Anklet Size Guide: Lengths, Measuring and Fit
For anyone buying or making an ankle bracelet: the standard lengths, how to measure the ankle, and how much slack to leave so it drapes without slipping over the heel.
Most anklets are 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25.5 cm) long; those two sizes cover most adult women. Measure around the leg just above the ankle bone and add about 1 in (2.5 cm). Larger ankles and men's anklets usually need 11 in (28 cm).
- Standard lengths
- 9, 10, 11 in
- In cm
- 23, 25.5, 28 cm
- Allowance
- +1 in (2.5 cm)
- Average ankle (women)
- 8.5 in (21.6 cm)
On this page
Anklet size chart
Measure your ankle as described below, then read across. The recommended length includes the clasp and gives a relaxed drape over the ankle bones.
| Ankle circumference | Anklet length | Nearest standard size |
|---|---|---|
| 7 in (17.8 cm) | 8 in (20.3 cm) | 8 in, or 9 in shortened |
| 7.5 in (19.1 cm) | 8.5 in (21.6 cm) | 9 in |
| 8 in (20.3 cm) | 9 in (22.9 cm) | 9 in |
| 8.5 in (21.6 cm) | 9.5 in (24.1 cm) | 10 in, or 9 in with extender |
| 9 in (22.9 cm) | 10 in (25.4 cm) | 10 in |
| 9.5 in (24.1 cm) | 10.5 in (26.7 cm) | 11 in, or 10 in with extender |
| 10 in (25.4 cm) | 11 in (27.9 cm) | 11 in |
| 10.5 in (26.7 cm) | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) | 12 in or custom |
For a closer fit that stays above the ankle bone, add 0.5 in (1.3 cm) instead of 1 in. For a long, low drape onto the top of the foot, add up to 1.5 in (3.8 cm).
Average ankle size and why 9 to 10 inches is standard
The ANSUR II body-measurement survey of US Army personnel recorded ankle circumference at the narrowest point just above the ankle bones. The results explain the standard lengths.
| Group | Average | Middle 90% range | Suggested anklet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | 8.5 in (216 mm) | 7.6 to 9.5 in (193 to 242 mm) | 9 to 10 in |
| Men | 9.0 in (229 mm) | 8.1 to 10.0 in (206 to 254 mm) | 10 to 11 in |
The survey population is younger and fitter than average, and ankles of people with more body weight or with swelling can be larger. Measure rather than relying on averages, especially when buying for yourself in summer, when feet and ankles swell.
How to measure your ankle
- Sit with the foot flat on the floor. Ankles are slightly larger when standing, and swelling is greater late in the day, so measure in the evening for a fit you can wear all day.
- Wrap a soft tape around the narrowest part of the leg, just above the round ankle bones. Keep it flat and snug, not tight.
- Check the bone line. Wrap the tape again lower, over the ankle bones, where the anklet will actually rest. The difference tells you how much room the chain needs to drop into place.
- Add the allowance: 1 in (2.5 cm) to the first measurement for a standard drape.
- Test the heel. An anklet that passes over the heel with the toes pointed will fall off. Shorten it or add a smaller extender setting.
Use a phone charging cable or a strip of paper, mark where it overlaps and measure it against a ruler. A bracelet you already own also works as a guide: an anklet is typically 2 to 3 in longer than the wearer's bracelet.
Extenders and adjustable anklets
Many anklets are sold as 9 in plus a 1 or 2 in (2.5 or 5 cm) extender chain, which covers 9 to 11 in. That suits gifts and anyone between sizes. Adjustable styles use one of three systems:
- Extender chain with several rings: the lobster clasp hooks into any ring, in steps of about 0.25 to 0.5 in.
- Slider bead or bolo on cord or fine chain: continuously adjustable, common on beach and friendship anklets.
- Sliding knots on cord, leather or paracord anklets: adjust from roughly 8 to 12 in.
Letter sizes (S, M, L) on adjustable anklets are not standardized. Check the minimum and maximum length in inches or centimeters.
Making an anklet: how long to cut the chain
For a DIY anklet, the total finished length includes the clasp and jump rings. A typical lobster clasp with two jump rings adds about 1 to 1.5 cm.
- Measure the ankle in cm, for example 22 cm.
- Add 2.5 cm for drape, giving a finished length of 24.5 cm.
- Subtract the clasp and jump rings, about 1.2 cm, giving 23.3 cm of chain to cut.
- Add the bead correction if you string beads: thick beads reduce inside room by π × bead diameter, about 2.5 cm for 8 mm beads. The bracelet size guide has the full table.
Fine chains of 1 to 2 mm are the usual choice for anklets; they are light and flex around the ankle. For which chain styles hold up and which kink, see the jewelry chain guide.
Anklet styles and how they fit
| Style | Typical width | Sizing note |
|---|---|---|
| Fine chain | 1 to 2 mm | Standard +1 in allowance |
| Charm or bell anklet | 2 to 3 mm chain, charms 6 to 15 mm | Add 0.25 to 0.5 in, since charms hang inward; see charm sizes |
| Beaded stretch | 3 to 8 mm beads | Must pass over the heel; size by the heel, not the ankle |
| Payal (Indian anklet) | Chain with bells, often 4 to 15 mm wide | Worn in pairs; sized by the same ankle-plus-1-in rule, often with screw or hook closures |
| Men's cord or leather | 3 to 6 mm | 10 to 11 in, often with sliding knots |
A stretch anklet has no clasp, so it has to pass over the heel: measure around the heel and instep with the foot pointed, the same way you would measure a hand for a bangle.
Anklet fit problems
- Catching on socks and shoes. Closed shoes and socks rub anklets and wear the chain. Choose sturdier chain, or take it off for closed footwear; sandals suit anklets best.
- Lost anklets. Spring ring clasps open more easily than lobster clasps. On an anklet, which moves constantly, a lobster clasp is the safer choice.
- Snagging during exercise. Remove anklets for running, swimming in surf and contact sports.
- Bought too short. A 9 in anklet on a 9 in ankle sits tight and leaves marks. If in doubt, buy the longer size and use the clasp in an extender ring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average anklet length?
About 9 to 10 in (23 to 25.5 cm) for women, and 10 to 11 in for men. That follows from the average ankle (about 8.5 in for women and 9 in for men in the ANSUR II survey) plus about 1 in of drape.
How many cm should an anklet be?
Your ankle circumference in cm plus about 2.5 cm. For a 21 cm ankle, make or buy a 23.5 to 24 cm anklet; for a 23 cm ankle, about 25.5 cm. Include the clasp in the total.
Should an anklet be loose or tight?
Loose enough to slide down and rest on the ankle bones or the top of the foot, with room for one or two fingers underneath, but not so loose that it can slip over the heel. If it slides over the heel when you point your toes, it is too long.
Can I wear a bracelet as an anklet?
Only if it is long enough. A standard 7 in bracelet is 2 to 3 in too short for an adult ankle. An 8.5 to 9 in men's bracelet can work as an anklet on a slim ankle.
Which leg do you wear an anklet on?
Either. There is no sizing difference between left and right ankles for most people. Wear it on the leg that is less likely to rub against the other foot or a car pedal.