You want the right hat or beanie on the first try, not a return label. This hat size calculator and guide is mobile friendly, quick math, clear charts in inches and centimeters, and fit notes you can use in a store or on your couch.
TL,DR
- Measure once, mid forehead, above ears, level around the back.
- Use the calculator or the formula, then choose snug or relaxed based on fabric stretch.
- Save your size in inches and centimeters so checkout is faster next time.
Hat and Beanie Size Calculator
Measure your head circumference and find your perfect hat size across US, UK, EU sizing systems. Works for fitted caps, beanies, fedoras, and more.
How to Measure Your Head
- Use a flexible measuring tape or string
- Wrap around your head about 1/2 inch above your eyebrows
- Keep the tape level and snug but not tight
- Pass the tape over the back of your head at the widest part
- If using string, mark the length and measure with a ruler
How to measure your head in 60 seconds
- Place a soft tape across mid forehead, about 1 to 2 cm above your brows. Pass above your ears. Keep it level at the back.
- Pull it snug. If the tape dents your skin, it is too tight. Note inches and centimeters.
- No tape at home, use a string, mark it, then measure the string with a ruler.
Need to switch units, use our International Size Converter to convert inches to centimeters fast.
On phones, if the chart looks wide, swipe sideways.
Get your size in one tap
How to use the calculator
- Enter your head size. Pick in or cm.
- Choose snug or relaxed.
- See your US fitted size like 7 1/4, your letter size S to XL, your EU size in cm, and a beanie size with a crown depth note.
Sample result
You are US 7 1/4, EU 58 cm, Beanie Medium, crown depth mid. If you’re between sizes, go snug for stretch knits, go relaxed for stiff brims.
I land at 22.75 in, that is US 7 1/4 or 58 cm. For a Carhartt beanie I pick snug. For a stiff brim I go relaxed so it does not pinch.
Use this simple hat size formula
US fitted size
Here is the quick math I use, US hat size = head size in inches ÷ π, then round to the nearest 1/8.
“US hat size is the circumference of the head, in inches, divided by pi, rounded to the nearest 1/8 inch.” Source, Wikipedia.
EU and UK labels
In the EU you will usually see your size printed as the actual centimeters. UK retail often mirrors US numeric or letter sizes. Always check the product page.
Rounding rules
- Inches, round to the nearest 1/8 in.
- Centimeters, round to the nearest 0.5 cm.
Need the numbers right now, jump to the hat size chart and beanie size chart below.
Hat and beanie size charts
Beanie size chart inches
| Head size, in | Beanie size | Fit note |
|---|---|---|
| 20.0 to 21.25 | Small | Slim heads, snug rib knits |
| 21.5 to 22.75 | Medium | Most adults |
| 23.0 to 24.0 | Large | Thicker hair or relaxed feel |
| 24.25 to 25.0 | X Large | Big heads or loose fit lovers |
Beanie size chart cm
| Head size, cm | Beanie size | Fit note |
|---|---|---|
| 51 to 54 | Small | Snug rib knits, some kids with stretch |
| 55 to 58 | Medium | Most adults |
| 59 to 61 | Large | Hair volume or relaxed feel |
| 62 to 64 | X Large | Roomy fit |
Hat size chart, inches to US fitted and EU cm
| US fitted | Head size, in | EU size, cm | Letter size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 7/8 | 21 1/2 | 55 | XS to S |
| 7 | 22 | 56 | S to M |
| 7 1/8 | 22 3/8 | 57 | M |
| 7 1/4 | 22 3/4 | 58 | M to L |
| 7 3/8 | 23 1/8 | 59 | L |
| 7 1/2 | 23 1/2 | 60 | L |
| 7 5/8 | 23 7/8 | 61 | L to XL |
| 7 3/4 | 24 1/4 | 62 | XL |
| 7 7/8 | 24 5/8 | 63 | XL |
| 8 | 25 | 64 | XXL |
These charts round a bit. If you’re between sizes, pick snug for stretchy knits, pick relaxed for stiffer brims. You will see New Era’s pairings like 7 = 22 in and 7 1/4 = 22 3/4 in match these ranges.
Average head sizes by age
- Kids 1 to 3, about 18.5 to 20 in.
- Kids 4 to 7, about 20 to 21 in.
- Youth 8 to 12, about 21 to 22 in.
- Adult women average, about 55 cm.
