The perfect pair of sunglasses or glasses can enhance your appearance and help you see the world more clearly and comfortably. But if your glasses are the wrong size, you’ll likely find that they slide down, pinch your skin, or clash with your facial features.
To avoid poor-fitting glasses, it’s important to determine your glasses size before buying a new pair, especially when purchasing eyewear online.
Thankfully, figuring out what glasses size you need is pretty straightforward. This guide will explain how to read and take your glasses measurements to ensure your frames fit perfectly.
If you already have a pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses that fit you well, you’re already a step ahead of the game. Most glasses have three numbers (separated by spaces or dashes) printed on the inside of the temple arm.
They will look like this: 49-19-145 (although the numbers will vary depending on the measurements of each pair of glasses).
These are the frame dimensions, and they’re expressed in millimeters. From left to right, here’s what these numbers refer to:
If you see a pair of glasses online that are listed as 52 mm, for example, you might be wondering, “What does 52 mm mean in sunglasses?” This number refers to the horizontal width of each lens, measured at its widest part. This does not include the frame itself—just the clear lens that you look through.
Lens width typically ranges from 40 mm to 60 mm. Those who wear sunglasses for small faces are best suited to a smaller lens width, while those with larger faces are best suited to a larger lens width.
This measures the shortest span between the two lenses. It’s the part that goes across the bridge of your nose and typically ranges from 14 mm to 24 mm.
If you have close-set eyes or a relatively narrow nose, you’ll want glasses with a smaller bridge width (lower number). Conversely, if you have wide-set eyes or a wider nose, you’ll want glasses with a larger bridge width (higher number).
Choosing a suitable bridge width will ensure that your sunglasses or glasses sit comfortably and securely on your nose without sliding up or down.
This measures the length of the temples (or “arms”) of your glasses—from the hinge to the tip of the temple. It typically ranges from 120 mm to 150 mm.
Choosing the right temple length is important, as it ensures the arms are long enough to extend behind your ears, without protruding too far out.
Note: On some glasses, a fourth number will be noted on the temple. This is your lens height, which refers to the vertical height of the lenses at the widest part.
This measurement typically isn’t required, but may be helpful if you’re getting multifocal or progressive lenses, as these types of glasses require a certain amount of space to accommodate the different visual zones.
If you have a pair of well-fitting glasses, but the measurements aren’t printed on the temple arm or they’ve rubbed off, don’t worry. You can measure your frame dimensions yourself using a millimeter ruler or fabric measuring tape.
Here’s how to measure the following dimensions:
: Measure horizontally across the widest part of one lens. Don’t include the frame—just the clear lens that you look through.
: Measure the shortest span between the two lenses.
: This measurement requires two parts. First, measure the temple (or “arm”) from the frame’s hinge to the point where it starts to curve. Then, measure from the curve to the tip of the temple arm. Add these two numbers together to get your temple length.
: Measure one lens vertically at its tallest point. For multifocal or progressive lenses, the lens height must be at least 30 mm.
If you don’t have a pair of well-fitting shades or specs to reference for measurements, you can easily measure the distance between your temples to determine the best size glasses for your face.
Look into a mirror and place a straight ruler length-wise across your face, just below your eyes. The ruler should be lined up with your temples—the flat parts on each side of your head, between your ear and the outer corner of your eye.
Measure the distance across your face in inches, from one temple to the other.
Use the chart below to determine the ideal frame size for your face.
In addition to taking the above measurements, let’s review some helpful tips for fine-tuning your fit.
The frame width is not printed on the temple of glasses, but it can be a helpful measurement to be aware of. To find your frame width, measure horizontally across the front of your frames, including any design features that stick out on the sides.
For the best fit, your glasses frame should be slightly wider than your face (aka the distance between your temples). If your glasses are too wide, they can make your face look too narrow, and if your glasses are too narrow, they can make your face look too wide.
When buying a new pair of sunglasses or glasses, it can be helpful to consider your face shape. This is because certain frame shapes tend to work better with certain face shapes.
For example, those with round faces tend to look best with square- or rectangular-shaped frames. The bold, angled lines of these frame shapes add definition to the soft, curved lines of round faces. Click here for our ultimate face shape guide.
While taking your glasses and face measurements into consideration is undoubtedly helpful, don’t get so involved with measurements that you lose sight of finding a pair of glasses you truly love.
With so many style and color options available, glasses are an excellent accessory for enhancing your look and showcasing your personality. The trick is to find a well-fitting pair of glasses in a style you feel confident in.
Knowing your glasses measurements is very helpful when searching for new eyewear, especially when buying glasses online.
On Privé Revaux’s site, you can find the precise measurements of each pair of glasses under the “Size Guide” section on each individual product page. You can also search by frame size (small, medium, or large) to hone in on your best options.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore Privé Revaux’s sunglasses and reading glasses to discover a pair of affordable, on-trend shades that fit your style and face like a glove.
We also feature trendy and fashionable sunglasses chain holders to keep your shades secure!
Generally located on the temple, nose bridge, or browline, Ray-Ban frames come with a code of letters and numbers permanently etched into them. Understanding this information could prove to be very important should your glasses ever happen to break. What do the numbers on Ray-Bans mean? Continue reading to find out!
1. Frame Model
2. Model Color
3. Frame Size
4. Lens Category
The first section of this code will determine your frame model. It will most likely start with an "RB" and have a set of numbers connected to it. Should you ever want to repurchase this frame, this information will come in handy. Above, we are viewing the RB4344.
The next numeric, and sometimes alphanumeric, section will be your frame color. Since there may be a few different tones of a same color, this will distinguish them for you. A color code may be used across different model numbers, so if you're looking to switch up your frame while keeping the same color design, this is particularly helpful.
When you have trouble finding sunglasses with the perfect fit, it can be scary switching up the frame model of the glasses you currently have. However, your frames are labeled with their own particular measurements! This section of numbers on Ray-Bans gives a general guide on sizes that may fit. If you are ever unsure on whether a frame may be a good size fit for you, give SportRx a call! We have friendly opticians available, 7 days a week, who can help you find your next, new frame. Should for any reason you not like the new look, we will offer an exchange or even provide a full refund. Even on prescription Ray-Bans!
To find your frame size, we will start with the two numbers on each side of the square symbol. The number to the left is going to be your lens width, and the one on the right will be your bridge size. The number just to the right of these measurements corresponds to your temple length. With these three numbers, SportRx is able to narrow down your new glasses search by eliminating frame choices that may be too big or too small. And SportRx doesn't just stop there! Our certified opticians can also pull up your current frame's SportRx Frame Width; another measurement we created so we can get you into Ray-Bans that work!
The last, alphanumeric portion of you Ray-Ban ID is going to give you your lens category and lens type. These numbers on Ray-Bans, ranking from 0 to 4, will tell you what conditions your lenses are recommended for. 0 being for cloudy conditions to 4 being for exceptional brightness. The letter will tell you if the lenses are normal/non-polarized lenses(N), polarized(P), or photo-chromatic(F).
Need prescription lenses to go with your new Ray-Ban frames? SportRx has you covered. Prescription Ray-Bans are made for your individual vision needs. With helpful guides throughout the online customization process, and a team of friendly opticians available 7 days a week, the answers to your Ray-Ban prescription eyewear questions are just at your fingertips. If you select Ray-Ban Authentic Lenses at checkout, your prescription lenses will even feature the Ray-Ban logo! Contact SportRx and we’ll be happy to help get you into Ray-Ban prescription sunglasses that will have you seeing clearly in no time.
Ditch risky online shopping with SportRx's See Better Guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with your new glasses, simply let us know within 45 days of receipt. We will remake them to perfection, coordinate an exchange, or provide a full refund. Don’t let fears of shipping and restocking fees hold you back. We cover shipping- both ways, and never charge restocking fees! Your peace of mind is worth it.