Necklace length chart in cm and inches
Not sure whether an 18-inch chain will sit on your collarbone or vanish under a neckline? This necklace length chart lists the standard lengths jewellers use — collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope — in inches and centimetres, and draws every one of them on a figure. A separate chart covers necklace lengths for men, from an 18-inch chain at the base of the neck to a 30-inch chain at mid-chest.
Add your neck size and try any chain length on the slider: the page names the style, says where it should sit, and suggests choker, everyday and pendant lengths that suit your neck. It runs in your browser and works in cm or inches.
How to use the Necklace Length Chart
- Choose Women or Men and cm or inches.
- Measure around the base of your neck and type it in Your neck size.
- Move the slider or type a Chain length to try, or click a name in the chart.
- Add the pendant drop if the chain carries one.
- Read where the chain sits, then check the suggested lengths for a choker, everyday wear and pendants.
Necklace Length Chart features
Standard names and ranges
Collar to rope, with both inch and cm ranges as jewellers publish them.
Drawn on a figure
Every standard length appears on a women’s or men’s figure, with your chosen chain in gold.
Fitted to your neck
The same 18-inch chain sits higher on a larger neck; the chart re-places every length for your size.
Fit suggestions
Neck + 2 in for a choker fit, neck + 3–4 in for everyday wear, and an extra inch for a pendant.
Men’s lengths
18, 20, 22, 24 and 30-inch chains with where each one sits.
Standard necklace lengths
These are the bands jewellers such as Blue Nile and CaratLane publish. Brands disagree by about an inch at the edges — some call 24–30 in “opera” — so check the length in the product details, which normally includes the clasp. The princess length, about 18 in or 45 cm, is the most popular for pendants.
| Name | Inches | cm | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collar | 12–14 | 30–36 | High on the neck |
| Choker | 14–16 | 36–41 | Base of the neck |
| Princess | 17–19 | 43–48 | At or just below the collarbone |
| Matinee | 20–24 | 51–61 | Below the collarbone, above the bust |
| Opera | 28–36 | 71–91 | At or below the bust |
| Rope / lariat | 36+ | 91+ | Well below the bust; can be doubled |
Necklace lengths for men
Men’s chains are usually sold at 18, 20, 22, 24 and 30 in (46, 51, 56, 61 and 76 cm). An 18-inch chain sits close at the base of the neck, 20 in rests on the collarbone and is the usual choice, 22 in drops a few inches lower, 24 in reaches the upper chest — good for a pendant worn over a T-shirt — and 30 in reaches mid-chest. Men with a larger neck or build often go one size up.
How to choose the right length
For rings, use the ring size chart; for the stone of the month, the birthstone finder; and to convert any length, the length converter.
- Measure your neck at the base with a soft tape or a string and a ruler.
- For a snug choker, add 2 in (5 cm); for everyday chains, add 3–4 in (8–10 cm); add another inch for a pendant, or two for a large one (CaratLane’s guide).
- Match the neckline: chokers and princess lengths suit open and boat necks; matinee and opera lengths sit well over high necklines and kurtas.
- Layer lengths at least 2 in (5 cm) apart so the chains don’t tangle.
- A pendant hangs below the chain by its own height, so a 45 cm chain with a 3 cm pendant reads like a longer necklace.
Necklace Length Chart FAQ
What are the standard necklace lengths in cm?
Collar about 35 cm, choker 40 cm, princess 45 cm, matinee 50–60 cm, opera 70–90 cm and rope 90 cm or more.
Where does an 18-inch necklace sit?
On most women an 18-inch (45 cm) chain sits on or just below the collarbone. On a man, 18 in sits at the base of the neck.
What necklace length is best for men?
Twenty inches (51 cm) is the most common: it rests on the collarbone. Choose 22–24 in to wear a pendant over a T-shirt.
How do I measure my necklace size?
Wrap a soft tape or string around the base of your neck, then add 2 in for a choker fit or 3–4 in for everyday wear. Enter the measurement above to see the suggestions.
Does the necklace length include the clasp?
Usually yes — jewellers quote the full length from end to end with the clasp closed.
Why does the same chain look different on different people?
Neck size, shoulders and bust all change how far a chain drops, which is why this chart asks for your neck size.