Choosing the right frame size is essential, yet many people don’t really know how to determine correctly what frame size they need. As you’re about to find out, there are actually four different aspects that need to be taken into account, parts of the eyeglass frame that must be individually measured for an accurate selection.

Coming up next, you’ll find the most important frame size information. Read on, if you want to learn how to measure for an eyeglass frame, the right way!

 

The 4 Basic Frame Sizes

As mentioned, there are four numbers you need to look into. Whether in the metric or the imperial measurement system, you’ll still need to determine the basic frame sizes related to eye, bridge, temple, and vertical height. Let’s get a little bit into their specifics:

 

The Eye Size

The eye size applies to individual lenses. It is the horizontal width of one of the two lenses that the frame has, hence it is also called lens width. And it is typically measured in millimeters.

 

The Bridge Size

The bridge size applies to the area in between the two lenses. It is the minimum horizontal length between the two lenses. It is also measured in millimeters, and because it is the minimum length, it is determined by picking the two closest points of the lenses comprising the frame.

 

The Temple Size

The temple size applies to the arms of the frame. It is the maximum length of the temple, starting from the screw located at the tip of the temple all the way to the bend that will sit on the ear. Notably, this size includes the bent as well, and it is also measured in millimeters.

 

The Vertical Size

Last but not least, the vertical size is given by the vertical height of one of the frame’s lenses. Measured tip-to-bottom, by taking the lens aperture of the frame into account, it implies picturing a horizontal line at the top of the lens and another horizontal line that intersects with the bottom of the lens. The distance between these two lines gives you the vertical size, again, in millimeters.

 

 

Tips For Reading The Frame Size

Now that you know what factors are involved in measuring a frame size, you’ll find it much easier to read your frame size yourself. Provided you know what each number signifies, of course!

Typically, brand eyeglass and sunglass frames alike would have this type of information imprinted somewhere on the frame. Unless the text worn out in time, you should be able to see it on the inside of the frame. Check the inner side of the temples, but also the inside of the bridge.

Simply take off your glasses and keep them in front of you. Look at the image to the right, and try to see if you can spot any numbers. The rule of thumb is for the eye size to be the first one imprinted. Following it, there should be a dash, or perhaps a square, and another number that represents the bridge size. Then a space and another number, which is a temple size.

The numbers could look something like this:

Number/Number   Number

As you can see, there is no indicator of the vertical size, which is rarely imprinted on the frame. It doesn’t even matter that much, since it is often a standard value among many different frame models.

Didn’t manage to read your frame size? Then it’s time to measure it yourself, by using the following size chart. Note that it has coded colors, for easier reading, and that the values displayed are in millimeters.

Simply pay attention to take all the measurements, for all the four sizes – eye, bridge, temple, and vertical.

Are There Any Differences Between Sunglass & Eyeglass Sizes?

The sunglass size vs eyeglass size is a typical comparison. While the differences shouldn’t be significant, there are a few factors you might want to be aware of.

One thing you’ll notice is that eyeglass frames are usually designed in a smaller format compared to a sunglass frame. If you are to buy yourself a pair of prescription glasses and a pair of sunglasses, you’ll notice that the options for the first pair come in smaller sizes.

Speaking of a person’s preferences, one may choose sunglasses and eyeglasses with the same general style in mind. This could make the two pairs look more similar even in terms of size.

And yet another thing you’ll notice is that wrapped frames – the ones with a curve – are the more versatile choice, making a better fit for a wider range of potential buyers.

 

The Big Question: How Do I Find What Frame Size I Need?

Is it the first time you’re buying glasses? Or the numbers on your current pair are no longer visible? It is understandable that you’re feeling nervous about ordering the correct size online. But there is a simpler way to tell what frame size you need, other than by looking at a previous model you owned.

Simply go out to a local store and try as many frames as you want, until you find one that you’re perfectly comfortable with. Since it will be a new frame, you should easily spot the numbers imprinted on the inside of that frame.

Keep those numbers in mind, go back home, and come back to our online shop to order a frame of that size. With the correct model number and size frame, you’ll be able to order the perfect frame from our website. Without worrying that you got the wrong size of a particular model!

 

One Thing You’ll Never See Mentioned In The Total Width Of A Frame

The total frame width is an important factor in determining how big a frame actually is and, consequently exactly how will it look on you. The total frame width also includes the endpieces, and these two parts are never measured or specifically mentioned when detailing the size of the frame.

Endpieces represent the width of a frame between its edge and the part where the frame connects with the temple, at the frame front. Since you have two lenses and two temples, you’ll have two equal endpieces.

Typically, an endpiece will measure between 2 and 6 millimeters. This means that from the total width of the frame, the two endpieces measure between 4 and 12 millimeters. Only the rest of it represents the two eye sizes and the bridge.

 

Tips On How To Measure Yourself For The Correct Frame Size

As it turns out, you can either measure the frame, or measure yourself. But for the most accurate measuring, you should do both. And since we already covered the frame measuring part above, let’s show you how to determine what frame size will best complement your face:

• Grab a ruler and go in front of a mirror;
• Place the ruler in a position that would line it up with one of your temples;
  • Consider placing a pen in each ear, to help you accurately position them and make your measurement easier;
• Measure the distance between the two temples, right and left;
• Next, because your ruler is in inches and frame sizes are in millimeters, you must convert the number you got;
  • Do so by multiplying the number of inches by 25.4, because every single inch equals 25.4 millimeters;
• With this number converted in millimeters, you can order a frame.

Just make sure that the size model you pick is within the +/- 3 range compared to your measured size.

 

One More Tip, For When You Know The Total Width

If you know exactly which is the total width of the frame that will fit you best, there’s still one thing you need to do. Remember the information from above about endpieces and how they are typically not taken into account or mentioned!

So, you want to consider the total width of your frame while subtracting 6 mm, the average size of the two endpieces.

For the frame you search online, consider the following steps:

• Check out its eye size;
• Multiply the eye size by 2;
• Obtain the total width by adding the bridge size;
• And you’ve got the total frame of that size.

 

Before you order it, make sure that the total frame size is +/- 2 millimeters of what you measured on your frame. That’s when you have the best chances to find a frame that will fit you really well!