⋆ Sizing Your Nails ⋆

Why sizing matters

A properly sized press-on should cover your nail bed sidewall-to-sidewall without touching the skin. Too small = visible gaps and an unnatural look; too big = lifting and discomfort. Measuring in millimeters (mm) is the most accurate way to get a consistent fit. 

 

Best / most accurate methods (step-by-step)

 

⋆˚✿˖° Tape + ruler (most reliable at home)

  1. Cut a small piece of clear tape (Scotch).
  2. Press it over your nail (sidewall to sidewall) following the natural curve and mark the two side edges (where your nail meets the skin) with a pen.
  3. Remove the tape and press it flat on a ruler. Measure the distance between marks in millimeters — that’s your nail width.
  4. Repeat for each finger, both hands. Record thumb → pinky for left and right.
    This is the household method most pros recommend.  

 

⋆˚✿˖° Flexible measuring tape (fast)

  1. Use the mm side of a soft sewing tape, lay it across the widest part of the nail (sidewall to sidewall), keep it flat and read the mm value.
  2. Repeat for each finger, both hands. Record thumb → pinky for left and right. 

 

⋆˚✿˖° Sizing kit (best for zero-stress accuracy)

We send one sample nail of every size in the shape/length you choose so you can try before ordering. This removes guesswork — especially helpful for unfamiliar shapes like almond or coffin.

 

Summary

Measure the widest part of each natural nail in millimeters (mm) — use the tape + ruler method or a soft measuring tape. Match your measurements to our size chart below, or buy a Sizing Kit (one sample nail of each size) to try on at home. If you’re between sizes, pick the larger one and file down for a perfect fit. Need help? DM us with photos and we’ll double-check your sizes ʚ♡ɞ


Millimeter to Nail Size

Approximate width conversions (sidewall-to-sidewall in millimeters):
  • Size 0 → 18–19 mm
  • Size 1 → 17 mm
  • Size 2 → 16 mm
  • Size 3 → 15 mm
  • Size 4 → 14 mm
  • Size 5 → 13 mm
  • Size 6 → 12 mm
  • Size 7 → 11 mm
  • Size 8 → 10 mm
  • Size 9 → 9 mm
  • Size 10 → 8 mm
  • Size 11 → 7 mm


Standard Size Packs (Thumb → Pinky)

  • XS → 3, 8, 7, 9, 11
  • S → 2, 7, 6, 8, 10
  • M → 2, 5, 4, 6, 9
  • L → 0, 5, 4, 4, 8
  • XL → 0, 4, 3, 4, 7

 

🔑 Note: These are “average” mappings, but everyone’s nails are unique. If you want the most accurate fit, we always recommend ordering a Sizing Kit (sizes 0–11 in the shape/length you choose).

 

Important tips & edge cases

  • Measure the widest part of the nail (usually near where the nail meets the free edge). Don’t include cuticle skin. Keep the measuring tape/scotch tape flat and straight. Measure both hands — many people are different left vs. right.  
  • If you’re between sizes: most pros say it’s safer to pick the larger size and file the press-on’s sidewalls to fit perfectly. (A slightly larger tip can be filed down; a too-small tip can’t be made bigger.) 
  • Nail curvature matters. Very curved nails sometimes need custom shapes or a different tip style — if you have a very domed nail, note that at checkout.  
  • Match the shape to your nail bed length. Shapes like almond and coffin are tapered and typically require more length to look right. On long nail beds a “short almond” can show the corners/peak out; on short nail beds a medium length looks proportionally longer. Always check length photos (short/medium/long on real hands) or use a sizing kit to preview. (Press-on length will appear different on different nail bed lengths.)  

 

Sizing FAQ’s

Q: I measured in millimeters — what next?

A: Match each mm to our size chart (sizes 0–11), record Thumb → Pinky for left and right, and enter those values at checkout or choose the closest XS–XL pack.

Q: I have long nail beds — which length should I buy?

A: For shapes like almond or coffin, short lengths may not fully cover long nail beds (corners can peek out). Medium and long lengths will look different on long vs. short nail beds — on long beds, nails look a little shorter, and on short beds they look longer. Use our Sizing Kit to see the fit before ordering.

Q: If I’m between sizes, which should I choose?

A: Always pick the larger size (e.g., if you measure between size 6 and 7, go with size 6). A larger nail can be gently filed down for a snug fit — but a too-small nail cannot be adjusted.

Q: What sizes do you carry?

A: Pressedtify carries sizes 0 through 11 (12 sizes total), so you can find your perfect fit — whether you have petite nails, wider thumbs, or anything in between.