Ring Resize Metal Calculator
Estimate the length and weight of sizing metal needed to size a ring up (or removed sizing it down) from the size change, band width and thickness.
How it works
Circumference change = |size change| × 2.5535 mm · Volume = change × width × thickness · Weight = volume ÷ 1000 × density
Each whole US ring size adds about 2.55 mm to the inside circumference, so sizing up means opening the band and soldering in a sliver of matching metal that long. The amount of metal is that gap length times the band’s cross-section (width × thickness), converted to weight by the metal’s density. Sizing down removes a similar sliver. Denser metals like platinum and high-karat gold weigh far more for the same sliver, which is part of why resizing them costs more.
Worked example
Sizing a 3 mm wide, 1.5 mm thick 14K band from size 6 to 7 adds 1 × 2.5535 = 2.55 mm of length. Volume = 2.55 × 3 × 1.5 = 11.5 mm³; at 13.1 g/cm³ that is 11.5/1000 × 13.1 ≈ 0.15 g of gold.
Frequently asked questions
Can every ring be resized?
Most plain metal bands can go up or down a size or two. Eternity bands set all the way around, tension settings and some alternative metals (tungsten, titanium) usually cannot be resized and must be remade.
Why does the metal type change the cost so much?
Denser, higher-value metals weigh more for the same sliver and platinum needs higher soldering temperatures and more labour, so both material and time rise with metal choice.
Is added metal weight the whole cost?
No. Labour, solder, finishing and any risk to stones usually dominate a resize fee. The metal weight here is just the material portion.
Related calculators
This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.