Measurement Guide
How to Measure Bust
A complete guide to measuring your bust size at home — covering full bust, underbust, upper bust, bust for bra size, dress size, and shirts. Works for women and men.
Use Your Bust Measurement
Enter your bust, waist, high hip, and hip into our free body shape calculator to find your body type instantly.
Visual Guide
Bust Measurement Points Explained
There are three bust measurements used in clothing, bra sizing, and body shape calculations. This diagram shows where each one is taken.
Before You Start
What You Need to Measure Your Bust
Measuring your bust size at home is simple. You only need a few basic things to get an accurate result.
Flexible Tape Measure
Use a soft cloth or plastic measuring tape — the kind used in sewing or tailoring. It needs to bend around your body. A stiff metal tape measure will not give an accurate result. If you do not have a tape measure, use a piece of string and then measure it against a ruler.
Fitted Bra or Light Top
For full bust measurement, wear a well-fitted, non-padded bra or a fitted thin top. Padded or push-up bras can add to your measurement and affect accuracy. For underbust or bra band size, measure without padding.
Mirror or Helper
A side or front mirror lets you check that the tape is level at the back. A friend or helper holding the tape at the back gives the most accurate reading, especially if you find it hard to check alignment yourself.
Step by Step
How to Measure Your Bust
Follow these steps to measure your full bust accurately at home. This is the standard bust measurement used for body shape, dress size, and clothing size charts.
Step 1 — Stand Straight and Relaxed
Stand upright with your feet together and arms relaxed at your sides. Keep your chin parallel to the floor and your shoulders back but not tense. Do not hunch forward or arch your back. Natural, relaxed posture gives the most useful measurement.
Step 2 — Find the Fullest Part of Your Chest
The full bust measurement is taken at the widest or fullest part of your chest. For most women this is across the nipple line. For men it is across the widest part of the chest. This is the standard point used in all clothing size charts when they list a "bust" or "chest" measurement.
Step 3 — Wrap the Tape Around the Fullest Point
Wrap the measuring tape horizontally around your chest at the fullest point. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor all the way around — it should not dip lower at the back or rise up at the sides. The tape should lie flat against your body without twisting.
Step 4 — Check the Fit of the Tape
The tape should be snug against your skin but not tight or compressing. You should be able to slide one finger underneath the tape. If the tape is too tight it will give a smaller number than your actual size. If it sags or gaps it will give a larger number.
Step 5 — Breathe Normally and Read the Number
Breathe out gently and stand naturally. Read the number where the end of the tape meets the beginning. Do not breathe in deeply or hold your breath — this expands the chest and gives a larger reading. Take the measurement two or three times to confirm it is consistent.
Step 6 — Record in Inches or Centimeters
Write down your bust measurement in the unit you need. Our body shape calculator accepts both inches and centimeters. Clothing size charts vary by brand and country — always check which unit a chart uses before comparing your measurement.
No Tape Measure?
How to Measure Bust Without a Measuring Tape
If you do not have a flexible tape measure at home, you can still get an accurate bust measurement using a piece of string or ribbon.
String Method
Wrap a piece of non-stretchy string or ribbon around the fullest part of your chest, following the same steps above. Hold the string at the point where it meets the beginning, then lay it flat against a ruler or measuring tape. Read the measurement where you held the string. This gives the same result as a tape measure when done carefully.
Tips for the String Method
Use a non-stretchy string — elastic or stretchy cord will compress and give a smaller reading. Mark the overlap point with a pen or hold it between your fingers before removing the string from your body. Lay the string completely flat against the ruler for an accurate reading.
Underbust Measurement
How to Measure Underbust
The underbust measurement is taken directly below the bust, around the ribcage. It is used to calculate bra band size and is different from the full bust measurement.
Where to Measure
Wrap the tape measure around your ribcage directly below where your bust ends — just below the underwire line of a bra. Keep the tape horizontal and snug. Breathe out gently before reading. The underbust measurement is usually 6 to 12 inches smaller than the full bust measurement.
Underbust for Bra Band Size
Your underbust measurement in inches corresponds directly to your bra band size. For example, a 32 inch underbust gives a band size of 32. Some sizing systems add 4 or 5 inches to the underbust measurement — check which system the brand uses before ordering.
Upper Bust Measurement
How to Measure Upper Bust
The upper bust measurement is taken above the fullest part of the bust, across the chest and under the armpits. It is mainly used in sewing, dressmaking, and pattern fitting.
Where to Measure
Wrap the tape measure around your chest just above the bust, passing under your armpits and across your upper chest. This is approximately 1 to 2 inches above the nipple line for most people. Keep the tape horizontal and snug but not tight.
When Upper Bust Is Used
Upper bust measurement is used in sewing patterns to get a better fit across the shoulder and upper chest. It is also used in some shirt size guides and when fitting structured garments like jackets. For standard clothing size charts, the full bust measurement is usually sufficient.
Bra Sizing
How to Measure Bust for Bra Size
Bra size uses both the full bust and the underbust measurements. You need both numbers to find your bra size.
Step 1 — Measure Your Underbust (Band Size)
Measure your underbust as described above. This number in inches is your bra band size. If your underbust measures 32 inches, your band size is 32. Round to the nearest even number if you measure between sizes.
Step 2 — Measure Your Full Bust (Cup Size)
Measure your full bust at the nipple line as described in the main guide. Wear a non-padded, well-fitted bra for this measurement.
Step 3 — Calculate the Difference
Subtract your underbust from your full bust measurement. The difference gives your cup size. A 1 inch difference = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, 3 inches = C cup, 4 inches = D cup, and so on. For example, a 34 inch bust and 30 inch underbust gives a 4 inch difference — D cup — making your size 30D.
