UK Ring Sizes: The Complete British Letter Sizing Guide
A comprehensive guide to understanding British letter-based ring sizing, including full size charts, local shopping insights, and conversions to US, EU, and other international systems.
The United Kingdom uses an alphabetic ring sizing system with letters A through Z and beyond, each representing a specific inner circumference. This same system is also used in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. Unlike US numerical sizing (1–15+), the UK system is based on inner circumference but expressed as letters rather than numbers, making it instantly recognizable to jewelry professionals across Commonwealth nations and beyond.
Whether you're shopping in London's iconic Hatton Garden, visiting a local jeweler in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, or ordering online from a British retailer, understanding UK ring sizes is essential to finding the perfect fit every time.
Understanding the UK Alphabetic Sizing System
The UK ring sizing system uses letters A through Z, with additional sizes beyond Z available for larger fingers (ZA, ZB, etc.). Half sizes also exist (denoted with a ½ symbol, such as J½, K½, and so on), allowing for more precise fitting.
This alphabetic system dates back to the Wheaton gauge and mandrel tradition used by jewelers for generations. Each letter represents a distinct circumference band, incrementing by approximately 1.3mm in diameter (or roughly 4mm in circumference) per full size. The consistency of this system across Commonwealth countries reflects a shared manufacturing and retail heritage.
The advantage of letter sizing is simplicity and consistency. A UK size M ring will fit the same regardless of whether it's purchased from a high street store, a bespoke jeweler, or an online retailer—making cross-shopping and resizing straightforward.
UK Ring Size Chart
Below is the complete UK ring sizing chart, showing each letter size alongside its inner diameter and circumference measurements:
| UK Size | Diameter (mm) | Circumference (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 12.0 | 37.8 |
| B | 12.4 | 39.1 |
| C | 12.8 | 40.4 |
| D | 13.1 | 41.7 |
| E | 13.5 | 42.9 |
| F | 14.0 | 44.2 |
| G | 14.4 | 45.2 |
| H | 14.8 | 46.5 |
| I | 15.2 | 47.8 |
| J | 15.5 | 48.7 |
| K | 15.9 | 49.9 |
| L | 16.3 | 51.2 |
| M | 16.7 | 52.5 |
| N | 17.1 | 53.8 |
| O | 17.5 | 55.0 |
| P | 18.0 | 56.3 |
| Q | 18.4 | 57.6 |
| R | 18.8 | 58.8 |
| S | 19.2 | 60.1 |
| T | 19.6 | 61.4 |
| U | 20.0 | 62.6 |
| V | 20.4 | 63.9 |
| W | 20.8 | 65.2 |
| X | 21.2 | 66.4 |
| Y | 21.6 | 67.7 |
| Z | 22.0 | 69.0 |
Shopping for Rings in Britain
When shopping for rings in the UK, you'll encounter letter sizing consistently across all major retailers. Here are the key destinations and considerations:
Hatton Garden: London's Jewelry Quarter
Hatton Garden in London is the premier destination for ring shopping in the UK. This historic jewelers' district is home to hundreds of independent jewelers, offering everything from classic designs to bespoke commissions. The area is renowned for its expertise, competitive pricing, and craftsmanship spanning generations. All Hatton Garden jewelers work with UK letter sizing.
Major UK Jewelry Retailers
British jewelry brands including Ernest Jones, Goldsmiths, and H.Samuel all exclusively use UK letter sizing for their engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry collections. These high street staples offer professional fitting services and a wide range of styles.
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter
Beyond London, the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham hosts bespoke jewelers and manufacturers specializing in custom designs. Many offer direct-to-consumer services with the same UK letter sizing standard.
Online UK Retailers
Modern online retailers such as Vashi and Taylor & Hart provide ring sizer tools and comprehensive size guides—all using UK letter dimensions. Shopping online eliminates geographical barriers while maintaining the same reliable sizing standard.
Average Engagement Ring Spend
The average engagement ring spend in the UK is approximately £2,000. This figure reflects a range of styles, materials, and retail channels, from high street retailers to bespoke artisan commissions.
Ring Sizing Traditions in the UK
British ring culture carries distinct traditions shaped by centuries of jewelry craftsmanship and social custom:
Engagement Rings
Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the left-hand ring finger. British engagement ring styles often favor classic designs, with solitaire and three-stone settings remaining popular across all price points.
Wedding Bands
Plain gold bands remain the most popular choice for wedding rings in the UK. Simple, timeless designs in yellow gold, white gold, or platinum reflect a preference for understated elegance that transcends trends.
Signet Rings
Signet rings are notably popular among British men, traditionally worn on the pinky finger. Typical sizes for signet rings fall in the I–L range (UK sizes). These rings carry family crests, initials, or coat of arms designs and remain a mark of heritage and style.
Claddagh Rings
Claddagh rings, with their distinctive heart and crown design, are worn by those with Irish heritage throughout the UK. These rings also use the UK letter sizing system, making them accessible across the region.
Converting UK Sizes to US, EU, and Beyond
If you need to convert your UK ring size to US, European, or other international systems, use the quick reference below:
UK to US Conversion Quick Reference
UK to EU Conversion Quick Reference
For more precise conversions and a complete mapping across all sizing systems, visit our dedicated converter pages:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Australian ring size the same as UK?
Yes, absolutely. Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa all use the identical A–Z letter sizing system as the UK. A UK size M ring will fit the same as an Australian size M ring, making it simple to shop across these countries or relocate without sizing confusion.
What is the average women's ring size in the UK?
The average women's ring size in the UK is L–M, which corresponds to US sizes 6–6.5. This represents the most common size range across UK jewelry retailers and is a useful benchmark when shopping without a specific measurement.
What is a UK P in US size?
UK P is equivalent to US 8, with an inner diameter of 18.0mm. This is a common size for men's rings and falls into the mid-range of the sizing spectrum.
Can Hatton Garden jewelers resize rings?
Yes, the vast majority of Hatton Garden jewelers offer professional ring resizing services. A typical resizing range is 1–2 sizes up or down. If you purchase a ring that needs sizing, Hatton Garden jewelers can usually complete the work within one to two weeks.
Find Your Perfect Ring Size
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