What is the average ring size for men and women? A data-backed guide to typical sizes across countries and demographics.
Understanding average ring sizes is useful when buying a ring as a gift without knowing the recipient's exact size, or when trying to estimate whether your measurement seems typical. Remember: averages are only starting points — always measure for precision.
| Country / Region | US / Canada | UK / AUS | EU | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 6 | L | 51.5 | 16.5 |
| United Kingdom | 6 | L | 51.5 | 16.5 |
| Europe (general) | 6–6.5 | L–M | 52–53 | 16.5–16.9 |
| Australia | 6 | L | 51.5 | 16.5 |
| Japan | 5–5.5 | J–K | 49–50.5 | 15.7–16.1 |
| Country / Region | US / Canada | UK / AUS | EU | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 10 | T | 62 | 19.8 |
| United Kingdom | 10 | T | 62 | 19.8 |
| Europe (general) | 10–10.5 | T–U | 62–63.5 | 19.8–20.2 |
| Australia | 10 | T | 62 | 19.8 |
| Japan | 9–9.5 | R–S | 59–61 | 18.9–19.4 |
Ring size tends to increase gradually with age as fingers naturally thicken slightly over time. Younger adults (18–30) tend toward the lower end of average; people in their 40s–60s often run slightly larger. Weight changes, pregnancy, and health conditions all have a more significant effect than age alone, however.
This is the biggest individual factor. Significant weight changes (more than 10–15 lbs) typically cause ring size to change. Gaining weight increases ring size; losing weight decreases it.
Hand and finger shape are primarily genetic. Long, slender fingers typically have smaller ring sizes relative to overall height; wider, shorter hands tend toward larger sizes.
Manual workers, athletes, and people who exercise with weights often have larger ring sizes due to increased muscle mass and hand use. Sedentary lifestyles can also affect finger shape over time.
Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can increase ring size by 1–3 sizes. Size typically returns to pre-pregnancy level within a few months after birth.
If you absolutely must buy a ring as a gift without measuring: