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What’s My Eyeglass Frame Size?
Posted by The Eyeglasses Guy on March 31, 2007 · 96 Comments
Just as a follow-up to my recent post FrameFinder Fun – Try on Frames Online, I thought I’d provide a little explanation on the question “what’s my frame size?” and where to get that information.
If it’s your first time to wear prescription eyeglasses, then you’ll need to get a measurement by a trained professional such as at your eye doctor’s office.
For example, to order a pair of prescription frames at FramesDirect.com, you’ll need several pieces of information – eye size, bridge and temple. Take a look at the image below from the Polo 412 (Regular hinge) eyeglasses product page:
Huh? What the heck are those? I’ve been wearing eyeglasses since The Beatles invaded America and the first time I shopped for frames online, I was clueless about what those were, how to measure them or where to get that information.
Fear not, intrepid web surfer, because it’s easier than you think. If you’re a pro at wearing prescription glasses like me, then chances are you’ve got the information you need at the tip of your fingers. Well, hanging on your ears, anyway.
Turns out that most prescription frames will have your exact measurements engraved on the temples (arm pieces) or behind the nose bridge area as shown in the image below (taken from our Buying Frames Online page):
.
On my current eyeglass frames, it reads 52 17-150, which translates to an eye size of 52, bridge size of 17 and temple length of 150.
What about the Vertical(B) in the image example above? Unless you have been told what the B measurement is – or seen it in an optical catalog, you won’t know what that is. The B only becomes relevant when you want to order bifocals/no-line progressives – and then the optician would have to review the B in order to determine if it was deep enough. Other than that, the B measurement plays no real role except as an indication of how “deep” the eye portion is – and is not required as part of the order process.
So, I hope this provides answers to any questions that you might have about ordering frames online. It’s really an easy, painless process, so feel free to browse our entire eyeglass frames catalog online to find your size.
Richard Burckhardt, VP of Search
FramesDirect.com
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The difference in length is almost a quarter of an inch. (5mms) If the temples are metal with removable temple covers the temple covers can be removed and the temples trimmed to your size. The problem with a plastic temple that is too long is that you would have to have excess temple behind your ear. This could cause your frames to slip and feel uncomfortable behind your ears. Ideally your temples should only go half way down the back of your ears.
Ok , I understand now , thank you
But what about the bridge ? Every frame I love seems to have a 17 bridge, would these slip off my nose even if I get the right 135 temple length?
If it is a plastic frame with a keyhole bridge (a bridge that is very narrow at top and then widens) it might work. I would really suggest going to a local optical and trying some on in the 17 bridge width and see if it works. 3mms difference can be a bit in the bridge fit. Even if the temples are adjusted properly the wider bridge could cause the frame to “rock” side to side on your nose and be uncomfortable.
I have a pair of old Eddie Bauer frames with me right now but the size seems odd. Behind the bridge it says: “50 0 21″ On the temple, it says TPW 145mm. It that “50 0 21″ a real size?
The 50 refers to the eye size.
The 21 refers to the bridge size.
The 145 refers to the length of the temple.
My current glasses are dated but comfortable, size 44-22-140. From what I see on the site this seems smaller than average. Maybe I have a children’s frame? I tend to look for smaller frames because I have a strong prescription (-7.25 and -7.0) and I hate the distortion in frames wider than my face. But I’m tired of such small frames and the oval shape that’s always been recommended for my square-shaped face. Do you have recommendations for a size frame and/or shape to move up into?
I’m also concerned about pupil distance. With a stronger prescription, isn’t it necessary to measure this while wearing the frames? I’ve had pupil distance inaccurately measured in the past and I had to tilt my head to find the focal point in those glasses. The optician wasn’t happy when I returned them but truly they missed the mark.
Thanks for any feedback…your site is really terrific!
The eye size that you have really is a good size to work with as it helps keeps your lens thickness to a minimum. The temple length is a length that is appropriate for an adult. Why not look at some of the rimless (drill mount) frames. We have new lens materials available that are thin even with a high RX like yours. You can “create” your own glasses and customize them to a shape that you want and we can cut them to whatever size you would like. They are available in multiple bridge widths and temple lengths. Your PD never changes once you are an adult and it is not dependent on your frame. Please see below:
Pupil Distance Explained
Pupil distance is the distance (measured in mm) between the pupils of your eyes when looking far away in the distance.
When prescription lenses are cut for the frame you have selected, our edging computers are programmed with your pupil distance so that the exact centers of the lenses are directly in front of your pupils.
Why is this measurement important?
If the prescription lenses are not set at the same distance as the distance between your eyes, then an unwanted prism is induced which may cause eyestrain.
In lower prescriptions, the amount of prism induced will be of no consequence and will not cause eyestrain. For prescriptions over (+) or (-) 2.00, knowing your P.D. is important.
How do I get my P.D. measured?
• Ask your eye doctor to take the measurement at the time of your eye examination.
• Call the last place that made your glasses for you and they should be able to tell you what it is.
• Go into any Optical facility and ask them to measure it for you. It will take only seconds to do and they shouldn’t charge you for it.
Monocular or Binocular?
Pupil distance can be measured in one of two ways. The first is monocular measurement, which will result in values somewhere between 26-36 mm.
The second type is a binocular measurement, in which case the number will typically be somewhere between 54-72mm. A binocular measurement is the exact total distance between your eyes, but if your face is not perfectly symmetrical, then this number may not be split equally between both of your eyes.
What if my P.D. is written 66/63?
The first number is the P.D. number we require to make your lenses. The second number (63) is the near pupil distance. This number is only needed when reading glasses are required.
I’d like to find really BIG Eyeglass frames – like the kind you often see people on TV wearing. But I can’t. Because, somehow, all the main High Street optical outlets seem to offer us nothing but endless variations of tiny, narrow, beady-eyed little frames. The size and design variation between each pair is so minimal that almost anyone could just reach up and pick one out blindfold for all the difference it would make to a person’s appearance.
I want BIG, highly VISIBLE frames. Square, round, rectangular or oval, doesn’t matter – but at LEAST 36 square cm. – PER lens…! Why can’t I have them…??? What (so-called) ‘design’ parameters do optical creatives in this dull, damp, boring little island labor under…?
Grey Britain…??? – Y(UK…!!!)
What, exactly, does the temple length measure?
Is it the length from the front of the frame to the bend over the ear? Or is it allll the way to the back point?
Does it change based on a straight earpiece (like some Oakley frames) or a bent earpiece, or a C-shaped earpiece?
The temple length is the complete length of the temple from the hinge to the extreme end of the temple in millimeters- regardless of where the bend is or whether the temple is one straight piece.
I hope someone can help me – I have such an impossible time finding glasses. I have a high RX (-11) and was told that I should look for glasses with a small eye size (46) to eliminate the thickness on the sides of the lenses. I also have a small bridge – and was told a bridge of 14 would work the best on me. Here’s my issue – I very much dislike metal or round frames, and want a stylish pair of plastic frames in a rectangular shape, with a thick side (like sunglasses). There are TONS of frames I love, but the eye size tends to be more around 50-52. Are there ANY frames out there that meet my needs and wants?
Take a look at Juicy Couture Julie, which comes in size 46/13 and Juicy Couture See You, which comes in size 46/13. Also Nine West 141 comes in size 46/15.
Perspiration has corroded the surfaces behind the bridge and arm pieces (the glasses are ten years old). Is there a way to measure my frames myself, or do I need to have it done by a professional? I had an eye exam about a month ago but locally I can’t find frames larger than 58’s. I think my current glasses are at least a 62. By the way, I’m very, very glad to have found this site.
I am looking for plastic frames with a larger “B” dimension than is available locally. I took my frames into an eye care center and ask for similar frames. The sales person asked “When did you get these?” Frames with a “B” dimensions of 46 to 50 are unfashionable everywhere I looked. My size is 58 15 140 Can you help?
Take a look at the following. They might have some styles that will work for you.
Hart eyeglasses. Also, the BMEC Big Max and the XXL Cardinal eyeglasses.
Jesse -
You can go into an optical shop and look for the following things when trying on frames. Make sure:
1. Pupil centers are as close to the geometric center of the lenses as possible.
2. Bridge sits comfortably on the nose and does not “rock” back and forth from being too wide. It should not pinch the nose either.
3. The temple pieces should only go half way down the back of his ears and have about a fingers width between his head and the temple pieces.
Once you find a frame that fits comfortably you can now look on the inside of that frame and get all your measurements and go from there. You can write down the numbers to keep and use.
Hi,
I need help looking for the right glasses. My old glasses were 49/17 and they were perfect fit. Does any one know of any frame that is plastic and is that size ? thanks!
Take a look at these frames in 49/17 size:
Vogue 2482 eyeglasses
Versace 3105 eyeglasses
Modern Optical Ginger eyeglasses
Modern Optical Kathy eyeglasses
Nicole Miller Hip Hugger eyeglasses
Zimco Attitudes 2 eyeglasses
Anne Klein AK 8066 eyeglasses
Valentino VAL 5305 (Flex Hinge) eyeglasses
Valentino VAL 5444 (Flex Hinge) eyeglasses
D&G 1148B eyeglasses
Prada 16GV eyeglasses
JLo 220 eyeglasses
Banana Republic Sabina eyeglasses
Giorgio Armani 528 eyeglasses
Nine West 357 eyeglasses
Nine West 358 eyeglasses
Valentino 5497 eyeglasses
What a wonderful site. I was doing my research finding the right fit and color lens for a Ray Ban Wayfarer and just could not decide and the size and looks. Now atleast the sizes is taken care off. Thank you for doing such a good job.
Serengeti lists 4 measurements of its frame/lens sizing. (60mm – 39mm – 62.3mm – 18 DBL) What do these correspond to?
According to Candace, our Customer Service manager, 60mm=Width of each lens at it’s widest point (Horizontal) 39mm=Vertical measurement of lens 62.3mm=Effective Diameter (Diagonal) 18DBL= 18 mm distance between lenses or what is called the bridge.
Hope this answers your question. Feel free to call Candace with any other questions that you may have at 800-248-9427 ext 221.
Iam interested in the lemtosh tortoise 51-24, but i have 2 questions :
Is there a bigger size than this ? (51-24)
Whats the size of the temple (arm pieces) in this model ?
thanks for your answer
Humberto Sanchez
Humberto -
We’d like to help you, but what are “Lemtosh” frames?
Hi Richard. I’m interested in buying glasses but I’m not sure how to look for them. Looking at my old one it says, 50 0 19 then next to that 5-6. On the left temple it says 0TZ7 140 and on the right temple it says 129 0TZ7. How exactly do I read this so I can look at proper frames? Thank you.
Natalie -
Here’s how our CEO, Dr. Dhavid Cooper, explains those numbers.
1. The eye size is 50 (the lens section) is 50 mm wide.
2. The bridge size (the distance between the lens sections) is 19 mm.
3. The temple length (the length of the arm pieces) is 140 mm.
4. The color code of the frame was probably 129 – or that might have been the model number, depending on the brand.
5. Likewise OTZ7 might be a color or model number for that brand.
You need to look at 50 eye sizes, 19 bridge sizes and 140 temple length sizes.
Hope this helps.
Richard
Thanks for the lesson! I might buy online next time, since mine are 48, 14, 135. Good size for my freakishly small face, but they were the only pair in the whole store that didn’t look like I was wearing my dad’s glasses, and I would have preferred a different color.
Richard —
Thank you so much. That helped tremendously.
I’m looking for very small trendy frames (not boring kids ones) with an eye size of 44 or less. I have an Rx of -6.50 and a PD of only 54. Frames of a larger sizes just look huge and make the lenses so thick at the edge. What can you suggest?
I checked with our opticians and some of the brands they suggest are LaFont, Cover Girl, Elizabeth Arden Petite (The models with EAPT in their model number).
Hello,
My question is about Temple sizes, my current pair of eyeglass are a 52 19 150 Calvin Klein 536 98.
I understand what the number mean, however, in my research for a new frame I can only find
frames with a temple length of 145, mostly 140 and 135’s, These seem like a child’s size as the kid
frames I looked at were 130’s.
Where are the 150 and larger temples ?
Thank you.
Scott -
You can do a search for temple size using our Quick Find Utility. We carry quite a few 150 and larger temple sizes.
Hi!
Thanks a lot, this is helping me, except I have one question.
On my current glasses (plastic frames), the size says 52/17/130, but the glasses I want to buy (metal frames) is only available in the sizes 53/16/130 and 51/16/130. I tried one of the pairs at an optician, but did not notice which size. Now I have found the same pair cheaper online, and want to buy them. The glasses I now have is a bit to large on the bridge, the new glasses fitted much better.
