Got a big day coming up? A day where he intends to take you to that spot, where you just got the urge to have your nails done, where a guy with a guitar has been hired to just play your favourite song in that spot for some reason? Or maybe he popped the question and has no clue of your taste, so your first act as an engaged couple is to go shopping? Or maybe it’s time you did something for you, and you haven’t had something shiny on your fingers since you spilled that glitter tub everywhere.

Well, the first step, beyond trying to decide what you want, is to find out your ringsize. We have a step-by-step guide for all you lovely ladies, and gentlemen trying to be subtle, on how to get your ring size. Read on for all the details.

The simple way: ask

The simplest way to find out your ring size is to just be aware next time you are wandering past a jewellers and pop in. It’s free to ask them to quickly check your ring size and will take a moment. A few places might then start the selling process, but most get the same question so often they’re likely to leave you to it from then on. From there you can purchase perfect engagement rings online.

There are two main tools for measuring ring size, and a jeweller will have one handy, but you can also find them for cheap in stores like Walmart or order them on Amazon.

A jeweller is likely to whip out one of these if you ask to have your ring size checked in store.

The string theory

The best way to do it at home, without these tools, is to grab a piece of string, or a tape measure, if you have one, and wrap it around your finger. When you lay the string flat, you’ll have a length for the diameter of your finger to compare.

Now for the conversion

Now that you’ve got the length of the string, tooth floss, measuring tape, etc. you’ll need to compare it to a grid to get the size of the ring. Lay it on a ruler and see how long it is. You could take the exact measurements to a shop, and they can discern the size from the millimetres you’ve gathered, but for the sake of simplicity you can just convert it where you are.

Like everything else in the western world, the US and the UK have two different sizing measurements. Just to have us all confused. The US starts at size 3 all the way up to 13, and the UK goes from F to Z. You can find a full conversion grid here.

And there you have it. You have your ring size, or your potential Mrs’ ring size…! If that is the case, unfortunately the rest is up to you. We’ve only got you past the easiest part. Maybe practice some breathing exercises to keep calm? Good luck.