Key takeaways
- Wrap a soft tape measure around your wrist just above the wrist bone, where you wear a watch.
- No tape? Use a piece of string or a strip of paper and measure it against a ruler.
- Most wrists measure between about 6 and 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).
- Your wrist size helps you choose both the case size and how many links to remove.
To measure your wrist size for a watch, wrap a soft tape measure around your wrist just above the wrist bone and read the number where the end meets the tape. No tape measure? A piece of string or a strip of paper and a ruler work just as well. Here are three easy methods, plus a chart to turn your measurement into a watch size.
In this guide
Where to measure
Measure where you actually wear a watch: just above the wrist bone, on the side towards your elbow. This is where a watch naturally rests. Keep your hand relaxed and open, not clenched into a fist, because a clenched hand makes your wrist slightly bigger.
Measure your non-dominant wrist if that is where you wear your watch. Not sure which one? Read Which wrist do you wear a watch on?
Method 1: soft tape measure
- Wrap a flexible tape measure around your wrist, just above the wrist bone.
- Keep it snug against the skin but not tight.
- Read the number where the end of the tape overlaps.
- Write it down in inches or centimetres.
This is the most accurate method. A sewing tape is ideal.
Method 2: string or paper strip
- Cut a piece of string or a thin strip of paper, about 1 cm wide.
- Wrap it around your wrist in the same spot, snug but not tight.
- Mark the point where it overlaps with a pen.
- Lay it flat next to a ruler and measure up to the mark.
Paper is slightly more reliable than string, because string can stretch. Measure twice to be sure.
Method 3: use a watch you already own
If you have a watch that fits well, lay it flat with the clasp closed and measure the inside length of the band from end to end, or measure around the inside of the closed bracelet with a strip of paper. That number is close to your comfortable wrist size, including a little room. It is a useful check, especially if you are about to size a new bracelet.
Wrist size chart: which case size suits you?
Use this chart as a general guide. It is not a strict rule: a slim case can wear smaller, a bold case larger, and personal taste counts too.
| Wrist circumference | Suggested case (men) | Suggested case (women) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 in (15 cm) | 36 to 38 mm | 25 to 28 mm |
| 6 to 7 in (15 to 18 cm) | 38 to 42 mm | 28 to 32 mm |
| 7 to 8 in (18 to 20 cm) | 41 to 44 mm | 32 to 36 mm |
| Over 8 in (20 cm) | 44 mm and up | 36 mm and up |
Case thickness and the shape of the watch matter as well. For a deeper look at proportions, read What size watch should I get?
Picks by wrist size
Smaller wrists often suit a petite or slim case. The Venoria ($79.99) has a 30 mm case only 8 mm thin, and the Calista ($79.99) has a 25 mm case. More ideas in Watches for small wrists.
Medium wrists suit the classic 40 mm range. The Caspian ($79.99) has a 40 mm cushion-shaped case on an integrated bracelet, and the Santos ($129.99) a 40 mm case with a fluted bezel and day and date windows.
Larger wrists can carry more presence. The Chronometer ($89.99) has a 44.5 mm 316L stainless steel case with a chronograph-style dial. See Watches for large wrists for more.
A size for every wrist
Using your measurement to size the bracelet
Your wrist size also tells you how much of the bracelet you need. Most metal bracelets are supplied long, so they fit many wrists, and you remove links to get a snug fit. Aim for room to slide one finger under the band. See How tight should a watch be? and How to remove watch links at home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average wrist size?
Most adult wrists measure somewhere between about 6 and 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). Many men fall around 6.5 to 7.5 inches and many women around 5.5 to 6.5 inches, but there is a lot of variation.
Should I measure my wrist tight or loose?
Measure snug against the skin, not tight. Then allow a little extra room when sizing the bracelet so you can slide one finger underneath.
What size watch should I get for a 7 inch wrist?
A 7 inch (18 cm) wrist sits where two rows of our chart meet, so most cases from about 40 to 44 mm work. Around 42 mm usually looks balanced; go larger if you like more presence.
Can I measure my wrist without a tape measure?
Yes. Wrap a strip of paper or a piece of string around your wrist, mark where it overlaps and measure it flat against a ruler.
What if the watch does not fit when it arrives?
Bracelets can be shortened by removing links. Every DIFFRNT order comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. See our refund policy for the conditions.
