Understanding Glasses Measurements
SUMMARY
Understanding eyeglass measurements can help you choose glasses that will suit your face shape the best.
The measurements are usually found on the temples of the glasses and include the lens width, bridge width, and temple length.
In the past, shopping for eyeglass frames required long trips to eyewear stores, fitting frames, and browsing through an overwhelming amount of glasses displays.
Thankfully, this isn’t the only option anymore.
Online retailers like SmartBuyGlasses have been established for years, and now, you can pick a new pair of glasses from a near-unlimited selection of colors, sizes, and designs, and receive them right at your doorstep.
However, if you shop for eyewear online, knowing your frame measurements is crucial to ensure you receive the perfect pair of glasses that fit comfortably.
Read on to learn what glasses measurements you need, and how to find them yourself.
Eyeglass size explained
Have you ever noticed the three numbers engraved on glasses? They are usually located on the temple, bridge, or side of the nose.
These values–usually separated by dots, dashes or vertical bars–represent the glasses’ frame measurements: the lens width, bridge size, and temple arm length, respectively. Some frames may have a fourth number, which refers to the height of the frames.
In some cases, acetate frames will have the eye and bridge sizes on the nose pads of a plastic frame. All these glasses measurements are measured in millimeters (mm).
Eyeglass frame measurements
Width
The frame width is the horizontal measurement of the frames, including hinges or designs that stick out at the sides.
Try it yourself: To measure the width of the frames, take a measuring tape or a ruler and measure the entire horizontal front of the frame from the furthest point on one side to the other.
Bridge
The bridge size is the distance between the two rims or lenses of the eyeglasses where the nose pads are located. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm.
Try it yourself: Place the measuring tape right between the two lenses to measure the bridge and see how many millimeters are between the nearest points.
Temple length
The temple length–often referred to as arm length—is the length of the temple. It is usually between 120mm and 150mm.
Try it yourself: Measure your temples from the hinge to the tip to get your temple length.
Lens measurement
Lenses can be measured in height and width. Lens height is the vertical measurement of the eyeglass lenses, which is important for bifocal and progressive lenses. Lens width refers to the width of the lenses, which must be measured horizontally.
Try it yourself: To take these measurements, place the measuring tape on the lenses, first vertically and then horizontally. Measure only from one side of the lens to the other, ensuring no part of the frames is included.
How to find out PD for glasses
The pupillary distance is another crucial measurement when ordering glasses online. You can use our online tool to determine your pupillary distance.
All you need to measure your PD with our tool is a computer camera and a card with a magnetic strip.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pupillary distance is the distance between your pupils. To have the clearest vision, the distance between the center of the left lens and the right lens should be the same as the distance between your pupils.
Tips for finding comfortable fitting frames online
Here is a brief overview of what to consider when shopping for eyewear online:
Know your measurements: Use this guide to ensure you know your glasses’ measurements—lens width, bridge size, temple length, and frame width. Search for frames that match these values.
Understand your face shape: Choose frames that complement your face shape. Round faces often pair well with rectangular or square frames, while oval faces suit most styles.
Use Virtual Try-On Tools: Many online retailers offer virtual try-on features that let you see how different frames look on your face. Check out our Virtual Try-On Tool to see what frame styles look like on you.
Consider your lifestyle: Select frames suited to your daily activities. For example, lightweight materials like titanium are great for all-day wear, while impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate are better for active lifestyles.
Check return policies: Look for retailers with flexible return policies, so you can exchange frames if they don’t fit comfortably.
Shopping for glasses with my measurements
Now that you have all the information on your glasses’ measurements and know how to take them, shopping online will be much easier. Glasses’ measurements won’t be a mystery anymore, and you can confidently choose the right pair of glasses.
If you need help determining what glasses frames will fit best, we have an easy guide to help with that. You will have to measure your temples from one side to the other and check out our size table to find the recommended size based on your measurements.
If you have more questions about your frame size or prescription, check out our Optical Center. Our articles will help answer most questions, but even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can reach out to one of our opticians for clarifications.
