The ring finger is the fourth finger of your hand, counting the thumb as the first. It sits between your middle finger and your pinky. In the United States, the UK and many other countries, the ring finger on the left hand is where people wear their engagement ring and wedding band.
This guide explains exactly which finger is the ring finger, which hand to use, why it got its name, what the other fingers are called and how to find your ring finger size.
How to Find Your Ring Finger
Hold up your hand with your palm facing you and count from the thumb:
- Thumb
- Index finger (the pointer)
- Middle finger (the longest finger)
- Ring finger (between the middle finger and the pinky)
- Pinky finger (the smallest finger)
Some older wedding guides call it the “third finger”, because they do not count the thumb as a finger. Either way, it is the same finger: the one next to your pinky.
Names of All Five Fingers
| Finger | Common names | Medical name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Thumb | Pollex, first digit |
| 2nd | Index finger, pointer, forefinger | Second digit |
| 3rd | Middle finger, long finger | Third digit |
| 4th | Ring finger | Fourth digit, digitus annularis |
| 5th | Pinky, little finger | Fifth digit, digitus minimus |
Which Hand Is the Ring Finger On?
Every hand has a ring finger, so you have one on your left hand and one on your right. When people talk about “the” ring finger, they usually mean the one used for engagement and wedding rings.
- Left hand: the custom in the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Italy.
- Right hand: the custom in countries such as India, Germany, Russia, Norway, Spain, Poland and Greece.
There is no legal rule. Many people choose the hand that suits their culture, religion, work or comfort.
Why Is It Called the Ring Finger?
The name comes from its long link with rings. In Latin, the finger was called digitus annularis, which means “ring finger”, from the word “annulus”, meaning ring.
The tradition goes back to ancient Rome. People believed a vein ran straight from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. They called it the vena amoris, or “vein of love”. Wearing a ring on that finger became a symbol of a love connected to the heart. We now know all fingers have similar veins, but the romantic idea lived on.
Fun Fact: The Nameless Finger
In some languages, the ring finger has a very different name. In Chinese it is often called the “nameless finger”, and in Sanskrit it is called “anamika”, which also means nameless.
What Rings Go on the Ring Finger?
- Engagement ring: usually on the ring finger of the left hand in Western countries.
- Wedding band: on the same finger, often worn below the engagement ring so it sits closest to the heart.
- Promise ring: often worn on the ring finger of either hand before an engagement.
- Eternity or anniversary band: often stacked with the wedding and engagement rings.
- Fashion rings: some people wear everyday rings on the right ring finger.
Stacking several rings on one finger makes them feel tighter. Our guide on how to layer jewelry explains how to size and style a ring stack.
What Do Rings on Other Fingers Mean?
Apart from the ring finger, there are no strict rules. These are popular meanings that many people follow for style:
| Finger | Popular meaning or use |
|---|---|
| Thumb | Personal style, independence, statement rings |
| Index finger | Confidence and leadership, signet and family crest rings |
| Middle finger | Balance, bold fashion rings |
| Ring finger | Love, engagement, marriage and commitment |
| Pinky finger | Signet rings, professional rings and personal style |
Pinky rings are especially popular with men. See the average men’s pinky ring size if you are buying one.
Ring Finger Size vs Other Fingers
Your ring finger is usually smaller than your middle finger and larger than your pinky. As a rough guide:
| Finger | Compared with the ring finger |
|---|---|
| Thumb | Usually 1.5 to 2.5 sizes larger |
| Index finger | Often about the same or a half size larger |
| Middle finger | Usually about a half size larger |
| Pinky finger | Usually about two sizes smaller |
Your left and right ring fingers can also be different sizes. Fingers on your dominant hand are often slightly bigger, so always measure the hand you plan to wear the ring on.
Average Ring Finger Size
In the United States, the average ring finger size is about size 6 for women and about size 9 to 10 for men. For full charts and details, see our guides to the average female ring size and is a size 10 ring big for a man.
How to Measure Your Ring Finger Size
- Wrap a strip of paper or string around the base of your ring finger.
- Mark where it overlaps with a pen.
- Measure the length in millimeters with a ruler. This is your finger circumference.
- Convert it to your ring size with our free ring size chart calculator.
Measure at the end of the day and at room temperature, when your finger is at its normal largest size. For step by step help, measure your ring size with a fabric tape measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finger is the ring finger?
The fourth finger, between the middle finger and the pinky, counting the thumb as the first finger.
Is the ring finger on the left or right hand?
Both hands have a ring finger. Wedding and engagement rings usually go on the left ring finger in Western countries and on the right in countries such as India, Germany and Russia.
Why is it called the ring finger?
Because rings, especially wedding rings, have been worn on it for centuries. Its Latin name, digitus annularis, means ring finger.
Is the ring finger the third or fourth finger?
It is the fourth finger if you count the thumb, and the third if you do not. Both names mean the same finger.
What finger does a man wear a wedding ring on?
Usually the same finger as a woman: the ring finger, on the left or right hand depending on custom.
Can I wear a ring on my ring finger if I am not married?
Yes. Anyone can wear a ring on any finger. Some people avoid the left ring finger so others do not assume they are married.
Final Thoughts
So, which finger is the ring finger? It is the fourth finger, between your middle finger and your pinky. In many countries, the ring finger on the left hand holds the engagement ring and wedding band, while other countries use the right hand.
Whichever hand you choose, measure that exact finger before you buy, so your ring fits comfortably from the first day.
Wondering where a promise ring goes? See promise ring vs engagement ring for which finger and hand each ring is usually worn on.
