Men's rings are mostly wedding bands and signet rings, and both are wider than the average women's ring. That changes the size more than people expect.
The usual range
Most men's rings are made between EU 58 and 66, which is US 8.5 to 11 or UK R to V. The middle of that range, EU 60 to 63, is by far the most common. A ring finger that needs an EU 54 or an EU 70 is not unusual either; the range is wide, and no size is wrong.
Wide bands sit tighter
A men's wedding band is typically 5 to 8 mm wide. A band that wide covers more of the finger than a slim ring, so more skin has to fit under it and it feels tighter at the same size. Count on half a size to a full size larger than a slim ring on the same finger, and when you try sizing rings, use a wide one. A comfort-fit band, rounded on the inside, slides on more easily than a flat band of the same size and can often be worn a touch smaller.
The knuckle decides
Many men have a knuckle that is wider than the base of the finger. The ring has to pass it. Choose the size that just slides over the knuckle, even if it then sits a little loose at the base. A ring that spins slightly is normal for that hand shape; a ring that will not go on is useless.
Measuring
Measure at the end of the day, at room temperature, when the finger is at its largest. The most accurate way is trying sizing rings at a goldsmith, which takes two minutes. At home, measure the inner diameter of a ring he already wears on that finger and multiply by 3.14 to get the circumference. A strip of paper around the finger gives an estimate only, because paper does not stretch over the knuckle the way a ring must.
Finding his size in secret
Borrow a ring he wears on the ring finger and measure the inside, or press it into a bar of soap and measure the impression. A signet ring on the little finger tells you nothing about the ring finger. If he wears no ring at all, a friend or a brother who wears one can compare fingers without arousing suspicion.
The chart for this range
| EU / ISO / France (circumference mm) | Ø mm (Germany) | Inch | UK | US | Italy / Spain / Switzerland | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 17 ¾ | 2.20 | O½ | 7.5 | 16 | 15 |
| 57 | 18 ¼ | 2.24 | P½ | 8 | 17 | 16 |
| 58 | 18 2/4 | 2.28 | Q½ | 8.5 | 18 | 17 |
| 59 | 18 ¾ | 2.32 | R | 9 | 19 | 18 |
| 60 | 19 | 2.36 | S | 9 | 20 | 18 |
| 61 | 19 2/4 | 2.40 | S½ | 9.5 | 21 | 19 |
| 62 | 19 ¾ | 2.44 | T½ | 10 | 22 | 20 |
| 63 | 20 | 2.48 | U | 10.5 | 23 | 21 |
| 64 | 20 ¼ | 2.52 | V | 11 | 24 | 23 |
| 65 | 20 ¾ | 2.56 | W | 11 | 25 | 23 |
| 66 | 21 | 2.60 | W½ | 11.5 | 26 | 24 |
| 67 | 21 ¼ | 2.64 | X½ | 12 | 27 | 25 |
| 68 | 21 ¾ | 2.68 | Y | 12.5 | 28 | 26 |
| 69 | 22 | 2.72 | Z | 12.5 | 29 | 26 |
| 70 | 22 ¼ | 2.76 | Z½ | 13 | 30 | 27 |
The full ring size chart covers every size from EU 41 to 72, and how to measure a ring size has the method step by step. Read resizing a ring before choosing a full-eternity or titanium band, since those cannot be changed afterwards.
A wedding band made by a goldsmith is sized on the hand, not from a chart. Describe the ring, name the width you have in mind, and the maker will tell you which size to try.