Sunglasses Frame Size: Pick the Right Width
Match your face width to the right sunglasses frame size using lens width, bridge width and temple length measurements. Includes reading frame numbers and fitting tips.
Choosing the right sunglasses frame size is about matching three key measurements — lens width, bridge width and temple length — to the width of your face. The three numbers printed on the inside of most frames, such as 54-18-140, tell you everything you need to know about whether a pair will fit comfortably or pinch your temples and slide down your nose. Our Sunglasses Frame Size Converter helps you translate face measurements into the right frame dimensions across popular brands and styles.
How to Read Sunglasses Frame Measurements
The three-number sequence on a sunglass frame — for example, 52-18-140 — breaks down as lens width (52 mm), bridge width (18 mm) and temple length (140 mm). Lens width is the horizontal width of one lens at its widest point. Bridge width is the gap between the two lenses that sits on your nose. Temple length is the length of the arm from the hinge to the tip. If you currently own a pair that fits well, check those numbers on the inside arm and use them as a baseline for any new pair you are considering.
Matching Frame Width to Face Width
To match frame width to your face, measure the width of your face across the temples using a ruler or tape measure. The total frame width of the sunglasses — roughly lens width times two plus bridge width plus frame material thickness — should match your face width within a few millimeters. If your face is narrow (under 125 mm), look for lens widths of 48 to 52 mm. For medium faces (125 to 135 mm), try 52 to 55 mm lenses. Broad faces over 135 mm typically need lenses of 55 mm or wider.
Lens Width vs Total Frame Width
Lens width and total frame width are related but not the same. Total frame width includes the lens width, bridge width and the thickness of the frame material around each lens. For a typical pair with 52 mm lenses and an 18 mm bridge, the total frame width is about 130 to 134 mm depending on frame thickness. If the total width is too narrow, the frames will pinch your temples. If it is too wide, they will slip forward. Our Sunglasses Frame Size Converter calculates total width from the three-number measurements so you can compare against your face width.