Choosing the correct bangle size when ordering online or shopping for your bridal trousseau can feel confusing. In India, traditional bangle sizing is based on inches and sixteenths of an inch (annas). For example, a size 2.6 does not mean 2.6 inches—it denotes 2 inches and 6/16ths of an inch (which equals 2.375 inches or 60.3 mm inner diameter).
In this comprehensive guide crafted by the master artisans at Sri Kannika Bangles, we explain the complete sizing system, offer an exact conversion table, and teach you two foolproof measurement methods you can perform at home in under two minutes.
Official Indian Bangle Size Chart (MM, CM & Inches)
Use the conversion table below to match your measured hand circumference or existing bangle diameter to the standard Indian sizing notation:
| Indian Size | Inner Diameter (Inches) | Inner Diameter (MM) | Inner Diameter (CM) | Hand Circumference (CM) | Typical Fit Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 (2-2/16) | 2.125 in | 54.0 mm | 5.40 cm | 16.9 cm | Extra Small / Teenage / Very Petite |
| 2.4 (2-4/16) | 2.250 in | 57.2 mm | 5.72 cm | 17.9 cm | Small / Slender Wrists |
| 2.6 (2-6/16) | 2.375 in | 60.3 mm | 6.03 cm | 18.9 cm | Standard Medium (Most Popular in India) |
| 2.8 (2-8/16) | 2.500 in | 63.5 mm | 6.35 cm | 19.9 cm | Large / Broad Wrist Structure |
| 2.10 (2-10/16) | 2.625 in | 66.7 mm | 6.67 cm | 20.9 cm | Extra Large / Plus Size Comfort |
Method 1: Measure Using an Existing Well-Fitting Bangle
If you already own a bangle that slips comfortably over your hand and rests nicely on your wrist, this is the quickest and most precise method:
- Take a rigid millimeter ruler and place it on a flat table.
- Place your existing bangle flat on top of the ruler.
- Measure the inside diameter from the inner edge of one side directly through the center to the opposite inner edge. Do not include the metal rim thickness in your measurement.
- Note the millimeter reading:
- 54.0 mm = Size 2.2
- 57.2 mm = Size 2.4
- 60.3 mm = Size 2.6
- 63.5 mm = Size 2.8
- 66.7 mm = Size 2.10
Method 2: Measure Your Hand Circumference (No Bangle Needed)
Unlike bracelets which fit around the wrist bone, slip-on circular bangles must pass across the widest part of your knuckles. Follow these steps:
- Bring your thumb and little finger together across your palm as tightly as possible, exactly as if you were squeezing your hand into a bangle.
- Wrap a flexible tailoring tape or a strip of paper around the widest part of your hand (across the knuckle joints).
- Pull the tape snug without pinching the skin painfully. Mark the overlapping point with a pen.
- Lay the paper strip straight against a ruler to read the circumference in centimeters:
- 17.5 – 18.2 cm → Size 2.4
- 18.5 – 19.3 cm → Size 2.6
- 19.5 – 20.3 cm → Size 2.8
- 20.5 – 21.3 cm → Size 2.10
Important Sizing Nuances: Slip-On vs. Openable Screw Kadas
Understanding the difference between bangle constructions ensures you never end up with ornaments that are too tight or loose:
- Traditional Circular Bangles (Glass, Kundan, Metal Stacks): Must be ordered in your true slip-on knuckle size so they glide over your hand without requiring force.
- Antique Screw-Hinged Kadas: Feature a concealed screw or push-lock clasp. Since they open wide and clip directly around your wrist, they do not need to pass over the knuckles. If your slip-on size is 2.6, you can comfortably wear a 2.4 or 2.6 screw kada.
- Bridal Stacks (Mop / Velvet Mix): When wearing 24 to 36 bangles in a dense wedding stack, the inner bangles sit higher up on the forearm. We recommend pairing your standard size for the wrist end with one size up (e.g. 2.8) for the upper forearm kadas.