How to Measure Your Nail Size for Press-On Nails (+ Free Size Chart)

The number one complaint people have about press-on nails — "they look fake" or "they kept falling off" — almost always comes down to one thing: wrong sizing.

Get the size right, and press-ons look indistinguishable from the real thing. Get it wrong, and they'll pop off by day two and look obviously fake. Here's exactly how to nail the sizing (no pun intended).

Why Size Matters So Much

A press-on nail should cover your nail plate edge to edge — not overlapping your skin, and not leaving gaps on the sides. When there's a gap, the nail can catch on things and lift. When it overlaps the skin, it pops off quickly and looks obviously fake.

What You Need

You only need one of these:

• A flexible measuring tape (a cloth tailor's tape is ideal)
• OR a thin strip of paper (~5mm wide) + a ruler

That's it. No need to print anything.

How to Measure (Step by Step)

Method 1: Flexible Tape Measure

1. Hold your hand with fingers spread naturally
2. Wrap the measuring tape across the widest point of your nail — the nail plate only, not the skin on the sides
3. Note the measurement in millimeters
4. Repeat for all 10 fingers

Method 2: Paper Strip

1. Cut a strip of paper about 5mm wide and 5cm long
2. Place it across the widest point of your nail
3. Fold or crease it where the edges of your nail plate end
4. Measure between the two creases with a ruler
5. This is your nail width in mm

Which point is "widest"?

For most people, the widest point is in the middle of the nail, slightly above the cuticle. Don't measure at the very tip or right at the cuticle line.

The FloraPress Size Chart

Size	Nail Width	Common Fit
0	18mm	XXL / Thumb (large hands)
1	17mm	XL / Thumb (medium hands)
2	16mm	L / Thumb (smaller hands)
3	15mm	M / Ring finger
4	14mm	S / Middle or ring finger
5	13mm	XS / Index or middle finger
6	12mm	XXS / Pinky (most people)
7	11mm	Petite / Pinky (small hands)

Every FloraPress set includes 24 nails in 12 sizes (2 of each), so you have plenty to mix and match across your 10 fingers.

Between Two Sizes? Always Go Up

If your measurement falls between two sizes — say, 13.5mm — go with the larger size (size 5 = 13mm → round up to size 4 = 14mm).

A slightly wide nail can be gently filed at the sides to fit perfectly. A nail that's too narrow will leave gaps, look unnatural, and pop off faster.

Measure Both Hands

Most people's hands aren't perfectly symmetrical. Your dominant hand is often slightly larger from more muscle use. Measure each finger individually — don't assume both hands are the same.

It's common to use:

• Sizes 0–1 for thumbs
• Sizes 3–5 for middle, ring, and index fingers
• Sizes 6–7 for pinkies

Tips for an Even Better Fit

File the sides: If a nail is just slightly too wide, use a nail file to gently file the edges of the press-on (not your natural nail). File from the edge inward in one direction, checking fit as you go.

Avoid measuring over polish: Nail polish adds a tiny bit of thickness that can throw off your measurement. Measure on bare nails.

Re-measure if you're new: Your size might change if your nails have recently grown out significantly, or if you've changed hydration habits.

Save Your Sizes

Once you have your sizes for all 10 fingers, write them down or take a photo of your notes. When ordering a new set, you'll know exactly what to look for — and you'll never need to re-measure.

Most people end up with a pattern like: Thumb: 1 | Index: 4 | Middle: 4 | Ring: 5 | Pinky: 6 — write it on your phone notes and you're set.

Ready to Find Your Set?

Now that you know your sizes, head to our collections page to browse. Each product listing shows the size range included in that set. All our sets include 12 sizes, so you'll always have the right fit.

Still not sure? Visit our full Nail Size Guide for a visual walkthrough and FAQ.