How to Measure Wrist Size at Home, Right Now
If you’re planning on buying a new bracelet or watch, and you’re not buying that piece of jewelry in store, where you can try it on to make sure it’s a perfect fit, you’re going to need to learn how to measure wrist size, at home. Luckily, taking your own wrist measurement is easy and there are multiple ways to go about it, using materials that you likely already have on hand.
What You Will Learn
How to Measure Wrist Circumference
Let’s start with measuring wrist circumference. Knowing your wrist circumference can help you determine whether a watch band or bracelet may be too small or too large for your wrist.
You can go about measuring wrist size in a few ways.
Use a Flexible Tape Measure
The most straightforward and easy option is to use a soft measuring tape (sometimes called tailor’s tape). Wrap the tape measure around your wrist, lining up the end of the tape with the opposite side of the tape. This will tell you, in either centimeters or inches, the circumference of your wrist.
Be careful that you do not pull the flexible measuring tape too tightly around your wrist. Doing so can give you an inaccurate wrist measurement that can lead to an ill-fitting metal bracelet or watch strap that digs into your wrist bone.
Use the String and Tape Method
But what if you don’t have a flexible measuring tape at home? Here’s how to measure wrist without tape measure, using the string and tape method to measure your wrist size.
Cut a length of string and tape one end of the string to your wrist. Wrap the string around your wrist until it meets the taped end of the string. Then, cut the string where the two ends meet. Remove the string from your wrist and lay it out next to a ruler, to measure the string’s length. This is your wrist circumference.
Use a Paper and Ruler
No string? You can use the exact same method to measure your wrist, but, instead of using string, just use a sheet of paper. Cut a thin strip from the paper and tape one end to your wrist and then wrap the strip of paper snugly around your wrist, until the two ends meet. Mark where they meet on the paper, using a pen or pencil, or cut the paper where the ends meet. Then, measure the paper to find your wrist circumference.
Use the Dollar Bill Method
If you’ve none of the above supplies on hand, here’s how to measure wrist size for watches using just a dollar bill. This only works if you’re trying to gauge whether you’re a “small,” “medium” or “large” size, as a woman, not if you’re trying to get an exact wrist size watch purchases can be made based on, using measurements in inches or millimeters. (More on “small,” “medium” and “large” sizes for both men and women is below!)
For the dollar bill method, simply take a dollar bill and wrap it around the smallest portion of your wrist. If the two sides of the dollar bill touch, you’re considered a “small.” If they almost touch, you’re considered a “medium.” If they definitely can’t touch whatsoever, you’re considered a “large.”
How to Measure Your Wrist for a Watch Face
In some instances, though, you don’t only need to know your wrist circumference. To truly learn how measure wrist size for watch, you also need to know your wrist width. When purchasing a watch, it’s important to pick a watch case diameter — which is the length of the watch face from one side to the other — that flatters your wrist’s width. Too small a case diameter will look awkward, while too large a case diameter will look bulky and unwieldy.
To measure your wrist for a watch face, lay your wrist on a flat surface, palm open, and then use a flexible measuring tape to measure your wrist from one side to the other, at the part of your wrist where your watch normally falls. You can also use the string and tape or paper and ruler methods discussed above, if you do not have a flexible measuring tape.
How to Pick the Right Watch or Bracelet Size Based on Your Wrist Circumference
You should not purchase watch bands or bracelets that are a length/size that exactly matches your wrist circumference. For the most comfortable fit, go with a slightly larger band or bracelet. Otherwise, it’ll be overly tight, and most bracelets and bands have a little play and movement.
How much larger should you go? If you’re purchasing a band or bracelet and know the piece’s length, pick a length that’s about half an inch longer than your wrist circumference. If you measured your wrist properly, this should result in a nearly perfect watch or bracelet fit.
When using your wrist measurement for choosing a watch to wear, or the right style of watch for your wrist size, aim to purchase a watch with a case that’s about 10 mm smaller than your wrist width. Keep in mind that, even with the most accurate measurements, sometimes you may still need to choose a slightly smaller watch face, if the watch lugs (the metal tip that connects the watch face to a metal or leather band) are particularly large.
What About Small, Medium and Large Wrists?
Occasionally, you’ll come across bracelets or bands that are labeled as just “small,” “medium” or “large.” When trying to add one of these pieces of jewelry to your extensive collection, it can be difficult trying to find an option that matches up to your previously recorded and accurate measurement.
In general, though, for men…
- A wrist that’s about 6–6.5 inches in circumference is considered small
- A wrist that’s about 6.5–7.25 inches in circumference is considered medium
- A wrist that’s about 7.25–8 inches in circumference is considered large
For women, wrist sizes are labeled as such:
- Small: Wrist circumference of 5.5–6 inches
- Medium: Wrist circumference of 6–6.5 inches
- Large: Wrist circumference of 6.5 inches or more
How to Measure Your Wrist Size FAQs
How Can I Measure My Wrist Size at Home?
You can measure your wrist size at home several different ways, but one of the easiest methods is to simply stretch a length of string around your wrist, cut it where the string meets, and then measure the string with a ruler. The resulting measurement is your wrist circumference.
Do I Need to Know My Wrist Size to Buy a Bracelet or Watch?
Not necessarily! If you’re able to try the bracelet or watch on, in person, before purchasing it, that should be enough to tell you if the watch or bracelet will be comfortable to wear on a daily basis. However, if you’re buying a bracelet or watch online, it can be helpful to know your wrist size when placing an order.
Should Your Watch or Bracelet Length Be Equal to Your Wrist Circumference?
No, the length of your watch or bracelet band should not be equal to your wrist circumference. Instead, the band should be just a little longer. Otherwise, the band will be too tight and will not allow for any movement.
What are Wrist Sizes?
Sometimes, bracelets or watch bands are categorized as “small,” “medium,” or “large.” These measurements differ between men and women, just like any gendered clothing or accessory. In general, though, a men’s “small” is 6–6.5 inches in circumference, a men’s “medium” is 6.5–7.25 inches, and a men’s “large” is 7.25–8 inches. A woman’s “small” is 5.5–6 inches, a woman’s “medium” is 6–6.5 inches, and a woman’s “large” is 6.5 inches or more.
Now You Know How to Measure Your Wrist for a Watch or Bracelet!
Now that you’ve learned how to measure wrist for watch or bracelet purchases, you can make that purchase with confidence. Once you do, protect your new jewelry with the right insurance.
BriteCo’s specialized jewelry insurance protects your jewelry and watches in the event of damage, theft, or loss — and buying jewelry insurance is oh-so-easy.
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