Whether you’re trying to determine your own ring size or seeking a discreet way to figure out the ring size of someone you hope to propose to soon, you may have heard that a person’s ring size and shoe size are the same. Unfortunately, that just isn’t true. Shoe size doesn’t automatically translate to ring size. Your ring finger and your feet are not magically intertwined. Save yourself the trouble of trying to use an abandoned slipper to set up a marriage proposal just because it worked out for Prince Charming and Cinderella. Don’t use a Lady Foot Locker as a measurement shortcut for an engagement ring size. There are other ways to streamline the search for affordable wedding rings and find the perfect fit!
Occasionally, sticking your sole into a Brannock Device might yield the same results as fitting your finger with a ring mandrel, but that makes for just a coincidence or a random fun fact rather than a magic formula. In other words, no, your ring size is not automatically the same as your shoe size. It would be great if it worked this way, especially when you’re shopping for a surprise like an engagement ring, but it just doesn’t. So, if you are trying to work backward from shoe size to find the right ring size, you probably need a backup plan. Try a ring sizer, and you’ll quickly solve your problem.
But why do people think there is that kind of formula in the first place? There is a general correlation between shoe size and height. And (again, in general) tall people tend to have larger hands. The most commonly sold women’s shoe size in the United States is a 7, though most women’s feet are, on average, between 8.5 and 9. And the top-selling ring sizes fall somewhere between a six and an eight. This, if nothing else, immediately disqualifies the idea that the average ring and shoe sizes are correlated. If it didn’t, we’d see a larger ring size on average.
So, you can see where the idea came from, but that merely means you might be able to make a slightly more accurate guess, not that you can guarantee a comfortable fit. This isn’t the “Price is Right” rule. This is a matter of making sure the sign of your love doesn’t get stranded on a knuckle.
Shop All Our Affordable Engagement RingsFactors to Keep in Mind When Finding Your Actual Ring Size
Measuring the finger itself is complicated enough since finger size can shift from season to season or time of day. You might have an existing ring that used to fit but now feels too loose or tight. It’s even common for the hands and feet on the left to be a different size from those on the right. If you could freeze a Beyonce concert when all the single ladies put their hands up, it might be hard to find two digits with the same kind of knuckles or the same degree of taper. With all these factors in play, further complicating things by going down a ring sizing rabbit hole that involves multiplying the shoe size by four, adding two, dividing by five — well, that’s how you end up mad as a hatter. So when you go to measure ring size, just keep these factors in mind.
Don’t drive yourself crazy with random equations that will only yield inaccurate results. Using a ring sizer is a much better option. While that can be a bit tricky when you’re trying to plan a surprise, it’s a much better option than relying on inaccurate equations and myths based on average ring sizes and shoe sizes.
But maybe you aren’t looking for a cheat code for a surprise proposal or promise ring exchange, just a little help deciphering the information on sizing charts. Put the tape measure or piece of string to the side. We’re happy to answer those questions, too.
Taking a Look at Our Ring Sizing Guide and Chart
For example, are men’s and women’s ring sizes the same? Unlike shoe sizing, in which a man’s shoe size is 1.5 sizes smaller than a woman’s, the ring chart for men and women is the same — one size for every .8 mm in diameter (that’s about .0315 inches). In the U.S., ring sizes start at 3 (14.1 mm) and go up to 16 (24.6 mm).
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In a practical sense, a ring size chart often looks a bit different because men’s sizes include larger numbers as a practical measure, not because they use a different ring size chart. Men’s ring size charts are still measured the same way — they just tend to start at larger sizes since, on average, men have larger hands. But even if the range of what’s offered to men and women differs, the units on the scale are the same. A woman's wedding ring in a size 10 is the exact same size as a men’s ring in a 10.
Sneaky Sizing: Alternative Methods for Determining Ring Size
Planning a surprise proposal or ring exchange is exciting, but figuring out your partner’s ring size without them catching on can feel like a secret mission. Fortunately, there are clever ways to determine their perfect fit while keeping the surprise intact.
Ask a Friend
Your partner’s close friends can be a goldmine of information, especially if your partner has ever expressed admiration for a particular ring while out with their crew. Casually approach a trusted friend, ideally one who shares your partner’s taste, and see if they know their ring size or can find out subtly. Maybe they can suggest trying on rings for fun while browsing window displays. Once the friend has gathered intel, have them discreetly share the size with you.
Sizing While She Sleeps
This method is a gamble, so only attempt it if your partner sleeps soundly! While they’re fast asleep, gather some string or dental floss. Wrap it snugly around the base of their ring finger and mark the spot where the string completes a circle. Measure the distance between the mark and the end of the string using a ruler or measuring tape. Use a ring size chart to convert the measurement to a ring size.
Remember: Accuracy is key, regardless of the method used. A ring that’s too loose or too tight can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. If you’re unsure about the size, it’s always better to err on the side of slightly larger—especially if the wearer’s knuckles are large. Most jewelers offer resizing services, but it’s best to buy the right size in the first place when possible.
Final Thoughts
If the math of sizing charts makes you a bit dizzy, that’s all right. Just focus on the kind of conversion rate that allows two people to become one. So if you get that magical formula right, but the ring size wrong, you can rely on Modern Gents for a no-hassle exchange to get you fitted with the perfect ring in the correct ring size.
Use Our Ring Size Chart to Determine Your Ring Size!Header image source: Mariia Korneeva/Shutterstock.com