Three worked examples
Each example below is produced by the same code as the calculator, so it can never disagree with it.
Bracelet: 6½ in wrist, comfortable fit
6½ in wrist + ½ in = 7 in, rounded up to the next quarter inch: 7 in (17.8 cm · 178 mm), size M. Buy a bracelet of that fastened length.
Anklet: 8½ in ankle, comfortable fit
8½ in ankle + ¾ in = 9¼ in, rounded up to the next quarter inch: 9¼ in (23.5 cm · 235 mm), size M. Buy an anklet of that fastened length.
Bangle: 7½ in hand circumference
7½ in ÷ 3.1416 = 2.387 in (60.6 mm) inner diameter needed. The first size in the chart that is at least that large is 2-8 (2½ in, 63.5 mm).
What this calculator does not cover
It gives a length (or a bangle inner diameter) for any adult wrist, ankle or hand you measure. It does not give
typical ranges for children or for men’s anklets, because we found no reliable source and will not guess. It also
cannot judge chain thickness, stretch cords or cuffs that are meant to be bent open: for a cuff, use your wrist size
and the seller’s gap; for a stretch bracelet use your exact wrist size.
Looking for a personalized piece?
The calculator works for any shop. If you are choosing from ours, see
Personalized Bracelets, Name Bracelets and Personalized Men Bracelets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my bracelet size?
Wrap a soft tape measure (or a strip of paper, then a ruler) around your wrist just above the wrist bone, snug but not tight, and read the number where it meets. Add 1/4 in (0.6 cm) for a snug fit, 1/2 in (1.3 cm) for a comfortable fit or 1 in (2.5 cm) for a loose fit, and add another 1/2 in if the bracelet has large beads or charms. That total is the bracelet length to buy, measured fastened with the clasp included. The calculator above does the adding and rounds up to the next 1/4 in.
What is the difference between wrist size and bracelet size?
Wrist size is how big your wrist is. Bracelet size is the length of the finished bracelet, fastened, clasp included. A bracelet has to be longer than your wrist or it will not close, so a 6 1/2 in wrist usually needs a bracelet of about 7 in. Many size guides do not say which of the two a number refers to, which is why every result here is labelled.
How do I measure for an anklet?
Measure around your ankle just above the ankle bone, where the anklet will sit, with the tape snug but not tight. Then add about 1/2 in (1.3 cm) for a snug fit, 3/4 in (1.9 cm) for a comfortable fit or 1 in (2.5 cm) for a loose fit. These anklet allowances are common jeweler practice rather than a measured statistic, and retailers differ by a quarter inch or so, so treat them as a sensible starting point.
How do I measure for a bangle?
A bangle is a closed circle, so it has to slide over your hand. Bring your thumb and little finger together, wrap the tape around the widest part of your hand (across the knuckles and the base of the thumb) and read the circumference. Divide by 3.14 (pi) to get the inner diameter you need. The calculator does that for you and names the standard bangle size. Never size a bangle from your wrist.
What do I do if I am between two sizes?
Go larger. A bracelet or anklet that is slightly loose is comfortable and safe, while one that is too short may not close or may squeeze. For a bangle, the larger size still has to be small enough not to slip off over your hand, so stay within one step of the calculated diameter.
Should I measure when my hands are warm or cold?
Measure at the end of the day, when you are warm and relaxed. Wrists, hands and ankles swell a little in heat and after long travel or standing, and shrink in the cold, so measure again on a different day if you are unsure. Avoid measuring when you feel swollen. Measure three times and use the larger reading, and measure both sides: most people have one wrist or ankle slightly bigger than the other, and you should size for the one that will wear the jewelry.
How accurate is the printable measuring strip?
It is as accurate as your printer. Printers often scale a page by a few percent, so the page asks you to print at 100% (Actual size) and then check the printed bank-card box and the 5 cm line against a card and a ruler. If either is off, type what you measured and the strip resizes. Paper also has thickness and stretches slightly when pulled, so a paper strip is a good guide, not a laboratory measurement. A fabric or tape measure is more accurate when you have one.
Are kids and men’s anklets covered?
The calculator works from your own measurement, so it will give a length for any adult wrist, ankle or hand, and it warns you when a number is outside the usual range. We do not publish typical-range columns for children or for men’s anklets, because we have not found a reliable source for them and will not guess. For a child, measure and use the closest length the seller offers.
Is my measurement saved or sent anywhere?
No. There is no email gate, no account and nothing is stored. The numbers stay in your browser and in the link in your address bar, which is what the Share button copies. Anyone who opens that link sees the same result.
More reading: how to measure bracelet size,
bangle sizing guide and our ring size calculator.