Important Note
Bra sizing varies between brands and countries. UK, US, and European systems use different cup progressions. Always check the specific brand's size guide and consider getting professionally fitted if you are between sizes or find standard sizes uncomfortable.
Dress and Clothing Size
How to Measure Bust for Dress Size
Your bust measurement is one of the key numbers used in dress and clothing size charts. Here is how to use it.
How to Measure Bust for a Dress
Use your full bust measurement taken at the nipple line. Compare this number to the brand's size chart. Most dress size charts list the bust measurement in inches or centimeters alongside waist and hip measurements. Choose the size that fits your largest measurement if your measurements fall across different sizes.
How to Measure Bust of a Dress or Shirt
To measure the bust of a garment itself, lay it flat on a surface. Measure across the chest from one armhole seam to the other, then double that number. This gives the garment's full bust measurement. Compare this to your own bust measurement, leaving 1 to 2 inches of ease for a comfortable fit.
For Men
How to Measure Bust for Men
Men's bust or chest measurement follows the same process as the full bust measurement. The term "chest" is more commonly used for men in clothing size charts.
Where to Measure
Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the chest, usually across the nipple line or the fullest part of the pectoral muscles. Keep the tape horizontal and parallel to the floor. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides — do not lift them while measuring.
How to Use the Measurement
The chest or bust measurement for men is used in shirt sizing, jacket sizing, and suit sizing. Compare your chest measurement in inches or centimeters to the size chart of the specific brand. For shirts, some brands measure across the half chest of the garment — always check whether a size chart lists full chest or half chest measurements.
Bust vs Chest for Men
For men, the terms bust and chest measurement refer to the same measurement taken at the same point. Some calculators and tools use bust for both men and women for consistency. Our body shape calculator for men uses chest measurement as the bust input.
Complete Measurements
How to Measure Bust, Waist, and Hips Together
For body shape calculations and clothing size, you need all three key measurements. Here is the order to take them in one session.
1. Bust First
Start with the bust measurement at the fullest point of the chest. Take this measurement before waist and hips so you are still standing fully upright and relaxed.
Bust Guide →2. Waist Second
Move the tape to your natural waist — the narrowest part of your midsection, usually 1 to 2 inches above the belly button.
Waist Guide →3. Hips Last
Finish with the hip measurement at the widest point of your hips and seat, usually 7 to 9 inches below the natural waist.
Hip Guide →FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bust Measurement
How do you measure bust to lay flat?
To measure the bust of a flat garment, lay it completely flat on a surface. Smooth out any folds or wrinkles. Measure across the chest from one side seam to the other at the widest point, then multiply by two to get the full bust measurement of the garment.
How do you measure shoulder to bust?
To measure from shoulder to bust, place the tape at the highest point of your shoulder — where a shoulder seam would sit — and measure straight down to the nipple point or fullest part of the bust. This measurement is used in some sewing patterns and corset fitting guides.
What is the difference between bust and chest measurement?
Bust and chest measurement are taken at the same point — the widest part of the torso. Bust is the term used more commonly for women and in body shape calculations. Chest is used more commonly for men and in shirt or suit sizing. They refer to the same measurement.
Should I measure over or under my bra?
For body shape calculators and dress size charts, measure over a well-fitted, non-padded bra. For bra cup size calculations, measure over a non-padded bra for the full bust and without a bra or in a non-padded bra for the underbust measurement.
Why does my bust measurement vary each time?
Small differences between measurements can happen because of tape position, posture, breathing, or clothing. Always take the measurement two or three times and use the most consistent number. Measuring at the same time of day in the same type of clothing gives the most consistent results.
How do I measure my half bust?
Half bust measurement is simply half of your full bust circumference. Divide your full bust measurement by two. This is used in some sewing patterns and when measuring garments laid flat. For example, a 36 inch full bust gives an 18 inch half bust.
How do I measure bust circumference?
Bust circumference is the same as the full bust measurement — the complete distance around the chest at the fullest point. Wrap the tape all the way around and read the number where it meets the beginning. This is the circumference measurement.
What is a full bust measurement?
A full bust measurement is the complete circumference of the chest at its widest point, usually at the nipple line. It is the standard measurement used in body shape calculators, dress size charts, and most clothing size guides. It is different from the underbust or upper bust measurement.
Common Mistakes
Tips for an Accurate Bust Measurement
These are the most common mistakes people make when measuring bust size and how to avoid them.
Tape Not Level
The most common mistake is letting the tape dip lower at the back. Always check in a mirror or ask a helper to confirm the tape is at the same height all the way around your body.
Tape Too Tight
Pulling the tape tight gives a smaller number but is not an accurate measurement. The tape should be snug with room to slide one finger underneath.
Measuring Over Thick Clothing
Thick tops, padded bras, or chunky layers add to the measurement. Always measure over a thin layer or a non-padded bra for accurate results.
Breathing In
Taking a deep breath in expands the chest and gives a larger reading. Breathe out gently and stand naturally before reading the tape.
Measuring in the Wrong Place
The full bust is at the nipple line or fullest point — not higher on the chest or lower on the ribcage. Take time to locate the correct position before wrapping the tape.
Only Measuring Once
A single measurement can be affected by small errors in tape placement. Take the measurement two or three times and use the most consistent number for the best accuracy.
Next Step
Use Your Bust Measurement
Now that you have your bust measurement, use it in our free body shape calculator to find your body type, or use our dress size calculator to find your clothing size.