How to Find Eyeglass Frame Measurements for Your Face

The right pair of glasses can do a lot for your look, but there's a lot you need to consider when comparing different types of specs. In this guide, we'll help you make sense of eyeglass frame measurements and determine the right size, fit, and shape for your face—making online orders a breeze.

How to Find Your Eyeglass Frame Measurements

Three key frame measurements determine the size of a pair of glasses:

1. Bridge width: typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm
2. Lens width: typically ranges from 40mm to 62mm
3. Temple length: typically ranges from 120mm to 150mm

Please note that these measurements are strictly for determining fit, not glasses coverage (there are plenty of oversized glasses made for smaller faces). Always remember: the larger the face, the larger the measurement.

Determining the Right Fit

If you already have a pair of older glasses that fit well, look on the inside of the temple arm of your glasses for three numbers indicating frame dimensions. Those numbers are:

[lens width] x [bridge width] x [temple length]

Alternatively, your frame may have lens width and bridge width printed on the nose bridge. When shopping for new glasses and reading a glasses size chart, use these dimensions as your guide. You'll have a leeway of 2 millimeters for each dimension, so a good fit doesn't need to be exact.

If you don't have an old pair of glasses to reference, use our handy guide to take some new measurements.

Bridge Width

Examine the bridge of your nose in the mirror. Where does it start? How wide or skinny does it get? Next, take a selfie of your side profile.

• If your bridge is low (level or below your pupils) and skinny, a small bridge size will work best
• If your bridge is high (above your pupils) and wide, a large bridge size will work best
• For any other combination of attributes, a medium-range number should provide a comfortable fit

Lens Width

While looking in the mirror, hold a ruler up so that it lines up with your temples. Measure the distance between them, then subtract 6 millimeters (the total average for the end pieces) and your bridge measurement. Halve the remainder and you have your lens width.

Temple Length

Temple arm length has the least variance of the three dimensions, so it's less important to get an exact measurement. Anything from 135 to 145 millimeters should be a safe bet.

The Best Glasses for Your Face Shape

Sure, glasses with large, square lenses might be popular at the moment, but they might also conceal the flattering aspects of your face, or more importantly, they might feel uncomfortable. Check out the table and graphics below to get a better idea of which styles best fit your face.

Frame Material

A solid, durable frame can be the difference between an accidental bump being meaningless or the reason for buying a new pair. Read on to learn more about some of the frame materials you're likely to encounter when shopping for different types of glasses.

Metal

Metal frames are typically more malleable than their plastic or synthetic counterparts. This flexibility makes them easy to comfortably fit a wide variety of face shapes. They're also typically more expensive and less durable than glasses made of other materials. Frames are made in many different types of metal, with titanium and stainless steel being two of the most durable.

Plastic

These frames are generally cheaper and more lightweight than other types, but they're still relatively impact resistant, making them great for comfortable, all-day wear. Here are a couple varieties you're likely to see while shopping:

• Polycarbonate: A harder version of plastic, polycarbonate can weather tough use. Glasses made with polycarbonate are typically suitable for everyday and active wear. Their durability also makes them a great choice for kids.
• Acetate: Acetate frames are a bit lighter, yet more durable than standard plastic glasses. They can also come in many different designs, since their colors are imbued into the material itself instead of painted on.

Nylon

If you're looking for glasses to wear while playing sports or enjoying outdoor activities, a pair with a nylon frame might be your best option. These frames stand up to everything from drops and bumps to changes in temperature that would normally alter the flexibility of frames made from other materials.

Lenses

Lens materials can have a great impact on how glasses will perform in different lighting conditions and environments. Find out which material works best for you:

Materials

• Polycarbonate: These lenses are lightweight and tough, and they offer good optical clarity. They also resist shattering more effectively than glass lenses, making them a good pick for active wear.

• Trivex: One of the newest lens materials available, Trivex lenses are very similar to polycarbonate, but lighter, and provide slightly better optical clarity

• Glass: Glass lenses give you the highest level of clarity, and they resist scratching better than most materials. They do tend to be heavier than polycarbonate lenses, and they can form spiderweb-like cracks if dropped.