To measure your head for a hat size, wrap a soft measuring tape around your head at the middle of your forehead and just above your ears, where the hat naturally sits.
Make sure the tape is snug but not tight, then note the measurements in centimeters or inches.
Once you have your measurement, use this hat size calculator to see your size in US, UK, and EU formats.
Let’s go through the exact steps so you don’t end up with a hat that doesn’t fit.
How to Measure Head Size for a Hat: Step-by-Step
The best way to measure your head for hat size is with a soft measuring tape, and it only takes about 30 seconds. Let’s do it.
Step 1: Get a flexible measuring tape
Grab a measuring tape, the one people use for sewing.
Step 2: Position it correctly above your ears and eyebrows
Place the tape measure around your head at the middle of your forehead and just above your ears, where the hat naturally sits.
Step 3: Wrap it evenly around your head
Take the tape around the back of your head and bring it to the front. Make sure it goes around the widest part. Keep it flat and level, not tilted.
Step 4: Keep it snug, not tight
It should feel snug but not squeeze your head. You should be able to fit one finger under it.
Step 5: Note the measurement in inches or centimeters
Look at the number where the tape meets and write it down.
Pro Tip: Measure your head 2 or 3 times to make sure. If your number is between two sizes, choose the larger size for a comfortable fit.
How to Measure Head Size Without a Tape
If you don’t have a tailor’s measuring tape, you can also use a piece of string, ribbon, or a shoelace and a ruler.
Step 1: Get a piece of string
Make sure it doesn’t stretch, or your measurement will be wrong.
Step 2: Wrap it around your head
Place the string around your head at the middle of your forehead and just above your ears. Wrap it around the widest part of your head and keep it snug but not tight.
Step 3: Mark where the string meets
Use your finger or a pen to mark the spot where the string meets itself.
Step 4: Measure the string with a ruler
Put the string next to a ruler. Start at the zero on the ruler. Look at where your mark is and read that number. Write it down.
Now that you have your measurement, use this hat sizer tool to instantly find your hat size in US, UK, and EU formats.
Hat Size Chart (US, UK, & EU)
To find your perfect fit, use the hat size conversion chart below. It shows how to change your head size from cm or inches into US, UK, and EU sizes. This works for both men and women, so you can pick the right hat sizing chart every time.
| Inches | EU Hat Size | US Hat Size | UK Hat Size | Alpha Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ½ | 53 | 6 ⅝ | 6 ½ | XS |
| 21 ¼ | 54 | 6 ¾ | 6 ⅝ | XS |
| 21 ½ | 55 | 6 ⅞ | 6 ¾ | S |
| 22 | 56 | 7 | 6 ⅞ | S |
| 22 ½ | 57 | 7 ⅛ | 7 | M |
| 22 ⅞ | 58 | 7 ¼ | 7 ⅛ | M |
| 23 ¼ | 59 | 7 ⅜ | 7 ¼ | L |
| 23 ⅝ | 60 | 7 ½ | 7 ⅜ | L |
| 24 | 61 | 7 ⅝ | 7 ½ | XL |
| 24 ½ | 62 | 7 ¾ | 7 ⅝ | XL |
| 24 ⅞ | 63 | 7 ⅞ | 7 ¾ | 2XL |
| 25 ¼ | 64 | 8 | 7 ⅞ | 2XL |
| 25 ⅝ | 65 | 8 ⅛ | 8 | 3XL |
How to Measure for Different Hat Styles
You don’t need a different method for cowboy hats, fitted hats, or baseball caps. Measure your head once the way we explained earlier, and it will work for all hats. The fit may feel different, but your measurement stays the same.
Let’s break it down for each hat style so there’s no confusion
Cowboy Hat Size
Choose a snug fit for your cowboy hat because these hats are big and can move if they are loose.
Measure your head and pull the tape against your skin; do not let it hang loose. A loose cowboy hat can fall over your eyes or feel uncomfortable.
