What Is the Smallest Ring Size?

All brides are different, and so are their fingers. Often, brides with thin fingers are concerned about finding the right ring size. We created this guide to explain what the smallest official ring size is and provide tips for measuring ring size correctly. Additionally, we’ll list methods of making a ring size smaller. 

Smallest Official Finger Size 

If you’re planning to shop for an engagement ring in-store, it’s worth knowing the smallest official ring size available. Brides with finger size US 3 or larger should have no issue finding a suitable ring at the jewelers. However, if the bride’s finger size is smaller than US 3, the desired ring will need to be resized or made to order. 

What Is Considered a Small Finger Size? 

Generally speaking, any finger that is sized up to US 5 is considered small. The size US 5 measures 49 millimeters in circumference or 15.6 millimeters in diameter. This doesn’t mean that brides with a small finger size will have trouble finding a ring, though. 

The average women’s ring size is US 6, followed by US 5. Petite women tend to have more slender fingers. Thus, most jewelry stores strive to carry a wide selection of small engagement rings. Naturally, the availability of rings sized under US 4 is scarce, but it doesn’t mean none are available. 

Smallest US Ring Size 

Although size sticks and other ring size measuring tools start with size US 1, the smallest ring size in the US is 3. It’s considered extra small and measures 44 millimeters in circumference or 14 millimeters in diameter. 

The next smallest finger size is US 4, measuring 46.5 millimeters in circumference or 14.8 in diameter. And unlike the ring size US 3, size US 5 is quite common and measures 49 millimeters in circumference and 15.6 in diameter. Half sizes are also available. 

Smallest UK Ring Size 

The smallest ring size in the UK equals US size 3, but the units of measure differ. UK ring sizes are measured alphabetically, and the smallest official ring size is UK F. However, the finger sizing starts with UK A, measuring just 37.8 millimeters in circumference and 12.04 millimeters in diameter. 

UK G ring size converts to US 3.5 and measures 45.2 millimeters in circumference. UK H ring size equals US 4 and measures 46.5 millimeters in circumference. In other words, each new letter in the UK ring sizing chart converts to a half step rather than a whole step as with the US sizing chart. 

Tips to Measure the Ring Size for a Small Finger

The comfort of a ring by a large part depends on correct sizing, regardless of how small a finger is. With moderately small fingers measuring size UK F or US 3 or larger, the process of measuring the size is simple. You can do this both at home and at the local jeweler’s. 

The best way to measure a ring size is by trying on different rings at the store. In this case, you can determine which size feels more comfortable, especially if your fingers are between sizes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, especially if your fingers are smaller than average. The jewelry store may simply not carry rings of the required size. 

If the local stores don’t carry the necessary size or if the ones that do are located too far away, you may measure the size at home. One method is to use a plastic ring sizer. It’s affordable, easy to use, and accurate, though you would have to wait for the delivery. 

Another way to measure a ring size is to use a regular string or non-stretchy wire and a ruler. Wrap the wire five times around the ring finger. Each rotation must be located in the same spot as the first one. Make sure the wire isn’t too tight. 

Cut the wire’s loose end and measure the part you’ve wrapped around your finger. Use millimeters to get the most accurate results. Then, divide the number by five to discover your ring size. This method is suitable even for the smallest fingers measuring below size US 3. 

Some points are worth noting. Firstly, you will likely need different sizes for narrow and wide rings. Wide rings have more finger coverage and are harder to take off, so opt for a slightly larger size. Narrow rings, on the opposite, are easier to take off, and you may need a smaller size. 

Secondly, strive to measure your ring size at the end of the day or after lunch. At these times, your fingers are at their largest due to regular swelling. Measuring your size in such a state will ensure the ring will remain comfortable throughout the day. If possible, measure your ring size multiple times a day to get an accurate average. The weather also plays a role – our fingers tend to be larger on warm days. 

Thirdly, consider your knuckles. Some people have knuckles equal to the finger base width. If that’s your case, the knuckles won’t affect your ring sizing. But if your knuckles are wider than the base, you may have trouble taking a small ring on or off. Brides with wide knuckles often feel more comfortable wearing a narrow band, even if the finger itself is thin. Thus, measure both the circumference of your finger’s base and your knuckle. 

Lastly, the same finger may have different sizes on different hands. Make sure to measure your finger on the hand you’re planning to wear your engagement ring on. For instance, your right-hand ring finger may be size US 4, but the left-hand finger may be a US 3.5. 

How to Make a Ring Size Smaller? 

Slender fingers are beautiful, but they have certain drawbacks, the main one being complications in finding a ring. Jewelry stores rarely have a wide selection of rings sized under US 4, and even if they do, your dream ring may be larger than required. 

Thankfully, most rings can be made smaller. Resizing methods vary depending on the case severity and ring design. If you need to make a ring more than a size smaller, the jeweler will need to cut out a piece of the band and solder it back together. Once the resizing is complete, the ring will carry no evidence of being altered. 

This method is the most common, but it isn’t suitable for any ring. Jewelers can easily resize gold, silver, or platinum rings with plain bands. Moderate details such as stripe engravings aren’t a problem either, as the jeweler can replicate them after resizing. 

However, if the ring’s band has overly complex engravings or other design elements, resizing may be impossible. Even if a jeweler has the necessary skill level, it may cost a fortune. That’s a common case with antique rings, particularly from Art Deco and Edwardian eras. 

The same applies to full eternity bands and other rings with gemstones along the band. If the jeweler doesn’t have any metal to work with, they can’t successfully resize a ring. 

Tungsten and titanium ring popularity is surging, but brides must be aware of resizing complications. These metals may break apart during the process. Furthermore, they have an extremely high melting point and require special equipment. That’s why traditional platinum and gold are always a good idea. 

Not all gold rings are equally good for resizing, though. Yellow gold is the easiest to resize. White gold is relatively easy to work with, but it needs to be replated, adding to the final cost. Rose gold is softer and cracks easily, so the jeweler must have a high skill level. 

If your dream ring can’t be cut, skilled jewelers may offer other solutions. For instance, sizing beads can make a ring smaller by about a half size. That’s an affordable and quick resizing method that doesn’t harm the ring’s look. However, sizing beads aren’t very comfortable for daily wear. You may ask a local jeweler if they carry an example of a ring with sizing beads to try it on. 

Another way to resize a ring without cutting it is using a spring insert. This horseshoe-shaped insert can make a ring smaller by an entire size. Although this method is more complex than sizing beads, it’s still affordable and quick. Furthermore, it’s more comfortable for the bride. 

If your dream ring is too complex for resizing, you may order one with the same design by your measurements. This solution isn’t the cheapest and takes more time, but the pros outweigh the cons. Firstly, you get to customize the design to your liking. 

For instance, the ring you’ve found in a store may be made from gold, but you prefer platinum. You can request the jeweler to leave the design unchanged but use a different metal. The center or surrounding gemstones and other design elements can also be changed. 

Secondly, custom rings are always one-of-a-kind. No one will have the same style, and you will feel truly special. You may even add a meaningful engraving to make it more personal. 

Talk to an Expert Jeweler

Estate Diamond Jewelry masters strive to accommodate all customer requests and can create the perfect custom ring of any size. We’re also happy to provide a resizing consultation if you prefer to choose a ring from existing offers. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries.