Necklace Sizing Guide
The same 18-inch necklace sits at the collarbone on one person and at the base of the neck on another. This guide shows where standard chain lengths — from 14-inch chokers to 36-inch ropes — usually fall, then lets you enter your own neck measurement to estimate how a chain will hang, including the drop of a pendant. Print the measuring tape to size yourself at home.
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Necklace length checker
Necklace Sizing Pack
A printable necklace measuring tape, a necklace length chart with positions, a layering planner and an Excel jewellery inventory.
- Measuring tape (PDF)
- Length chart (PDF/XLSX)
- Layering planner (PDF/DOCX/XLSX)
- Inventory (XLSX)
Formats: PDF, XLSX, DOCX. Instant download after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). AI-assisted: the templates were drafted with AI help and reviewed and laid out before publishing.
$5.00 USD, one-time 4 files · about $1.25 each
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Free sample: Necklace Measuring Tape (PDF, 61 KB)
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Free printables
Single sheets you can print right now, no sign-up. The full pack adds every sheet in one download plus the editable files.
Printable Necklace Measuring Tape
Printable Necklace Length Chart
Printable Necklace Layering Planner
Printable Necklace Inventory SheetStandard necklace lengths
| Length | Name | Where it usually sits (average women’s neck) |
|---|---|---|
| 14 in (36 cm) | Choker | Snug around the neck |
| 16 in (41 cm) | Choker / short princess | At the base of the neck |
| 18 in (46 cm) | Princess | At the collarbone — the most popular length |
| 20 in (51 cm) | Matinee (short) | A few inches below the collarbone |
| 22 in (56 cm) | Matinee | At or just above a low neckline |
| 24 in (61 cm) | Matinee (long) | Below the neckline |
| 28–30 in (71–76 cm) | Opera | Near the breastbone; can be doubled |
| 36 in (91 cm) + | Rope | Mid-torso; can be doubled or knotted |
Names and positions vary a little between jewellers. Men’s chains usually sit higher on the body because men’s necks tend to be larger: a 20-inch chain is often at the collarbone, 22 inches just below it and 24 inches mid-chest.
How to measure your neck
- Wrap a soft tape measure (or a piece of string) around the base of your neck where a necklace would sit.
- Keep it snug but not tight, with a finger’s width of room.
- Read the measurement, or mark the string and measure it against a ruler.
- For a close-fitting choker, add about 2 inches (5 cm) to your neck size; for a necklace that lies flat, choose a chain at least 4 inches longer.
- Try the string at different lengths in a mirror to see where each would sit.
Using the length checker
Enter your neck circumference and a chain length. Because a necklace hangs in a loop, the front falls roughly half of the extra length below the base of the neck: an 18-inch chain on a 13.5-inch neck has 4.5 inches spare, so it drops about 2¼ inches — right around the collarbone. Add the pendant drop (from the loop, or bail, to the bottom of the pendant) to see where the pendant itself will rest.
Choosing a length for your neckline
| Neckline | Lengths that work well |
|---|---|
| Crew neck and high necks | Long chains (28 in and up) that fall below the neckline, or a short choker |
| V-neck | A pendant on a chain that echoes the V — often 18–20 in |
| Scoop neck | Princess or matinee lengths that sit inside the curve |
| Strapless or off-shoulder | Chokers and 16–18 in chains |
| Button-up shirt (open collar) | 18–20 in, sitting just inside the collar |
| Turtleneck | Long pendants and opera lengths over the fabric |
Layering necklaces
- Space layered chains about 2 inches (5 cm) apart so they don’t tangle — for example 16, 18 and 20 inches.
- Mix chain thickness: a fine chain with a heavier one reads as intentional.
- Put the largest pendant on the longest chain.
- A layering clasp or connector keeps chains separate.
Chain styles and how they hang
Chain style changes the look of a length. Fine cable and box chains drape close to the skin and let a pendant sit exactly where you expect; heavier curb, rope and figaro chains are stiffer and can sit slightly higher and wider. Very thick chains need extra length to lie flat. Snake and omega chains form a smooth curve and look best at choker and princess lengths, while beaded strands and pearls are traditionally sold at matinee and opera lengths.
Children and babies
For children, chains between about 12 and 16 inches are common, but necklaces can be a choking or strangulation hazard for babies and young children. Many safety organisations advise against necklaces — including teething necklaces — for infants and toddlers. For older children, choose a breakaway clasp and supervise wear.
Gift buying without measuring
If you are buying a surprise gift, 18 inches is the safest choice for most women and 20–22 inches for most men. An adjustable chain with a slider, or a necklace sold with an extender, gives extra flexibility if you are unsure.
Adjusting a chain that is too short or long
- Add an extender chain (usually 2–4 inches) to a necklace that is slightly short.
- Many chains have a second jump ring to wear shorter; a jeweller can also shorten a chain.
- A pendant with a longer bail sits lower.
- Long chains can be doubled: a 36-inch chain wraps as two strands of about 18 inches.
Printable sizing pack
The optional pack contains a printable measuring tape to check your neck size, a necklace length chart showing where each chain sits, a layering planner, and an Excel jewellery inventory to record chain lengths and pendants. The length checker above is free to use.
AI-assisted content
Explanations were drafted with AI assistance and reviewed before publishing. Positions are typical estimates; your own fit may differ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular necklace length?
18 inches, which usually sits at the collarbone.
Where does a 16 inch necklace sit?
Usually at the base of the neck on an average women’s neck.
What length necklace for men?
Often 20–24 inches, from collarbone to mid-chest.
How do I measure my neck for a necklace?
Wrap a soft tape or string around the base of your neck and add length for how low you want it to sit.
How far apart should layered necklaces be?
About 2 inches (5 cm).
How many cm is 18 inches?
About 46 cm (45.7 cm).
What size chain should a pendant have?
A pendant usually looks best on a chain long enough to rest just below the collarbone, often 18–20 inches.