Press-on nails sizing guide
A press-on that fits sits on the nail edge to edge, with no overhang onto the skin and no bare strip on either side. Fit decides how long the set lasts and how natural it looks. Measuring takes five minutes and only needs to be done once.
How to measure
- Take a strip of paper or a soft tape measure. A ruler works if it has millimetre marks.
- Lay it across the widest part of the natural nail, usually just above the cuticle. Follow the curve of the nail. Do not measure flat across the top.
- Read the width in millimetres. Round down, not up.
- Write down all ten numbers. Most people have a different size on each finger, and the two hands are often not the same.
If you already own a set that fits well, measure the back of those nails instead. That is the quickest method.
What the numbers mean
Press-on sizes run from 0 (widest, usually the thumb) to 9 (narrowest, usually the little finger). Each size step is roughly one millimetre. The widths below are the standard sizes we make to. Your set ships with a printed size card you can hold each nail against.
| Size | Width | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 18 mm | Thumb |
| 1 | 17 mm | Thumb |
| 2 | 16 mm | Thumb, index |
| 3 | 15 mm | Index, middle |
| 4 | 14 mm | Index, middle, ring |
| 5 | 13 mm | Middle, ring |
| 6 | 12 mm | Ring, little |
| 7 | 11 mm | Ring, little |
| 8 | 10 mm | Little |
| 9 | 9 mm | Little |
A typical set of ten uses something like 2, 5, 4, 5, 7 on one hand, but that is only an average. Measure rather than guess.
Between two sizes
Choose the smaller one. A press-on that is a fraction too narrow leaves a hairline gap that polish or a top coat can hide. One that is too wide presses on the skin, lifts at the edges, and comes off early.
If a size is very close but slightly wide, file the sides of the press-on a little before applying. Thicker handmade sets take filing well.
Ordering the right set
Give us your ten measurements, or your sizes from a set that fits, in the order note and we make the set to match. If there is no note we send the standard set of sizes, which fits most hands but not all.
Questions we get asked
My thumb is wider than 18 mm. Tell us in the order notes. We can make a wider thumb.
Do the nails come pre-shaped for the curve of my nail? They come with a natural curve that suits most hands. If your nails are very flat or very curved, mention it in the order note and we will shape the set to match.
Do I need to re-measure for every set? No. Sizes stay the same across all our shapes and lengths.
Read next: how to apply press-on nails and how to remove press-on nails.