings need precise sizing to prevent spinning. Wedding bands worn together with engagement rings may require half-size to full size adjustments.
Stacked rings need looser individual fits to accommodate multiple bands. Plan for 0.5 to 1 size increases when wearing multiple rings together.
Wide Band and Thick Ring Adjustments
Wide bands (over 6mm) cover more finger surface, requiring larger sizes for comfortable movement and the ability to slip over the knuckle.
Bands measuring 6-8mm typically need 0.5 size increases. Rings exceeding 8mm width often require full size increases or even more for proper fit.
Wooden rings with substantial profiles also need additional space for natural finger movement and seasonal swelling.
Examples: An 6mm wide wooden wedding band typically requires 0.5 size increase from your standard ring size.
Common Sizing Mistakes That Cost Money
Ring sizing errors create unnecessary expenses and delays for Australian ring buyers.
Measuring cold fingers produces undersized results, requiring expensive upsizing. Ignoring knuckle size when larger than finger base leads to rings that won’t slide over the knuckle.
Wrong timing affects accuracy significantly. Never measure immediately after cold drinks, exercise, or during illness when finger size fluctuates abnormally.
Ring width misconceptions cause frequent sizing errors. Many buyers forget that wide bands need larger sizes, leading to uncomfortable fits.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid:
- Measuring during cold weather without warming hands first
- Using flexible materials like string or elastic
- Measuring different fingers for comparison rings
- Ignoring seasonal finger size variations
- Forgetting to account for ring stacking preferences
Below is a set of questions and answers that Sum Things Up
What’s the most accurate way to measure ring size?
Professional jeweller measurement achieves 99% accuracy and takes just 2 minutes. For home measurement, our professional ring measuring kit provides the next best accuracy at 95-98%.
Are Australian ring sizes the same as UK sizes?
Yes, Australian ring sizes follow UK standards using the same lettered system (A-Z) with identical millimetre measurements. This makes UK ring sizing charts directly applicable in Australia.
Should I size up or down if I’m between measurements?
For traditional alloy rings, always size up when between sizes. For example, if you can’t decide between N and N½, pick N½. For wooden rings, though, size down because we can enlarge an existing wooden ring by removing material from the inside in case it is a bit too small. If a wooden ring is too big, it’s not possible to resize it, and we will need to make a new one.
How much does ring resizing cost with Wooden Ring Store?
We don’t charge anything for the first resize on all wooden rings and non-custom rings regardless whether the ring is too big or too small. Additional resizing services and custom rings resizes are charged at cost, typically $40-$329 depending on the complexity of the work required.
Can all rings be resized?
Traditional metal rings can usually be resized within 2-3 sizes. Wooden rings can only be sized up for up to one size on the Australian chart by carefully removing interior material. Sizing down wooden rings isn’t possible – we craft a completely new ring in case the ring is too big.
Do engagement rings and wedding bands need different sizes?
Often yes. Wedding bands worn alone can be sized 0.5 smaller than engagement rings with large settings. Stacked rings typically need 0.5-1 larger sizes for comfortable wear together.
Get Your Ring Size Right From the Start
Professional measurement delivers perfect results every time, while quality home measuring kits provide excellent alternatives when you can’t visit a store.
Ready to measure accurately at home? Get our professional ring measuring kit and measure with confidence – we’ll even deduct the cost from your ring purchase.