Expert tip: If you buy a felt cowboy hat and you are between sizes, pick the smaller one. Felt will stretch as you wear it, but straw hats do not change size.
Fitted Hat Size
Get an exact measurement for a fitted hat. These hats do not have a strap or a snap at the back. You cannot change the size later, and you must get it right the first time.
When you measure, do not just look at the big inch marks on the tape. Look at the tiny lines between the inches to get the most exact number. If you are between two sizes, you should buy the larger hat.
A tight-fitted hat will give you a headache, but you can fix a loose one with a bit of foam tape.
Baseball Hat Size
Do not worry too much about baseball hat sizes. Most of these caps have a plastic strap, and you can just pull the strap to make the hat tighter or looser in two seconds. They are soft hats, so they feel much more relaxed than a stiff cowboy hat.
If you want a baseball cap with no strap, you must get the exact size of your head. Put the tape around the widest part of your head and check the numbers carefully. You should make sure the tape is flat against your hair, or the hat will sit too high on your head.
Most of these hats have a curved bill at the front, but that does not change your size at all.
Understanding Hat Size Systems (US, UK, EU, S/M/L)
It is easy to get confused because different countries use different names for the same size. But once you see how these four systems work, you can find your perfect hat fit in any store.
1. The US System (Numeric Sizes)
In the United States, we use numbers like 7 or 7 1/8. These numbers are just labels for your head size.
Think of it like buying shoes. If a size 9 shoe is too tight, you try a 9.5. In the hat world, we use fractions instead of decimals.
The number 7 is a very common size for adults. If a size 7 feels a little bit tight on your forehead, you just move up to 7 1/8.
That extra fraction adds just a tiny bit of space, so the hat feels comfortable. Every time that fraction goes up, the hat gets about 0.4 centimeters bigger.
2. The UK System (British Sizes)
The UK uses numbers that look just like US sizes, but they are not the same. A UK size is usually one step smaller than a US size.
For example, if you wear a US 7 1/4, you actually need a UK 7 1/8. If you buy a hat from a British brand and use your normal American size, the hat will be too big for you.
3. The Metric System (EU or CM Sizes)
This is the easiest system because there is no math and no fractions. The size is just the number of centimeters around your head.
If your head measures 58 centimeters, your hat size is 58. If your head is 60 centimeters, your size is 60. Most hats have this number printed on the tag, even if they use US or UK sizes.
Knowing your centimeter number is the best way to make sure a hat fits before you buy it.
4. Letter Sizing (S, M, L, XL)
You will see this on baseball caps or beanies that stretch. Every brand has a different idea of what “Large” means.
One company might think 59 centimeters is a Large while another company says 60 centimeters is a Large. You should always check the specific chart for that brand to see which letter matches your measurement. Most of the time, a Medium fits a head that is about 22 inches around.
Stop the Math: Don’t waste time trying to figure out these numbers yourself. Use our free Hat Size Converter to get your exact US, UK, and EU size in seconds.
Average Hat Size (MEN & WOMEN)
Most adults fall into a very predictable range. If you can’t measure your head, these averages are the safest bet for a good fit.
Average hat size for men:
The average men’s hat size is 23 ¼ inches (59 cm). In the US system, this is a size 7 ⅜. If you are buying a hat with letter sizes, a Large is usually the standard fit for most guys.
Average hat size for women:
The average women’s hat size is 22 ½ inches (57 cm). This matches a US size 7 ⅛. For hats that use letters, a Medium is the go-to size for most women. If you have to choose, a Medium is almost always the best fit.
What Hat Size Is 23 Inches?
A 23-inch head measurement falls right between a US size 7 ¼ and 7 ⅜. In the metric system, 23 inches is about 58.4 cm.
Since most brands don’t make an exact 23-inch hat, you will usually need to choose between a 58 cm or 59 cm fit.
Which Size to Buy for a 23-Inch Head?
If your head measures 23 inches around, you are between a Medium and a Large. Here is how to pick:
- For Soft Hats: If you are buying a baseball cap or a beanie, a 7 ¼ (58 cm) often fits well because the material stretches.
- For Stiff Hats: If you are buying a felt fedora or a cowboy hat, a 23-inch head will feel too tight in a size 7 ¼. In this case, it is smarter to go up to a size 7 ⅜ (23 ¼ inches).
What to Do If My Head Is Between Hat Sizes?
If your head is between two sizes, always choose the larger size. It is much easier to fix a loose hat than to stretch a hat that is too small. A tight hat will usually just give you a headache.
How to Fix a Loose Hat
If the hat feels a bit big, you can buy cheap hat sizing tape. You can also just stick a small piece of foam inside the band of the hat. This makes the hat sit higher on your head, so it does not fall over your eyes.
Think About Shrinkage
If you are buying a hat made of cotton or wool, definitely go for the bigger size. These hats can shrink if they get wet from rain or a wash. A slightly big hat will often shrink down to your perfect size after you wear it for a while.
5 Common Hat Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
We see people buy the wrong hat all the time because they do not follow these simple rules. If you want a hat that feels good, avoid these common mistakes.
1. Stop Guessing Your Size
Most guys think they are a “Large” just because they have a big head, but different brands use different sizing. You should always measure before you buy, or you will end up wasting your money.
Expert tip: If you struggle to find hats for a big head because they feel too tight, use The Headroom Method to find hats for big heads so you can get a comfortable fit and avoid red marks on your forehead.
2. Do Not Pull the Tape Too Tight
We see people pull the measuring tape very hard, and this gives them a size that is too small. You want the tape to feel snug, but it should not squeeze your skin.
3. Measuring at the Wrong Angle
Some people measure only their forehead, and they forget the bump at the back of the head. You must wrap the tape around the widest part of your skull so the hat can actually sit on your head.
4. Using a Metal Tape Measure
Metal tapes are for building furniture, and they do not curve around a human head. You need a soft tape, or you can use a simple piece of string.
5. Forgetting Your Haircut
If you get a buzz cut or grow out your hair, your hat size will change. You should measure your head with your current hairstyle, and you will get a much better fit.
Over to You
Now you know how to measure your head like a pro. It only takes a minute, but it will save you from buying a hat that feels like a headache.
Stop guessing what size you need. Use our hat size measuring tool right now to find your exact US, UK, and EU size in seconds.
Get your number and go buy that perfect hat!
FAQs About Hat Sizing
If my head measures 23 inches, what size hat do I wear?
You wear a US size 7 1/4, a UK size 7 1/8, or an EU size 58 if your head is 23 inches. This measurement usually fits a Large hat in most stores, but you should check the brand chart first.
If your head is slightly bigger at 23 1/4 inches, you should pick a US size 7 3/8, a UK size 7 1/4, or an EU size 59 instead.
My head is 24 inches around, what size hat?
An Extra Large (XL) hat or a US size 7 5/8 is the best fit for a 24 inch head. In the UK, this is a size 7 1/2, and in Europe, it is a size 61. This is a larger head size, so you might struggle with “one size fits all” hats.
Is 23.5 inches a big head?
Yes, a 23.5-inch head is a Large or Extra Large size. Most adults have a head between 22 and 23 inches, so yours is a bit bigger than normal.
You should look for a US size 7 ½ or a UK size 7 ⅜, but you should stay away from “one size fits all” hats. Those hats are made for average heads, and they will feel much too tight for you.
Is 7 3/8 a big head?
Yes, a US size 7 ⅜ is a Large head size. This size fits a head that is about 23 ¼ inches or 59 cm around. Most average men wear a size 7 ¼, and a 7 ⅜ is just one step bigger than that.
It is a very common size for people with larger frames, so most hat stores will have this size in stock. You will not have any trouble finding a hat that fits you well.