- Adult men average, about 57 cm.
Hair, curls, and protective styles can add up. For gifts, size up when hair volume changes.
Fit notes that matter in real life
Snug vs relaxed
Snug helps in wind and under helmets. Relaxed helps if you get pressure spots. For beanies that stretch, I pick snug. They ease after 30 to 60 minutes.
Stretch and materials
Acrylic stretches and holds shape. Merino blends relax a touch with wear. Cotton can feel firm at first. Felt hats can be stretched slightly by a shop.
Crown depth and profile
Low crown sits higher. Mid crown feels easy on most heads. High crown gives more room and reads taller in photos.
For more fit help across your wardrobe, try our Swimsuit Size Chart and Support Picker, it shows how fabric and support change feel.
Brand fit examples and smart swaps
- New Era 59FIFTY. Structured and precise. My 7 1/4 feels snug. I go 7 3/8 for a relaxed vibe. If you want the New Era look without the squeeze, size up one eighth and add a thin sweatband if needed.
- Carhartt acrylic beanie. Rib knit with lots of stretch. I choose snug.
- Patagonia and The North Face beanies. Many wool or wool blend styles. Medium stretch. I stick to chart size for a clean fit.
- Stetson felt hats. If you’re between sizes, order up. You can add a bit of padding in the sweatband. Stetson’s guide agrees.
How do I know my beanie size?
Use your head size and the Beanie size chart above. Runners and skiers tend to prefer snug. Daily wear or big curls often feel better in relaxed. When in doubt, start at Medium and adjust by fabric stretch.
Winter sports fit, beanie and helmet together
Thin liner beanies fit best under helmets. Look for flat seams and moisture control. I reach for merino or merino blend liners so sweat moves away and itch stays low.
Care, shrinkage, and break in
Wool likes cool water, gentle soap, and air drying flat.
“Dry away from direct sunlight or heat.”
Source, The Woolmark Company.
If a knit tightens, block it gently. Lay flat, smooth the edges, let it dry. For felt brims, a short burst of steam helps reshape. Avoid hot car windows.
What I tried and what actually worked
I measured above my hairline the first time and my beanie crept up in the wind. Second try, I measured across mid forehead and the fit locked in.
I keep two notes in my phone, 22.75 in, 58 cm. Then I tag one line, snug for rib knits, relaxed for felts. My returns dropped fast.
A gift story too. I guessed Large for a friend because he lifts and has big hair days. He tried it, rolled the cuff, and said keep this one. The chart was right. The stretch did the rest.
Sizing mistakes, fast fixes
Measuring too high or on a tilt: Fix, remeasure mid forehead, above ears, level around the back.
Converting wrong: Fix, save both inches and centimeters, or use our Shoe Size Converter with Fit Notes if you like tools that explain fit across brands.
Trusting one brand’s Medium for all: Fix, compare your number to the brand chart. New Era lists exact eighth inch steps. Stetson explains fit and padding.
Buying a stretchy beanie in a relaxed size: Fix, pick snug. Acrylic and merino blends relax with wear.
Gift giver guide, guess right without a tape
Ask about hair and ear coverage. If they push beanies behind the ears, choose relaxed. If they run or ski, choose snug. You can also say, text me your head size when you are home, or wrap a string mid forehead and I will measure it here.
If you are planning a surprise, you can get their ring size without a guess while you are at it.
Mini checklist for checkout
- Head size saved in in and cm.
- Chart checked, US, EU, and Beanie noted.
- Fabric and stretch considered.
- Crown depth matches your taste.
- Brand note saved for next time. Add your pants pick too with our Jeans Fit Calculator.
FAQ
How do I know my beanie size?
Measure mid forehead above the ears. Check the beanie size chart in inches or cm. Pick snug for stretch knits, relaxed for looser weaves.
How to calculate hat size formula?
Divide head size in inches by π and round to the nearest 1/8. Confirm with the EU cm and letter size in the chart. Source, Wikipedia.
What is the average hat size for men and women?
About 57 cm for men and 55 cm for women. Adjust for hair and fit preference. Source, Real Simple.
Should I size up or down if I am between sizes?
For fitted caps and felts, size up and fine tune with padding. For stretch beanies, pick snug. Source, New Era and Stetson.
Do brands use the same charts?
Not exactly. Use your number first, then check the brand chart on the product page.
- About the Author
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Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
