How to Measure Your Bra Size: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home
Finding the right bra size starts with two simple measurements:
your under-bust and your bust.
All you need is a soft tape measure and a mirror. For best results, measure without a bra or in a lightly lined, non-padded bra.
Before you start
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Stand up straight
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Keep your arms down by your sides
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Hold the tape measure horizontal and close to the body
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Don’t pull the tape too tight — but don’t let it sag either
Step 1: Measure your under-bust
This measurement determines your band size.
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Place the tape measure directly underneath your bust
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Hold it snugly and straight around your body
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Make sure the centimetre side is facing you
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The tape should sit close to the skin (not loose)
💡 Why snug matters:
Bras are made with elastic, but tape measures are not — so holding the tape close to your body gives the most accurate result.
👉 Round your measurement up or down to the nearest 5 cm.
Under-bust measurement → Band size
| Under-bust (cm) | Bra Size |
|---|---|
| 65 cm | Size 8 |
| 70 cm | Size 10 |
| 75 cm | Size 12 |
| 80 cm | Size 14 |
| 85 cm | Size 16 |
| 90 cm | Size 18 |
| 95 cm | Size 20 |
| 100 cm | Size 22 |
| 105 cm | Size 24 |
Step 2: Measure your bust
This measurement helps determine your cup size.
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Place the tape measure loosely over the fullest part of your bust
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Keep it horizontal across the chest and back
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Ensure the tape is sitting at the same height all the way around
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The centimetre side should face outward
Step 3: Calculate your cup size
Your cup size is worked out by calculating the difference between your bust measurement and your under-bust measurement.
Bust difference → Cup size
| Difference (cm) | Cup Size |
|---|---|
| 13 cm | A Cup |
| 15 cm | B Cup |
| 17 cm | C Cup |
| 19 cm | D Cup |
| 21 cm | DD Cup |
| 23 cm | E Cup |
| 25 cm | F Cup |
| 27 cm | G Cup |
Putting it together
Once you have:
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Your band size (from the under-bust measurement), and
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Your cup size (from the difference),
you’ll have your starting bra size.
✨ Example:
If your under-bust measures 80 cm and your bust measures 99 cm, the difference is 19 cm, which equals a D cup.
Your size would be 14D.
Next step: check the fit
Measuring gives you a great starting point, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. How a bra feels and sits on your body matters just as much.
👉 Read our Good Fit vs Bad Fit guide to learn how to spot common fit issues — and what to do if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Measuring at home is a great starting point, but every body is different, and bra styles, brands, and shapes can affect fit.
If your bra feels uncomfortable, digs in, gaps, or needs constant adjusting, a professional fitting can help fine-tune your size and style for the best support and comfort.