How to Measure Your Nail Size

Getting the right fit is the most important step for comfortable, long-lasting press-on nails. Follow this guide to measure your nail width accurately and find your perfect size.

What You'll Need

A soft measuring tape (most accurate) OR a ruler and a thin strip of paper
A pen or pencil
A notepad to write down your measurements

Step-by-Step Measuring Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Nails

Make sure your nails are clean and dry.
Remove any nail polish or residue.
Do not apply hand cream or cuticle oil before measuring.

Step 2: Measure the Width of Each Nail

The most important measurement is the width of your natural nail at its widest point.

Method 1: Using a soft measuring tape (recommended)

Place the soft measuring tape flat across the widest part of your nail (usually the middle of the nail plate).
Read the measurement from left to right in millimetres (mm) .
Write down the number.

Method 2: Using a ruler and a thin strip of paper (no soft tape)

Cut a thin strip of paper (about 1cm wide).
Wrap the paper strip tightly across the widest part of your nail.
Mark both edges of the paper strip with a pen.
Remove the paper strip and place it flat against a ruler.
Measure the distance between the two marks in millimetres (mm) .
Write down the number.

Step 3: Repeat for All Ten Fingers

Nail sizes can vary from finger to finger. For the best fit, measure all ten fingers and record each measurement.

Finger	Left Hand Width (mm)	Right Hand Width (mm)
Thumb	______	______
Index finger	______	______
Middle finger	______	______
Ring finger	______	______
Little finger	______	______

Step 4: Compare Your Measurements with Our Size Guide

Use the table below to find the best overall size for you.

Size Guide

Size	Thumb	Index Finger	Middle Finger	Ring Finger	Little Finger
XS	14 mm	10 mm	11 mm	10 mm	8 mm
S	15 mm	11 mm	12 mm	11 mm	9 mm
M	16 mm	12 mm	13 mm	12 mm	10 mm
L	17 mm	13 mm	14 mm	13 mm	11 mm

How to Read This Table

Measure the width of each of your fingers (thumb, index, middle, ring, little).
Compare your five measurements with each row in the table (XS / S / M / L).
Choose the size that fits best overall – the row where your finger widths are closest to the values in the table.

Example:

Suppose your finger widths are:

Thumb: 15mm
Index finger: 11mm
Middle finger: 12mm
Ring finger: 11mm
Little finger: 9mm

Compare your measurements with the size guide:

Size	Thumb	Index	Middle	Ring	Little	Comparison
XS	14	10	11	10	8	Mostly too small ❌
S	15	11	12	11	9	Almost perfect match ✅
M	16	12	13	12	10	Mostly larger (can be filed) ✅
L	17	13	14	13	11	Overall too large ❌

In this case:

Size S matches your measurements almost perfectly and can be used as is.
Size M is slightly larger than your measurements (about 1mm per finger), but a larger size can be filed down to fit your nails perfectly.

💡 Choosing principle: We recommend choosing the larger size, because press-on nails that are slightly too large can be filed down to fit your nails perfectly. Nails that are too small cannot be made larger.

Tolerance Note

Due to natural variations in nail shape, curvature and measuring methods, a tolerance of ±0.5mm is normal.

If your finger width is within 0.5mm of the table value, that size will usually fit perfectly.
If the difference is around 1mm, it is still usable – just adjust the position slightly when applying.
If the difference is more than 2mm, we recommend choosing the next size up or contacting us for custom sizing.

💡 Keep the paper strip or measuring tape flat and snug (but not tight) against your nail for the most accurate measurement. Your left and right hands may also have slight differences – we recommend measuring both hands separately and choosing the best size for each.

Why Choose the Larger Size?

A larger press-on nail can be filed down, but a smaller one cannot be made larger.

If the press-on nail is too large: You can gently file the sides with a nail file, little by little, until it fits your nail perfectly.
If the press-on nail is too small: There is no fix. You would have to wear it as is, which may be uncomfortable or prone to falling off.

Therefore, when you are unsure which size to choose, go for the larger size.

Tips for the Best Fit

If a press-on nail is slightly too large:

Gently file the sides of the press-on nail with a nail file. File a little at a time and check the fit frequently.

If a press-on nail is slightly too small (up to 1mm):

It is still usable. When applying, position the press-on nail slightly closer to the cuticle so it covers the middle-to-upper part of your natural nail.

If a press-on nail is too small (more than 1mm of natural nail exposed):

Do not use that nail. Skip that finger or substitute a nail from a neighbouring size (for example, ring and middle finger sizes are often similar).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I need to measure all ten fingers?
A: Your thumb is usually wider than your little finger. Measuring each finger ensures you find the best overall fit.

Q: What if my measurements fall between two sizes?
A: Choose the larger size. It's much easier to file down a slightly large press-on nail than to force a small one to fit.

Q: Can I use the same size for both hands?
A: Yes, most people have similar measurements on both hands. However, we still recommend measuring both hands separately just in case.

Q: What if my nails don't match the standard size guide?
A: Please contact us. We may be able to create a custom set for your nail size.