How to Measure Eyeglasses: Finding the Right Frame Size

For optimal comfort and practicality, finding the right frame size for your eyeglasses is crucial. If a person has never worn glasses and cannot reference an older pair, the lens width, bridge width, temple width, and lens height all factor in correctly measuring a pair of eyeglasses. 

Taking measurements of the wearer’s face is equally important for a comfortable fitting pair of eyeglasses.

How to Find My Frame Size

Most eyeglasses have dimensions printed directly on the inner arm. However, these usually only include the lens width, bridge width, and temple length. 

Since it is not present, a person can still easily find the frame size by measuring the full front of the frame. This can be done horizontally while using a ruler, starting from where the temple arm meets the frame. 

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Lens Width

The lens width can be measured horizontally from the left side of the lens to the right. When choosing a new pair of eyeglasses, the lens width is usually determined by the style of the frame. Wider lens widths allow for an expanded central field of vision.

Bridge Width

When measuring the bridge width, a person should start measuring on the edge of the left lens and go to the edge of the right lens. A bridge supports the majority of the weight of the glasses by resting on a person’s nose. The comfort level of how the bridge feels on the nose should also be considered.

Temple Length

The temple length must be measured in two different places: the longer arm of the temple that begins at the hinge on the front of the frame and the smaller, curved portion that goes behind the ear. These two measurements should then be added up for the full temple length. The temple helps keep the eyeglasses secure on the face and should also fit comfortably. 

Lens Height

Measurements for the lens height should be taken vertically from the top of the lens to the bottom. Similar to the lens width, the size of the lens height can influence a person’s central field of vision.

Tips for Eyeglasses Measurements

For people who need to wear eyeglasses on a regular basis, it is important to find the right frame for both comfort and style. Here are a few tips for eyeglasses measurements:

• The frame width typically alters how a person’s face looks. Narrower frames make a face look wider, and wider frames make a face appear narrower.
• The lens width and height should be measured accordingly, so a person’s eye is positioned in the center of the lens.
• Frames that have an even bridge are recommended for a person with a nose that is higher on the face. Frames with a lower, arched bridge are recommended for people with noses that are lower.

How to Measure Your Face for Glasses

Measuring your face is an easy way to ensure that a new pair of eyeglasses fit correctly. Measurements can be slightly adjusted based on the thickness of the desired frame. Measuring your face can be done while using a ruler in front of a mirror. 

Measure Your Nose

Measure the width of the nose on the portion that is between the eyes. If the bridge of the nose is above the pupils, the glasses bridge width is typically larger. People with higher bridges should look for glasses with bridges that are at brow level.

Measure Between Your Temples

Hold the ruler over your eyes and measure the width between temples. This measurement is how the total width of your glasses is determined. Subtracting 6 millimeters and the bridge width from the temple-to-temple width will also provide you with your lens width.

Determine Your Temple Length

Temple lengths are usually only made in three sizes: 135 mm, 140 mm, and 145 mm. 

If a person’s total width is high, the 145 mm size is suitable. A person who has a small total width should choose either the 135 mm or 140 mm sizes.

Determine Your Face Shape

The shape of your face is important when it comes to finding the right glasses for you. 

To determine your face shape, you should draw an imaginary line around the perimeter of your face. Faces that are shaped more like a circle, oval, or heart usually match better with boxier frames, like square or rectangular frames. Circular or oval frames tend to look better on people with square or more angular faces.

References

1. The Five Mistakes People Make When Buying Glasses (And How to Avoid Making Them Yourself). (December 2021). GQ.

2. Head and Facial Anthropometry for Determining the Critical Glasses Frame Dimensions. (November 2016). Journal of Engineering Science and Technology.

3. How to Pick the Right Pair of Sunglasses for Your Face Shape. (2002). Men’s Journal.

4. How to Choose the Glasses Frame Material That’s Right for You. (April 2020). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. It’s as Easy as A, B, DBL. (November 2011). 20/20 Magazine.

6. Looking Good in Eyeglasses. (June 1983). The New York Times Magazine.

7. The Well-Adjusted Frame. (April 2010). 20/20 Magazine.