Chain Length and Width Size Guide

Short answer: Most adults choose a 20-inch chain, which sits just below the collarbone, and a width between 4 mm and 8 mm. To pick your length, measure your neck and add 2 to 8 inches depending on how low you want the chain to hang. Pick the width by the weight of your pendant and how visible you want the chain to be.

Step 1: Measure your neck

Wrap a soft tape measure or a piece of string around the base of your neck, where a chain would rest, then lay the string flat and measure it. Keep it snug but not tight. Chain lengths are generally measured end to end, including the clasp.

Neck size to chain length

Use this table as a starting point. Body shape, collar and personal taste change the result.

Your neck measures	Snug (choker-style)	Collarbone	Just below collarbone	Mid-chest
13 to 14 in	16 in	18 in	20 in	24 in
14 to 15 in	17 in	20 in	22 in	26 in
15 to 16 in	18 in	20 in	22 in	26 in
16 to 17 in	19 in	22 in	24 in	28 in
17 to 18 in	20 in	22 in	24 in	28 to 30 in
18 in and over	22 in	24 in	26 in	30 in

Where common lengths sit

Length	Where it typically falls
16 in	Close to the neck, choker-style
18 in	At or just above the collarbone
20 in	Just below the collarbone. The most common length for men
22 in	A few inches below the collarbone, on the upper chest
24 in	Mid-chest, suits a pendant worn over a shirt
26 to 30 in	Lower chest to sternum

Chain width in millimeters

Width is measured across the chain, in millimeters. For a Cuban link chain it is the width of the link stack. A bigger number is a bolder, heavier chain.

Width	Look	Pairs with
2 to 3 mm	Fine and subtle	Small pendants, everyday layering
4 to 5 mm	Slim but visible	Small to medium pendants
6 to 8 mm	Standard everyday men's width	Medium pendants, wearing alone
9 to 12 mm	Statement width, heavy	Large pendants, wearing alone
13 mm and wider	Very bold	Standalone chain. Not for every wardrobe

A wider chain also means a heavier chain. If you plan to wear a chain every day, choose a width you will not mind carrying.

Choosing width for a pendant

Match the chain to the pendant. A large pendant on a thin chain can look out of balance and stress the chain, while a very wide chain can overpower a small pendant. Check that the pendant bail, the loop on the pendant, is large enough to slide over the chain. See our pendants and religious pendants for options.

Neck size and body type

• A thicker neck or broader build usually needs a longer chain to hang comfortably, and a wider chain to look proportional.
• A slimmer neck often suits a 18 to 20 inch chain and a width below 8 mm.
• If you plan to wear a collar, choose a chain length that clears it.

Clasps and weight

Heavier Cuban link chains often use a box clasp with a safety latch, which holds more securely than a thin spring ring. Lobster clasps are common on lighter chains. Check the clasp style in the listing.

Bracelets: sizing quickly

Measure your wrist just above the wrist bone and add half an inch to one inch for a comfortable fit. A snug fit is closer to half an inch, and a looser drape is closer to one inch. Browse bracelets.

Rings: sizing quickly

For rings, ask a jeweler to size your finger, or measure the base of your finger with a paper strip and compare it to a size chart. Wide bands fit more snugly than thin bands of the same size. See rings and men's rings.

Which metal?

Length and width apply to every metal. Compare 10K and 14K in our 10K vs 14K guide, and read gold-bonded vs solid gold. Then browse Cuban link chains, solid gold chains and chains and necklaces.

My Jewelry Connect is a veteran-owned Miami jewelry store owned by Anthony, a United States Marine Corps veteran. If you cannot decide on a size, call 305-522-8331. We can also design a custom chain by quote.

FAQ

What is the most popular chain length? For men, 20 and 22 inches are common. For women, 16 to 18 inches are common. Both are starting points.

What chain width is best for a pendant? Choose a width that matches the pendant's size. Small pendants suit 2 to 5 mm. Medium pendants suit 5 to 8 mm. Large pendants suit 8 mm and above.

Does the clasp count toward chain length? Chain length is generally measured end to end including the clasp. Check how the listing states it.

Can I wear two chains together? Yes. Layer different lengths, with about 2 inches or more between them, and mix widths for contrast.