How to Measure Your Bra Size

While stores typically have varying bra size guides, there are generally two things you need to calculate when measuring your bra size: your band size and your cup size. To do this, all you need is a measuring tape. By subtracting your band measurement from your cup measurement, you'll be able to determine your cup size. With your bra size figured out, you'll be able to pick out a bra that's just right for you.

Method1: While stores typically have varying bra size guides, there are generally two things you need to calculate when measuring your bra size: your band size and your cup size. To do this, all you need is a measuring tape. By subtracting your band measurement from your cup measurement, you'll be able to determine your cup size. With your bra size figured out, you'll be able to pick out a bra that's just right for you.

Use a measuring tape, pencil, and paper to record your measurements. Find a fabric measuring tape that will wrap around your body, as well as a piece of paper and pencil or pen. It's best to use the measuring tape in inches, as this is how most UK bra measurements are taken.

• It may be useful to use a full-length mirror to see yourself as well.

Pull the measuring tape around your ribcage to find the band size. The measuring tape should go right under your bust where the band of your bra would sit. Pull the measuring tape so that it's snug but not too tight or loose, making sure it's in an even line around your body. Write down the band size on a piece of paper in inches, as this is how most bra sizes are taken in the bd.

• Stand up straight and have someone help you if necessary to ensure the measuring tape gives you an accurate measurement.

Round your measurements to a multiple of five if using centimeters. If you'd rather take your measurements in centimeters, you'll need to round your measurements up or down to the nearest multiple of five before writing them down. Since bra sizes are mainly taken in inches, you'll need to go online and find a bra size calculator to then convert your measurements.

• For example, if you measured your band size as 83 cm (33 in), you'd round that number down to 80.
• When you plug your measurements into the online calculator, it will convert them from centimeters to inches before telling you your bra size.

Measure around the fullest part of your bust for the cup measurement. Pull the measuring tape around your bust to find the cup measurement—this will be the fullest part of your chest, about where your nipples are. Make sure the measuring tape is in an even line around your body, and write down the number so you don't forget.

• Many people say it's easiest to get an accurate measurement by wearing a non-padded bra, though you can measure yourself braless as well.

Round both measurements to the nearest whole number. Once you've measured around your ribcage for your band size and around your chest for your cup measurement, round these numbers up to the nearest whole inch. If your band size is an odd number, add 1 to make it even.

• Band and cup measurements of 29.8 in (76 cm) and 34.6 in (88 cm) would round up to 30 in (76 cm) and 35 in (89 cm) respectively.
• If you measured a band size of 31 in (79 cm), you would round it up to the even number 32 in (81 cm).

Subtract the band measurement from the cup measurement. Take the rounded up measurements and subtract them from each other to end up with your cup size. The number difference between these two measurements will correlate to a letter. For example, a 1-inch difference would be an A, 2-inches a B, 3-inches a C, and so on.

• For example, if you subtract your band measurement from your cup measurement and get 4, you're a D cup.
• A band measurement of 34 and a cup measurement of 37 would be a difference of 3, or a C.
• If you're not sure which sizes correlate to which numbers, go online to find a cup size chart to refer to.