I would apprieciate your response,
Andrea (Norway)
Here’s what Dr. Dhavid Cooper, our CEO, says:
The bridge size of the new glasses is 16 mm – which is smaller than the old glasses which were 17 mm – so the smaller bridge size is working better for you. No problem there.
Now you have to decide if you prefer the same TOTAL width of your old eyeglasses or if you would like something smaller for the TOTAL width.
For example if you liked the way the old glasses looked on your face – then you should go with the 53/16/130 size – because the total width of these new ones will be exactly the same total width of your old ones, the 52/17/130. Here’s why: if you add 52 + 17 = 69 mm and the new ones 53 + 16 = 69mm – so you end up with the same total width with both of these frames – but of course with a smaller bridge size, which you like.
However, if you thought your old ones were too wide in total size – and you wanted something smaller – then go with the 51/16/130 – because that width will be a few millimeters smaller than your old pair.
Does that help?
That totally solves my problem, did not think of it that way.
I probably should go for the 51/16/130 model, because the old pair is a bit “waggly” (when I move my head, the glasses do not follow).
Thank you!
So, I am getting glasses for my infant son for the first time. Where do I go to get him fitted that I can trust? I found out that if the glasses aren’t fit properly that it messes up the prescription. He is only six months old and they are supposed to be to help his current farsightedness. I want the glasses to help, not harm.
Also, I am having a hard time distinguishing which glasses on your site come in infant size. When I search for infant I get children’s and baby sizes but not much more information. Is there clues to what ones really come in a size that could fit him?
Thank you.
Hi, my current glasses has a temple of 135, however most of the glasses (plastic) that I like have temples in 140, I was just wondering if these 140s would fit me right thanks in advance!
If the 135 temples fit you just right then the 140 temple is only 5mms longer than the 135.They should be ok as they can be heated and adjusted behind the ear. If the current 135 mm temples are long on you then I would not go with the 140s.
Unfortunately the majority of manufacturers no longer carry infant frames. They are very difficult to come by. You should take the infant into an optical shop and have them professionally fit as well as get the child’s Pupil Distance measured. We only carry a few infant frames. They can search by eye size with our Quick Find Tool once you have the child’s measurements. That works very well.
Would an eye size of 54 vs. 51 make that much of a diff? Situation is trying frames on in a store and wanting to order online. The one in the store, plastic arms, half rims 54-17-135; online wire arms with decorative wire a little bit wider than the lens, 51-17-135. Thanks for any advice. Very informative and helpful website!
Frames are measured in millimeters. The one frame that you are looking at has an eye size (horizontal measurement of lens) of 51mms. The other has an eye size of 54. The total difference in width is 3mms per eye (6mms total) or about a quarter of an inch. This can be significant if the end pieces of the frames extend as well. Your best bet is to find the exact size that works for you and stay within 2 mms on the measurements if you have not tried the frame on. You can always call us at 800-248-9427 with any more questions that you may have.
Hi,
I’m looking for a replacement for my Ralph Lauren Polo 201 flex hinge frames. I really do want the same type of frame. My current measurements are 50-20-41-135. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you,
Kon
P.S. This is the frame I currently have:
http://www.framesdirect.com/fr.....pgm/r.html
The Brooks Brothers 189 eyeglasses frame is very similar. Size is a 50/19.
Would either one of these work?
Polo PH 1026 50 | 18 | 39.4 | 140
Polo PH 1044 51 | 18 | | 140
Thanks,
Kon
51/18/140 would be the closest.
I really like the Goldfinch collection, but all their frames have at least a 145 temple length. Anything more than 135 or so feels loose and not very secure on my face. The Converse Heritage Provoke is the closest thing I could find with a shorter temple, but I still like the Goldfinch frames better. Are there any other brands I should check out?
I’m sure I’d be quite happy with the Converse Provoke frames, which are what I’m currently leaning toward. But I’d be even happier with the Goldfinch Costellos or Dylans.
Here’s what one of our opticians says:
If the frame has a metal temple it is very possible to remove the plastic temple cover and trim down the temple piece to the size you need and replace the cover. If it is a plastic frame with a plastic covered temple then unfortunately your only option is to get the correct size temple piece. The only other option is to have an Optician heat the plastic temple and bend it down a little further behind your ear. This is not an ideal thing to do as it can be uncomfortable as well as cause the frame to possibly slip down your face.