How To Measure Wrist For Watch – Everything You Need To Know!

Most watch enthusiasts wonder, “What watch size should I buy for my wrist?” Finding your wrist dimensions might help you establish what size watch you require. In the digital era, where many people buy accessories online, it is necessary to know the proper wrist measurements before making a purchase.

So, how do you measure your wrist for a watch? There are a few methods you can employ to measure your wrist size. You can use a measuring tape, a string, a sheet of paper, a garden twist tie, and even the iPhone measuring app. Before buying a watch, you must consider your wrist’s breadth and circumference and also the watch’s case size and thickness.

This guide will demonstrate how to measure wrist size for a watch using four simple methods, so you know the right watch for your wrist. If you want to know How Tight Should a Watch Be? click on the blue text.

How to Measure Wrist for Watch

Before we get into the ways to measure your wrist, there are a few things you should know. They include;

• At the end of the day, your wrist will be slightly bigger than what it was at the beginning of the day. Why? Because the body retains water throughout the day.
• Your wrist will be slightly bigger when your hand and palm are open.
• Examine the watch’s band or strap. The strap measurement differs depending on the band’s style on the watch. There are three known straps, the metal strap, the leather strap, and the NATO strap.
• When measuring your wrist, ensure you measure the wrist correctly. That is, above, on, and below the bone.

Here are four ways to measure your wrist

1. Tape measure

Utilize the tape measure tailors use when sewing. It is inexpensive and reads the measurements in centimeters and inches. Here is how you measure your wrist using a tape measure.

• Rotate your arm outward with your palm facing upward.
• Place the tape measure’s metal tip in the center of your wrist’s width. It is up to you to decide how high or low you want to wear your watch. Usually, placing the measuring tape just below your wrist bone or one centimeter (½ inch) higher, i.e., towards the elbow’s direction, is advisable.
• Wrap the measuring tape firmly around the wrist. Note, do not wrap the measuring tape tightly but firmly, i.e., there should be no space between the tape measure and the wrist.
• Mark the measurement that coincides with the metal part of the tape measure. That is your wrist size.

2. A piece of paper

If you cannot access measuring tape, you can utilize a piece of paper. For this method, you require a ruler. So, the first step is to open your hand and rotate it so that your palm faces up. Take your piece of paper and wrap it around your wrist. Mark where the paper joins, then lay it flat on a ruler to get your wrist size. Be careful when using paper to avoid paper cuts.

3. A string or garden twist tie

You can also use a string to measure your wrist size. Follow the same procedure above and measure the marked parts on a ruler. If you use a garden twist tie, be cautious not to injure yourself.

4. Measuring app

To get a more accurate reading, you can use a measuring application. If you have an iPhone, install the Measure app, and for android, use the Ruler app. Then, measure your wrist with a string or paper and use the app to obtain an accurate measurement. Here is how to use the Measure app.

• Open the Measure application, then follow any on-screen instructions that require you to move your device. This provides your measuring instrument with a frame of reference for the object you are measuring. Continue to move your smartphone until a circle with a dot emerges.
• Tap the Add button.
• Move your smartphone slowly until the dot reaches the endpoint of your measurement, and then hit the Add button again.
• Save your measurement. You can tap the number while the measurement is displayed to see it in inches and centimeters. When you select Copy, the value is copied to the clipboard so that you can paste it into another application.
• Tap Clear to begin again.

Here is a table showing estimated wrist sizes according to gender.

Women	Wrist measurement (inches)	Wrist measurement (centimeters)	Men	Wrist measurement (inches)	Wrist measurement (centimeters)
Extra small	5.25	13.4	Extra small	6.0	15.3
Small	5.75	14.6	Small	6.5	16.5
Medium	6.25	15.9	Medium	7.0	17.8
Large	6.75	17.2	Large	7.5	19.1
Extra large	7.25	18.4	Extra large	8.0	20.4

How to Measure Wrist Size for Different Watch Bands

One of the most prominent elements of a watch is the strap. There are different types of straps depending on what watch you want and your tastes and preferences. Also, the straps are available in different types of colors. Here is a watch strap color guide you can look through.

There are four common varieties of watch straps: metal, NATO, leather, and rubber. Each strap is worn at a certain degree of tightness, and that’s why we have to look at how they differ in terms of wrist measurements.

1. Metal strap

When wearing a watch with a metal band, it is often preferable to wear it slightly looser. To have sufficient slack in your metal band, the strap plus the watch face should be one centimeter larger than the circumference of your wrist. However, your metal band should not be so large that it reaches the base of your thumb.

With watches, you try to strike a balance between comfort and elegance. When your index finger can fit between your wrist and the band that is the correct size for your wrist. Add one centimeter (1/2 inch) to the circumference of your wrist if you want the metal band to fit comfortably.

2. Leather and rubber straps

Leather and rubber straps fit more snugly than metal bands; therefore, they provide no room for movement. So, to ensure comfort, there should be a two-centimeter (¾ inch) gap between your wrist measurement and the watch’s wrist measurement for a perfect fit.

How do you measure the watch’s length? If your watch band is already attached to your watch face, measure it from the buckle to the bottom. If your strap is not currently attached to your watch face, you will need to measure your watch face and add that measurement to the strap’s length.

Hold the watch face on its side and measure the distance between the two spring pinholes. This is the circumference of your watch’s face. Now, measure the watch’s short strap from the buckle’s base to the spring pinhole.

Then measure the long end of the watch strap from the spring pinhole to the second or third hole on the watch band. Add together the three measurements. So for a snug fit, the watch’s wrist measurement should be two centimeters or 3/4 inch to your wrist size.

