Bracelet size guide: how to measure your wrist for chains, beads and bangles

How do you measure your wrist for a bracelet?

• Wrap a soft measuring tape, or a 1 cm strip of paper, around the wrist just above the wrist bone, where a bracelet sits.
• Keep it snug against the skin but not tight.
• If using paper, mark the overlap and measure the length with a ruler.
• Write the result down in centimetres. Most adult wrists measure between 14 and 20 cm.

How much room should you add for each bracelet style?

• Snug chain bracelet: wrist + 1.5 cm.
• Comfortable chain bracelet: wrist + 2 cm. The most popular fit.
• Loose chain or charm bracelet: wrist + 2.5 to 3 cm. Charms take up space, so add the extra.
• Stretch bead bracelet: wrist + about 1 cm. Larger beads need slightly more.
• Leather and cord bracelets with sliding knots: usually fit a range, so check the stated minimum and maximum.

Bangle sizes in India

Indian bangles are sized by inner diameter, written as 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 and 2.10. The number after the point is sixteenths of an inch, so 2.4 means 2 and 4/16 inches, about 57 mm.

To find your bangle size, bring your thumb and little finger together as if putting on a bangle, then measure around the widest part of the hand, across the knuckles. Compare that circumference with the bangle's inner circumference, or simply measure the inside of a bangle you already wear.

• 2.2 — about 54 mm inner diameter
• 2.4 — about 57 mm
• 2.6 — about 60 mm
• 2.8 — about 64 mm
• 2.10 — about 67 mm

Cuffs and open bangles

Cuffs have an opening that you slide sideways over the narrow part of the wrist. Choose a cuff whose inner length is close to your wrist measurement, and squeeze or open it gently to fine-tune. Avoid bending the same spot repeatedly, which can crack plating.

Sizing for men

Men's wrists commonly measure 17–20 cm. Men's chain bracelets usually look best with about 2 cm of room so they move without sliding over the hand. If you wear a watch on the same wrist, measure with the watch on and add slightly more so the bracelet does not ride over the watch case.

Buying a bracelet as a gift

If you cannot measure the recipient's wrist, borrow a bracelet they wear often and measure it end to end, including the clasp. Otherwise, choose adjustable designs: sliding knots, extender chains and stretch bead bracelets fit most adults.

Common bracelet sizing mistakes

• Measuring over the wrist bone instead of just above it.
• Pulling the tape tight, which makes every bracelet feel too small.
• Forgetting that charms and thick links take up inner space.
• Buying bangles by wrist size instead of hand size.