Turn your wrist measurement into a bracelet size. Measure around your wrist, choose the bracelet style and the calculator gives snug, comfortable and loose lengths in inches and centimetres.
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How to measure your wrist for a bracelet
- Wrap a soft tape measure or a strip of paper around your wrist just below the wrist bone, where a bracelet naturally sits.
- Pull it snug but not tight, and mark where it overlaps.
- Measure the length with a ruler. That is your wrist circumference.
How much to add for fit
| Bracelet type | Snug | Comfortable | Loose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain / link / beaded | + ½ in (1.3 cm) | + ¾ in (2 cm) | + 1¼ in (3 cm) |
| Rigid bangle bracelet | + 1 in (2.5 cm) | + 1¼ in (3 cm) | + 1½ in (4 cm) |
| Open cuff | + ¼ in (0.6 cm) | + ½ in (1.3 cm) | + ¾ in (2 cm) |
A rigid bangle bracelet has to pass over your hand, so its size is really a bangle size; the calculator shows the matching Indian bangle size when you select that style.
Standard bracelet sizes
| Label | Bracelet length | Fits a wrist of | Usually for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child | 5–6 in (12.7–15.2 cm) | 4.25–5.25 in | Ages 3–10 |
| Extra small | 6–6.5 in (15.2–16.5 cm) | 5.25–5.75 in | Teens, very slim wrists |
| Small | 6.5–7 in (16.5–17.8 cm) | 5.75–6.25 in | Petite women |
| Medium | 7–7.5 in (17.8–19 cm) | 6.25–6.75 in | Most women (7 in is standard) |
| Large | 7.5–8 in (19–20.3 cm) | 6.75–7.25 in | Larger women’s wrists, slim men’s wrists |
| Extra large | 8–8.5 in (20.3–21.6 cm) | 7.25–7.75 in | Most men (8 in is standard) |
| XXL | 8.5–9 in (21.6–22.9 cm) | 7.75–8.25 in | Larger men’s wrists |
Lengths assume a comfortable fit (wrist + ¾ in). For every wrist size from 5 to 9 inches, see the wrist size chart.
Bracelet size by style
Chain and link bracelets
Measured end to end including the clasp. Add ¾ in (about 2 cm) to your wrist for a comfortable drape. Thick links take up room on the inside of the wrist, so for chunky chains wider than 8 mm add another ¼ in.
Tennis bracelets
Rows of stones look best sitting close to the wrist without sliding over the hand. Most people choose wrist + ½ in. A 6.5 in wrist usually wears a 7 in tennis bracelet.
Charm bracelets
Charms hang inward and take up space, so add about 1 in to your wrist (more if you plan to add many charms). A bracelet that is too tight pushes the charms against the skin.
Beaded and stretch bracelets
Elastic bracelets are made to sit snug: wrist + ¼ to ½ in. Large beads (10 mm and over) reduce the inside space, so add another ¼ in. Stretch bracelets that are too small wear out quickly from being forced over the hand.
Bangle bracelets
A rigid bangle bracelet must pass over your hand, so it is sized by inner diameter, not length. Use the bangle size calculator or switch the calculator above to “Rigid bangle bracelet” to get the Indian bangle size (2.4, 2.6, 2.8 …).
Cuffs
Open cuffs slip on sideways at the narrow part of the wrist, so they need only ¼ to ¾ in more than your wrist size. Metal cuffs can be squeezed slightly to adjust, but not repeatedly.
Watch bracelets
Metal watch bracelets are adjusted by removing links; a jeweller or watch shop can do it in minutes. Leather and fabric straps use holes, so check the strap’s listed wrist range against your wrist measurement.
Bracelet sizes for men
Men’s bracelets are usually sold at 8 in (20.3 cm), with 8.5 and 9 in for larger wrists. Because men’s chains and beads are often thicker, they need more room: for a Cuban or curb chain wider than 8 mm, add about 1 in to your wrist rather than ¾ in. Leather and cord bracelets with a sliding knot or magnetic clasp are more forgiving, but check that the stated length is the inside length, not including the clasp. Beaded men’s bracelets with 10 mm beads typically fit a wrist ¾ in smaller than the bracelet’s listed length.
Common bracelet sizing mistakes
- Using your wrist size as the bracelet size. A 6.5 in bracelet on a 6.5 in wrist will not close comfortably. Always add for fit.
- Measuring over the wrist bone. Measure just below it, where the bracelet actually sits.
- Ignoring bead and link thickness. Thick links and large beads take up space inside the bracelet, so add ¼ in for each step up in chunkiness.
- Buying a rigid bangle by length. Rigid bangles have to pass over the hand and are sized by diameter; use the bangle size calculator.
Measuring a bracelet you already own
If you have a bracelet that fits well, you do not need to measure your wrist at all. Lay it flat and straight on a table, open the clasp, and measure from one end to the other including the clasp. That length is the bracelet size to buy again. For a bangle, measure the inside diameter instead.
Too tight or too loose?
- Too tight: it leaves a mark on the skin, or you cannot slide one finger under it. Add an extension chain (usually 1–2 in) or have a jeweller add a link.
- Too loose: it slides over the wrist bone onto your hand. A jeweller can remove links from most chains, or you can use a smaller jump ring at the clasp.
- Just right: one finger fits between the bracelet and your wrist, and it stays above the wrist bone when you lower your arm.
Bracelet sizes for children
Children’s wrists grow quickly, so choose an adjustable bracelet or one with an extension chain. Typical lengths: 4–5 in for babies and toddlers, 5–5.5 in for ages 3–6 and 5.5–6 in for ages 7–10. For babies, choose a safety clasp and avoid small beads that could come loose. For children’s bangles, see the kids bangle size chart.
More sizing tools
- Wrist size chart – bracelet length for every wrist size
- Ring sizer and ring size chart
- Bangle size calculator
Frequently asked questions
What size bracelet for a 6.5 inch wrist?
Add ¾ inch for a comfortable chain bracelet: 7.25 inches (18.4 cm). For a snug fit choose 7 inches; for a loose fit 7.75 inches.
What size bracelet for a 7 inch wrist?
A 7.75 inch (19.7 cm) chain bracelet is comfortable; 7.5 inches is snug and 8.25 inches loose.
How do I measure my wrist without a tape measure?
Wrap a strip of paper or a piece of string around your wrist, mark the overlap, then lay it flat against a ruler.
What is the average bracelet size for women?
7 inches (17.8 cm) is the standard women’s bracelet length and fits a 6–6.5 inch wrist.
What is the standard bracelet size for men?
8 inches (20.3 cm) is the standard men’s length and fits a wrist of about 7–7.5 inches.
How do I measure an existing bracelet?
Lay it flat and straight, open the clasp and measure from end to end, including the clasp. That length is your bracelet size.