3. NATO strap

The NATO strap is designed to wrap under the watch and around the wrists. There are two strap layers between the watch case and your wrist. Also, a Nato strap must be wrapped around the spring bars, necessitating additional wrist space. This unique design makes the face of your watch protrude from the back of your wrist.

So, a NATO strap should be two and a half centimeters (one inch) larger than your wrist’s circumference. That way, there will be room for the elevated watch face.

It may appear excessive, but the path the strap must take around the watch case and spring bars make it essential. If you like a looser fit, you may need to add extra space.

How to Measure Your Wrist Size for an Apple Watch

The optimal fit for an Apple Watch is neither too loose nor too snug. This is the same as for GPS watches. Today, smartwatches contain heart rate sensors, so you should not wear them too tightly. For this reason, adding 1.25 centimeters (0.50 inches) to your wrist size for your apple watch is advisable.

Also, measure around 0.5-0.75 inches (1.3-1.9 cm) up from your wrist bone for the most accurate heart rate readings. The initial step in selecting an Apple Watch is measuring your wrist size. Apple watches have different bands, which also require different sizing methods.

Fortunately, Apple offers a measuring tool online if you cannot access an Apple store. Here is how you go about it.

• Go to the Apple order page for apple watches or bands
• Select the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop option
• Select ‘Start your band measurement’ under “Band Size.”
• Tap the ‘Get the printable tool’ option
• Ensure the page is selected to print at 100% and NOT resized to fit your printer’s choices
• Now print the page
• Once printed, place a credit card in the sizing area of the printed page to ensure it is the correct size.
• Using scissors, carefully cut the wrist-sizing tool out
• Wrap the paper tool securely around your wrist, then place the case shape where the watch face would typically be
• If necessary, use tape to hold the broader part in place. Check that the tool is snug and does not slip about
• The number shown by the arrows represents your band size
• Choose the smaller of the two numbers nearest to the line if the arrows point to one

If you cannot access this printable Apple tool, utilize the methods mentioned above. Here is how to go about it.

• Wrap the tape measure, string, or paper around your wrist
• Note the measurement
• At the order page for an Apple Watch, select either the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop option
• Select ‘Start your band measurement’ under “Band Size.”
• In the size guidance window, tap the Household objects option
• Tap ‘Got it. What comes next?’
• Enter the measurement you took. You have the option of entering it in inches or centimeters
• Tap Determine your band size.
• Select the recommended size when your band size selections display, then tap ‘Continue.’

How to Find the Right Watch Size for Your Wrist?

So, now you have your wrist size, the next thing to do is to determine which watch is best for your wrist. The essential components of a watch are the dial, indices, hands, straps, and clasps (if any). So what is the dial on a watch? This is the face of the watch, which displays the time.

So when choosing the right watch for your wrist, you need to consider the thickness of the watch casing, the width of the watch strap, and the strap’s material.

1. Case size

It comprises case thickness which increases with case diameter. You can measure the case size using a pair of digital calipers. A slim watch case has always been considered superior to a thicker one. However, in the recent past, the quartz watch has made that perception null and void.

A minor watch case is typically 1.5 to 1.65 inches (3.8 to 4.2 cm) and has a thickness of 0.7cm (7mm). More significant watch cases have a thickness of 9mm (0.9cm).

2. Width of a watch strap

The watch case is usually twice as wide as the watch band. For example, the band should be two centimeters wide for a four-centimeter case.

It is critical to understand that the lug-to-lug distance is not included in the case diameter. So, in that case, if you have a massive case, the lugs will protrude over your wrist width. Therefore, go for a minor case.

3. Material for watch straps

Different watch straps have different widths due to the material of the strap. For example, a 2.6 cm metal strap might appear larger than a leather band of the same width.

4. Other Features

Other features such as watch indices, hands, or jewels in the watch’s dial can make your watch appear larger. Therefore, if you have smaller wrists, try and go with one with more minor details. A watch with larger details suits those with larger wrists.

Inches	Centimeters	Watch Case Size	Lug To Lug Distance
5.50 ”	14.0 cm	27.9 to 34.9 mm	34.9 to 43.7 mm
5.75 ”	14.6 cm	29.2 to 36.5 mm	36.5 to 45.6 mm
6.00 ”	15.2 cm	30.5 to 38.1 mm	38.1 to 47.6 mm
6.25 ”	15.9 cm	31.8 to 39.7 mm	39.7 to 49.6 mm
6.50 ”	16.5 cm	33.0 to 41.3 mm	41.3 to 51.6 mm
6.75 ”	17.1 cm	34.3 to 42.9 mm	42.9 to 53.6 mm
7.00 ”	17.8 cm	35.6 to 44.5 mm	44.5 to 55.6 mm
7.25 ”	18.4 cm	36.8 to 46.0 mm	46 to 57.5 mm
7.50 ”	19.1 cm	38.1 to 47.6 mm	47.6 to 59.5 mm
7.75 ”	19.7 cm	39.4 to 49.2 mm	49.2 to 61.5 mm
8.00 ”	20.3 cm	40.6 to 50.8 mm	50.8 to 63.5 mm
8.25 ”	21.0 cm	41.9 to 52.4 mm	52.4 to 65.5 mm

Conclusion

So, you can measure your wrist by using a tape measure, a piece of paper or string, and the measuring app. Ensure that you do not wrap the measuring tool too loosely or tightly. We have discussed the various adjustments needed for different types of watch bands.

You can measure your wrist by using their online measuring tool for apple watches. If not, you can use the other four ways. Also, finding a watch that fits your wrist is essential. Consider the case’s diameter, lug-to-lug distance, material strap, and other watch features such as indices.