How to find your glasses size: a step-by-step guide

Size does matter, at least when it comes to buying the right pair of glasses. Not sure about which size you need?

Let's find out how to measure your glasses' frame size.

If you aren't sure how to measure your face shape, or to find glasses and sunglasses that match your look, read our sunglasses guide!

1: Learn how to read glasses and sunglasses measurements

Before you write down any numbers, you need to know where to find the size measurements of your glasses. So take a closer look at the temples ('arms') of your eyewear.

Inside the temple, you'll find numbers that look like this: 51–19–144.

Those measurements translate as:

• Lens width (e.g. 51 mm): Lens width is the horizontal diameter of the lens at its widest point. In optometry, another term used for that is 'eye size'.

• Bridge width (e.g. 19 mm): The bridge is the part that joins the two lenses and sits over the nose. Some refer to this as the 'gap'. The bridge width varies between 14 and 24 millimetres.
• Temple length (e.g. 144 mm): The temple is the 'arm' that keeps the sunglasses on your face. That 'arm' extends to the part that hooks over the ear. The length is usually 135, 140 or 145 millimetres.
• Lens height: Lens height is the vertical size of the lens, that is from the top to the bottom of the lens. Although sizes may differ depending on the brand, the standard size is somewhere between 32 and 38 millimetres.

2: Check a pair of old glasses or sunglasses

It would be ideal to use a pair of old glasses or sunglasses that fit your face perfectly. Alternatively, try on a pair from a friend, to see if it fits you.

If you look closely inside the temples, you will see the digits already described that will help you find the right size for your new glasses.

Keep in mind, however, that each pair of glasses is different, and the fit can depend on the manufacturer.

Most often, you'll find the size information on the inside of the left temple.

3: Measure the glasses and sunglasses size with a ruler

If you haven't found any digits or specifications on your old sunglasses or glasses, don't panic. It's an opportunity to use your measuring skills.

Take a ruler or a tape measure and carefully measure the size of the glasses, following the graphic below.

Since we don’t want to confuse you with lots of numbers in our online shop, we label our glass S (small), M (medium) or L (large), according to the lens width.

Once you have the correct measurements, head over to our glasses or sunglasses section and find your favourite pair.

4: Use a credit card

A different use of your card, not involving buying your favourite things, but it works. Did you know that the short side of a credit card is approximately the same as the width of a medium size glasses lens?

The size of most credit cards is 85.60 mm × 53.98 mm (3 3⁄8 × ​2 1⁄8 inches)

Here's how to measure with a credit card:

• Take any credit or debit card.
• Stand in front of a mirror or place your smartphone somewhere steady and use your selfie camera. Place the credit card on the bridge of your nose and under your eyebrow.
• If the edge of the card extends further than the edge of your eye, you are a small size (size: S)
• If the edge of the card ends at the outer edge of your eye, you are a medium size (size: M)
• If the edge of the card ends before the outer edge of your eye, you are a large size (size: L).

Read more

Style advice and tips for choosing the right sunglasses and glasses.