How to measure your hat size
One measurement, your head circumference, is all you need. Wrap, read and convert in four steps to find your size in any system.
All you need to find your hat size is a soft tape measure or a strip of paper and a ruler. Hat sizing is forgiving compared with rings or shoes because most hats have some give, but measuring still beats guessing.
Measure where the hat will actually sit, which is around the widest part of the head, and keep the tape level all the way around.
- Position the tape. Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about one centimetre above your ears and eyebrows, where a hat naturally rests.
- Keep it level and snug. Hold the tape level front to back and snug but not tight. If you use a paper strip, mark the overlap and measure it against a ruler afterward.
- Read the circumference. Note the measurement in centimetres. Measure two or three times and take the average for accuracy.
- Match to a size. Find your circumference in the chart and read across to a US or UK fitted number or a letter size. Between sizes, round up for comfort.
No tape measure? Print the printable hat chart and use a strip of paper against the true-scale reference.
Head circumference to hat size
| Letter | US fitted | UK fitted | EU | Head (cm) | Head (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 5/8 | 6 1/2 | 53 | 53 | 20 7/8 |
| XS | 6 3/4 | 6 5/8 | 54 | 54 | 21 1/4 |
| S | 6 7/8 | 6 3/4 | 55 | 55 | 21 5/8 |
| S | 7 | 6 7/8 | 56 | 56 | 22 |
| M | 7 1/8 | 7 | 57 | 57 | 22 3/8 |
| M | 7 1/4 | 7 1/8 | 58 | 58 | 22 3/4 |
| L | 7 3/8 | 7 1/4 | 59 | 59 | 23 1/4 |
| L | 7 1/2 | 7 3/8 | 60 | 60 | 23 5/8 |
| XL | 7 5/8 | 7 1/2 | 61 | 61 | 24 |
| XL | 7 3/4 | 7 5/8 | 62 | 62 | 24 3/8 |
| XXL | 7 7/8 | 7 3/4 | 63 | 63 | 24 3/4 |
| XXL | 8 | 7 7/8 | 64 | 64 | 25 1/4 |
Measuring questions
How do I measure my head for a hat?
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head about a centimetre above your ears and eyebrows, keep it level, and read the circumference in centimetres. Match that to the chart for your hat size.
What if my head is between two hat sizes?
Round up to the larger size for a comfortable fit, especially for structured or fitted hats that do not stretch much.
Last reviewed and updated on July 2, 2026. Conversion tables are checked against published international sizing standards.