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Glasses Measurements & Frame sizes

Reviewed by : Dr. Matthew Miller, OD on May 19th, 2022

Finding the right frame size is a super important part of buying eyewear online. But did you know it's also super simple? We created a helpful guide to make the process quick and easy. Here’s what you need to know when looking for your eyeglasses and sunglasses frame measurements.

Reading Your Frame Sizes

To ensure your frames fit perfectly, first determine which size frames are best for you. The best place to start is with the eyeglass measurements on a pair you already own.

First, search for the three little numbers on the inside of the temple of your glasses. Some may also refer to this section as the "arm" of your glasses. These three numbers are the frame's measurements.

glasses frame sizes

From left to right, these eyeglass measurements appear in the following order:

  • 1. Lens width
  • 2. Bridge width
  • 3. Temple length

Sometimes a fourth number will be noted on the arms, which is your lens height. Keep in mind that all of these measurements are in millimeters.

  • Lens Width
    Lens Width

    This is the horizontal width of each lens at its widest point. It typically ranges from 40mm to 60mm.

  • Bridge Width
    Bridge Width

    This is the distance between your two lenses. In short, the bridge width is the space where your frames fit against your nose. The size of this piece ranges from 14mm to 24mm.

  • Temple Length
    Temple (Arm) Length

    This is the length of the temple from each screw to its temple tip, including the bend that sits on your ear. The temple is typically 120mm to 150mm long.

  • Lens Height
    Lens Height

    This is the vertical height of your eyeglass lenses at the widest point of the lens within the frame. The lens height is important when measuring bifocals or progressive lenses.

A Few Helpful Tips For Eyeglass Measurements

  • Finding the Perfect Frame Width
    Frame Width

    A frame that is too narrow will make your face look wider, while a frame that is too wide will make your face look narrower. This is one of the most important factors in finding a pair of glasses that fits well. Find a frame that is slightly wider than your face — no more than a finger width between the temple and your face. Any wider is a sign your frames are too wide.

    This measurement is not printed on the temple of your glasses. To find it, take your measuring tape and measure horizontally across the front of your frames, including any hinges or design features that stick out on the sides.
  • Get Cozy with Your Temple Length
    Temple Length

    Temple length is the measurement in millimeters of the “arms” of the frame. This measurement does not vary as much as the others. 135mm, 140mm, 145mm, and 150mm are the most common options. The temple should fit horizontally and evenly along your face and fit comfortably along the outside of your ear.

    To find temple length, measure one from screw to tip.
  • Picking the Right Lens Height and Width
    Height and Width

    To determine which lens size is right for you, know that a small lens width is 50mm or less, medium is between 51mm and 54mm and large is any lens wider than 55mm.

    Your eyes should be centered within your lenses. Eyeglass frames that are too wide will make your eyes appear too close together, while narrow frames will give your eyes a wide-set look.

    To find lens height and width, measure the widest or longest parts of the lens.
  • Selecting the Ideal Bridge Width
    Bridge Width

    The distance between two lenses equals a frame's bridge width. The bridge should sit comfortably flush against your nose. If you have close-set eyes or want a narrow bridge, this number should be lower. If you have wide-set eyes or want a wide bridge, this number should be higher.

    The location of your nose can help determine which frame style works best for you. If your nose is higher on your face, an eyeglass style where the bridge is even with the frame’s brow line will look best. If your nose is situated a bit lower on your face, a frame with a lower bridge and curved brow line will better suit your features.

    To find bridge width, measure the distance between the inner edges of each lens.

Find the Perfect Frame Size!

Discover which eyeglass frames look best on you by checking out our full collection of prescription frames for men, women and children, and get the scoop on the best lens index for you with our lens indexes guide. At EyeBuyDirect, we offer a 14-day fit and style guarantee to ensure you find the perfect frames and a 12-month guarantee on all of our products.