You can find your sunglasses size at home in minutes. Measure the width of your face in millimetres, match it to a small, medium, or large frame, and check the three fit numbers on a pair that already suits you. Here is the simple method.
🕐 5 min read📏 Fit and sizing🛠️ How-to
In this article
How do you measure your face for sunglasses at home?
Measure your face width
Work out your frame size
Measure your pupillary distance
Match your measurements to a frame
Frequently asked questions
How do you measure your face for sunglasses at home?
All you need is a ruler or measuring tape and a mirror. Measure the width of your face across the widest point, usually cheekbone to cheekbone, in millimetres. That single number tells you whether you suit a small, medium, or large frame. From there, the three numbers printed on the inside of any frame that already fits you confirm the exact size to look for when buying online. It takes about two minutes.
In one sentence
Measure your face width in millimetres, match it to a frame size, then match the frame size to the numbers on a pair that fits.
Measure your face width
Face width is the most useful single measurement, because a frame should sit close to the width of your face without pinching or sliding.
1
Face a mirror
Stand square to a mirror in good light with your hair away from your temples so you can see the edges of your face clearly.
2
Measure temple to temple
Hold a ruler horizontally across your face and measure from the outer edge of one temple to the other, across the widest point near your cheekbones. Note the number in millimetres.
3
Repeat once to confirm
Measure a second time to be sure. Most adult faces fall between roughly 128 and 145 millimetres wide.
Work out your frame size
Use your face width as a guide to the frame size that will sit best. Treat these as a starting point rather than a strict rule, since personal preference and frame style also matter.
Face width
Suggested frame size
Look for
Under 130 mm
Small
Narrow frames, shorter temple width
130 to 140 mm
Medium
The most common size range
Over 140 mm
Large
Wider frames, oversized styles
Measure your pupillary distance
If you plan to order power or prescription sunglasses, you also need your pupillary distance, or PD, which is the distance in millimetres between the centres of your pupils. Look straight ahead into a mirror and measure from the centre of one pupil to the centre of the other. The most accurate figure comes from an eye test, so ask for it there if you can. Our guide on how to read your eye prescription explains where PD fits in.
Match your measurements to a frame
Every frame has three numbers printed on the inside of the temple arm, such as 52 18 140. They are the lens width, the bridge width, and the temple length in millimetres. If you have a pair that fits well, those numbers are your reference size. When shopping, look for frames with similar figures, and use your face width to decide whether to size up or down. Our guide on how to read the numbers on your sunglasses breaks each figure down.
Make it easy
Rawbare lists fit measurements on every product, so you can match your size with confidence. Use our frame size guide to find your fit.
Key takeaways
✓ Measure face width temple to temple in millimetres
✓ Under 130 mm is small, 130 to 140 medium, over 140 large
✓ A frame should match your face width without pinching
✓ Measure your PD if ordering power lenses
✓ The three numbers on a frame are your reference size
✓ Use a well-fitting pair as your baseline when shopping
Frequently asked questions
Q1 How do I know what size sunglasses to buy?
Measure your face width temple to temple in millimetres, then match it to a small, medium, or large frame. Confirm with the three fit numbers printed inside a pair that already suits you.
Q2 What is the average face width for sunglasses?
Most adult faces measure roughly 128 to 145 millimetres across the widest point. Around 130 to 140 millimetres is the most common range, which is why medium frames fit the majority of people.
Q3 What do the numbers on sunglasses mean?
The three numbers, such as 52 18 140, are the lens width, bridge width, and temple length in millimetres. Together they describe the frame size, and matching them to a well-fitting pair is the easiest way to shop online.
Q4 How do I measure my face without a measuring tape?
Use a straight ruler against a mirror, or mark your face width on a strip of paper and measure the paper afterwards. A standard bank card, which is about 85 millimetres wide, can also help you estimate.
Q5 Should sunglasses be the same width as my face?
As a rule, the frame should be close to the width of your face, so the edges line up near your temples without squeezing or sliding. A little wider can look intentional, while much narrower tends to look too small.
