How to Measure Your Nail Size at Home — Tape + Coin Method

Why nail measurement matters

The single biggest reason press-on nails fall off prematurely is poor sizing. A press-on that's 1mm too narrow leaves edges exposed where water and oil seep under. A press-on that's 1mm too wide pinches the nail bed and pops off when your finger flexes. The fix is measuring properly — and it takes 5 minutes.

Method 1 — The tape method (most accurate)

Tools needed: clear tape, fine-tipped pen, ruler in millimetres.

1. Place clear tape over your nail — press it flat against the entire nail surface from cuticle to tip.
2. Press the sides firmly — crease the tape at both edges of the nail so it conforms to the natural width.
3. Mark both sides with a pen — at the widest point of the nail (usually about halfway up), mark the left and right edges on the tape.
4. Remove the tape gently — peel it off and press it flat onto a clean hard surface.
5. Measure between the marks — use your ruler in mm. That's your nail width for that finger.

Repeat for all 10 fingers. They will be different — that's expected. Send all 10 measurements when ordering.

Method 2 — The coin method (no tape needed)

Tools needed: a 10-paisa coin (or any reference coin you know the width of).

1. Hold the coin next to your thumb nail at the widest point.
2. Compare — coin width = approximately MALENO size M for that finger.
3. Index and middle fingers — usually narrower than the coin. If much narrower, size XS or S.
4. Ring and pinky fingers — typically narrowest. Compare against half the coin width.
5. Send a photo via DM and we'll verify your sizing for free.

The coin method is faster but less precise than the tape method — recommended only as a backup or sanity check.

MALENO size chart reference

Once you have your measurements, here's how they map to MALENO sizes:

• XS: Thumb 14mm, Index 11mm, Middle 12mm, Ring 10mm, Pinky 8mm
• S: Thumb 15mm, Index 12mm, Middle 13mm, Ring 11mm, Pinky 9mm
• M: Thumb 16mm, Index 12mm, Middle 13mm, Ring 11mm, Pinky 9mm
• L: Thumb 17mm, Index 13mm, Middle 14mm, Ring 12mm, Pinky 10mm

Most people are a mix of sizes across fingers. Send all 10 measurements (e.g. "Thumb: 16mm, Index: 12mm…") and we'll match the right size for each finger.

Common measurement mistakes

• Measuring at the cuticle, not the widest point. The widest point is where the press-on actually sits — measure there.
• Skipping fingers. Send all 10 measurements, not just the thumb. Each hand differs from the other too.
• Measuring after using hand cream. Skin can swell slightly. Measure dry, clean, room-temperature hands.
• Approximating in cm. Use millimetres for accuracy — 1cm difference means 4 sizes off.

When in doubt — DM us

If you're between sizes or unsure, send a photo of your hand next to a coin or ruler via Instagram DM at @maleno.pk. We size customers daily and we'll help you for free before you order. Once measured, browse our collections to choose your set.