Glasses Measurements

All About Glasses Measurements

Wearing glasses can give you a stylish look, and they provide you with convenient vision correction on the go. While the prescription for your eyeglasses is key to enjoying clearer vision, it's also good to know more about what the rest of the many different glasses measurements mean when you purchase a new pair. From the lens width to temple length, here are some of the basics regarding glasses measurement so you can find the perfect pair for you.

Reading Your Frame Size

You will need to know which frame size fits your face the best. Start by looking at a pair of glasses you already own (if applicable), and check for a set of three numbers located somewhere on the inside temples of your eyeglasses. These numbers are there to indicate the measurements of your frames in millimeters and they can help a lot when you are shopping for new glasses online. The three numbers represent the lens width, the bridge width, and the temple length (and in some cases, a fourth number is there to represent the lens height):

• Lens width - the horizontal width of both lenses at their widest point and typically ranges between 40mm to 60mm.
• Bridge width - the distance between the two lenses or the space where your frames fit against the nose. These numbers should range between 14mm and 24mm.
• Arm / temple length - how long each temple is from the screws to the tip and includes the part that bends near your ear. Most temple or arm lengths range from 120mm to 150mm in length.
• Lens height - the vertical height of the lenses as the widest point inside of the frame. Most bifocals and progressive lenses use lens height measurements.

Finding the Right Glasses Frame Size and Shape

These measurements don't always mean that you'll need an exact match when you purchase new glasses. Keep in mind that your frames should fit snugly against your face so they don't slip off, but not so snug that they feel tight or uncomfortable against the sides of your head or on the bridge of your nose. Look at the different shapes of frames available to help you find one that works for your face shape. Narrow frames tend to make the face appear wider, while wider frames make faces look narrower. Ideally, you should choose a frame that is slightly wider than your face and no more than a finger width between the temple and your face. Anything larger than this will be too wide.

Temple Length and Lens Measurements

The temple length of your glasses is measured in millimeters and usually only varies between about five millimeters, with 135mm, 140mm, and 150mm being the most common. Your temples should fit comfortably horizontally and evenly along the side of your head, and the ends should fit comfortably on the outside of your ear. If the temples feel too loose or tight, you may need to go up or down a measurement.

For lens sizes, smaller options are typically 50mm or less in width. Medium lenses are between 51mm and 54mm, and large lenses are usually wider than 55mm. When you try on glasses, make sure that your eyes are perfectly centered with the lenses. Frames that are too wide can make it seem as if your eyes are too close together, and narrow frames will make your eyes appear too wide-set. Use this simple guide for glasses measurements to help you find the perfect pair.