Sunglasses are measured by three aspects; lens width, bridge width and temple length. Usually labelled on the inner temples (arms) of your frame, these measurements are in millimetres and may be separated by a small square, dash or space. Eg: 63 [] 18 145.

 

If you have well-fitting spectacles or sunglasses take a note of these measurements and use them as a guide for your next new pair.

If you don’t have spectacles or sunglasses use the helpful guide below.

 

How do I know what sunglasses fit my face?

Holding a ruler horizontally across your face, measure the distance between your temples in either cm or inches. You can check your ideal sunglasses size via the table below.

(Your temples are the soft skin located between your eyes and ears above your cheekbones.)

It’s best to use a ruler for this measurement because it stays straight; unlike a tape measure which can bend and needs two hands to use.

Face size (cm)	Face size (inches)	Sunglasses size
11.5cm – 13cm	4.5” – 5.1”	Small
13.5cm – 14cm	5.25” – 5.5”	Medium
14.5 – 16cm	5.75” – 6.25”	Large

 

 

How do I know my lens width?

To know your lens width, use a plastic ruler (to prevent scratches) to measure one of your sunglasses lenses from their widest outer-edges. This measurement is always taken in millimetres and is the first set of digits labelled on your frame. Eg: 55 [] 22 145.

Adult sunglasses lens widths typically range between 49mm and 63mm.

Lens width	Sunglasses size
49 - 54mm	Small
55 - 57mm	Medium
58 - 63mm	Large

 

 

How do I know my bridge width?

To know your bridge width, measure the inner-most distance between your lenses in millimetres. Then minus this number by 3. Your bridge width is the second set of digits labelled on your frame. Eg: 55 [] 22 145.

For example, if the distance between your lenses (DBL) is 23mm, your frame has a 20 mm bridge width.

Adult sunglasses bridge widths typically range between 14mm and 25mm.

Bridge width	Sunglasses size
14mm - 17mm	Small
18mm - 21mm	Medium
22mm - 25mm	Large

 

For a guide to glasses for big noses click here.

 

How do I know my temple length?

To know your temple length, measure (in mm) from the hinge to the bend and then from the bend to the temple tip. Combined, these measurements are your temple length which are the last set of digits labelled on your frame. Eg: 55 [] 22 145.

Adult sunglasses temple length typically range between 120mm and 150mm. However, it is common that temple lengths aren’t always stated by certain brands and manufacturers.

 

Temple length	Sunglasses size
120mm - 130mm	Small
130mm - 140mm	Medium
140mm - 150mm	Large
>150mm	Extra Large

 

What is UV400?

UV400 means sunglasses lenses can protect your eyes up to the 400-nanometre wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light. With regards to skin and eyecare, UV400 sunglasses protect you from the most dangerous range of electromagnetic exposure. UV400 and UV40 mean the same thing.

 

UV light sub-type	Frequency (nm)	Danger to eyes & skin
UVA	315 - 400	High
UVB	280 - 315	Medium
UVC	100 - 280	Low

 

 

What does CE mean on sunglasses?

CE stands for Conformité Européenne. (French for "European Conformity.) Spectacles and sunglasses which are compliant with EU health, environment and safety regulations must bear the CE mark. This emblem is usually labelled on the inner surface of the temple or frame, marked via pad printing or laser etching.

 

What measurements do I need to order glasses online?

To order glasses or sunglasses online, it’s good to know your lens width, bridge width and temple length. These measurements help you select the correct size of frame for a proper fit. For ordering prescription lenses, you’ll need an up to date prescription and your pupillary distance (the distance between your pupils in mm.)

 

 

 

 

Hopefully you found this article useful.

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