How are sunglasses measured? (2024)

FAQs

How are sunglasses measured? ›

Sunglasses are measured by three aspects; lens width, bridge width and temple length. Usually labelled on the inner temples (arms) of your frame, these measurements are in millimetres and may be separated by a small square, dash or space.

If you see a pair of glasses online that are listed as 52 mm, for example, you might be wondering, “What does 52 mm mean in sunglasses?” This number refers to the horizontal width of each lens, measured at its widest part. This does not include the frame itself—just the clear lens that you look through.

Lens width is the measurement from one side of the lens to the other. To measure lens width, simply hold the glasses up to your face and measure from temple to temple. Frame width is the distance between the two hinges on the glasses. To measure frame width, open up the glasses and measure from hinge to hinge.

Small Frame: Below 55mm. Medium Frame: 56 mm- 64 mm. Large Frame: Above 64 mm.

The Numbers on your Glasses

55 (mm) will represent the width of the lens. Usually a 2 digit number in the 40-62mm range. 18 (mm) will represent the width of the bridge. Usually a 2 digit number in the 14-24mm range. 145 (mm) will represent the overall length of the arm.

Small - 52mm, or 5.000 inches; Medium - 55mm, or 5.250 inches; Large - 58mm, or 5.750 inches.

52mm is the smallest and the lens “tilts” the most. 55mm is the standard fit and will fit most adults just fine. Finally the 58mm lens is the largest size that you can buy.

Size and fitting guide:

Measure from the widest point of one cheekbone to the widest point on the other cheekbone. Check the lens size: The lens size should be proportional to the size of your face. If you have a smaller face, choose smaller lenses, and if you have a larger face, choose larger lenses.

Glasses that are too big will feel like they're slipping off of your face and ears. They'll often be too wide for your face, with the lenses extending too far past the sides. If your eyes look a bit too close together (or close to the glasses bridge), that's another signal that your glasses might be too big.

Should sunglasses cover eyebrows? ›

Your eyewear shouldn't cover your brows, but it should protect your eyes. The area between the top of your eyewear and your brow is left unprotected with regular glasses, just like the area across each temple.

Polarized lenses will not protect your eyes from UV damage more than standard 100% UV lenses. However, they can give you clearer, more accurate vision and alleviate some eye strain. If you find yourself squinting a lot, even when you're wearing sunglasses, consider investing in polarized sunglasses.

If your lens width is: 50mm and under, you have a narrow fit or you prefer modest face coverage from your lenses. 51mm to 55mm, you have a medium fit or you prefer more face coverage from your lenses. 56mm and above, you have a wide fit or you prefer a large face coverage from your lenses.

You may also use a pair of sunglasses you currently own to determine your best size. Frame sizing is typically noted on the inside of either temple. The eye size is usually first, then the bridge size, then temple size. Use the eye size to determine the best frame size.

Find your fit with a credit card

If the edge of the card is beyond the end of the eye, prefer a small mount. If the edge of the card ends at the end of the eye, go for the medium size. If the edge of the card does not reach the end of the eye, choose a large size.

You'll find up to three numbers on glasses frames, and they stand for the lens width, bridge width, and temple length. These numbers are written on the inside of one arm and may be separated by spaces or dashes. Often, a small square shape separates the lens width from the bridge width.

Lens width is measured from left to right at the widest point in the lens. Between a 52 and 54 eyesize, the 54 will have a wider lens so the whole frame will be wider too. The lens will also be a little taller to preserve the shape. The bridge and temple measurements will usually remain the same.

The 53mm size is the large size, so best for men with wider faces. 50mm is the standard size and best for women and men with faces on the more narrow side.