Breast Size Guide

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A bra calculator can help you size-up your bra measurements and aid you in determining the size that is appropriate for you. 

While a lot of women feel that they have no need for such a calculator since they are secure that the size they are getting is the right one for them, oftentimes, they are unaware that they are actually wearing the wrong size!

It would help to use a bra size calculator just to make sure that you are indeed wearing the appropriate size. If you are, then nothing would have been lost. If you’re not, you will be thankful that you finally know the right size.

This will spell a huge difference between having to make do with a size that you’ve been accustomed to and wearing something that is actually more comfortable. 

The right bra size provides the right support for your breasts, your shoulders and your back.

How a Bra Calculator Works

First, you need to find a bra size calculator and the best place to find one is one the internet. You will most likely find these in blogs dedicated to women’s brassieres and lingerie; as well as online shops that sell the said items.

Before you begin to use the calculator, you first need to know two basic measurements: your bra band size and your cup size.

Your band size is measured through that part of your chest area just below your breasts. Your cup size is the measurement of the fullest part of your breasts. Simply wrap the tape measure from your back area up to the top of the nipples.

Now you need to put the values in the appropriate boxes and then the calculator will instantly display your recommended bra size.

Tip: When measuring your band size, it should be snug but not too tight. Make sure that you can insert two fingers through the band.

Finding Your Bra Size

Bra cups are determined by your breast size and corresponding letters, usually from A to JJ.

There are different sizing standards used in various countries or continents. It would help if you knew all the sizes in different standards so you can get the appropriate size no matter which part of the continent they were made from.

Basically, the United States and United Kingdom have similar bra sizes; starting from 30 inches all the way to 42 inches. The only difference is in the letters corresponding to cup size.

Where UK has an E cup, in the US this is equivalent to a triple D cup. Once you have determined your exact bra size, you can now fully enjoy the benefits of finally wearing the right bra size.

The A cup is the smallest size class of brassieres for adult women. Just how big an A cup is varies on both sides of the Atlantic. Wherever women live, however, knowing the approximate dimensions of an A cup is important for fit, comfort and fashionable appearance.

Precisely How Big an A Cup Is

Cup size is measured by the difference between chest measurement below the breast (let’s call this “measurement 1”) and that around the fullest portion of the breast itself (“measurement 2”, for convenience). In the United Kingdom, an A cup can be as little 0.1 inch and up to 1 inch more than chest size. By United States standards, breast size being 0.6 to 1.5 inches more than chest size determines how big an A cup is.
 
The other method is to measure around the flat part of the chest above the bust (call this “measurement 3”). Once again, measurement 3 less measurement 2 should give women an idea of the bust fullness that will guide their bra purchase. This alternate method works fine when the woman reliably knows from past purchases that she is a cup A or B.
 
Whichever method is used, how big an A cup is means a bust fullness of just one-tenth of an inch and up to 1.5 inches more than the unclothed rib cage. And when one realizes that even 1.5 inches accounts for both breasts, it stands to reason that A sizes are more common in training bras for prepubescent girls or adult women who are distinctly underendowed.

Taking All Three Measurements Properly to Determine How Big an A Cup Is

It is best to have a friend, another family member or a lingerie section saleslady help. Maintaining the proper position is important. Attempting to take any of the measurements unaided risks overestimating them. For example, the tape might unknowingly not be perfectly horizontal around the back. Or the very act of cocking one’s arms and swinging them around to the back (as when attempting to fasten a bra) flexes the pectoral and deltoid muscles. So you end up with measurements 1 or 3 that are larger than they should be (and a smaller cup size than you deserve).
 
Proper posture, being comfortable and relaxed without throwing out one’s chest or taking a deep breath are also key to accurately measuring one’s cup size.
 
Taking these measurements unclothed is the most accurate way for seeing how big an A cup is. In modest cultures, one may opt to wear a comfortable, unpadded bra. Certainly, the push-up type will not do.

To Sum Up

Getting a handle on just how big an A cup is means subtracting measurements 1 and 3 from measurement 2. As long as the difference, the fullness of one’s bust is no greater than 1.5 inches (in U.S. stores) or 1 inch (in the UK), then one can confidently opt for an A cup on the next purchase.

The following nursing bra size chart is a general guideline. Other manufacturers may have different sizing options. Also, your comfort level is the most important. No matter what the facts and figures say you ought to wear, only stick with those you are at ease with.

Sizing Guide

The fit is determined by the band size. After finding the band size, then you can select the style based upon the cup size. For rib band 32-36, the cup size is S (B-cup) for basic, S+ (C-D) for plus or S++ (DD-F) double plus.

For 36-40 rib bands, the sizes are M (B-C) for basic, M+ (D-DD) and M++ (DD-G). For 38-42 rib bands, the sizes are L (C-D) for basic, L+ (DD-E) for plus and L++ (DD-G for double plus. The nursing bra size for rib bands that measure 42-46 are XL (C-D) for basic, XL+ (DD-E) for plus and XL++ (E-G) for double plus.

How to Find Your Band Size

To get the band size, put a measuring tape under your arms and around the chest. The tape must be snug, not tight. Make sure you are standing up. Breathe normally.

The figure you get is the band size. If the figure is an odd number, round it off. If it is 37 inches, round it off to 38 inches.

How to Find Your Cup Size

The next step to finding your nursing bra size is to get your cup measurement. Put the tape at the fullest part of your breasts. This should be above the nipples. Ensure the tape measure is level to the body. Do not pull it tight.

The cup size is the difference in inches between the bust size and the band size. Assume the band measurement is 40. If the bust size is 45 the difference is 5 inches. That would be cup E. If the difference is 6 inches, it is an F cup. For 7 inches, it is a G cup and 9 inches, H cup.

Tips on Finding the Perfect Fit

When looking for a nursing bra size, ensure your measurements are correct. The tape measure should be set to the positions described earlier. The cups must be positioned appropriately. They should hold your breasts.

The band should be level to the back and front. The shoulder straps must not be too tight. The tension must be enough to just hold the bra in place. The straps are too tight if there are red marks on the shoulders.

A good fitting bra will also fit when secured on the center row of hooks. If your breasts are bulging out, choose a larger cup size but within that band. For instance, if you are wearing 36F, try moving up to 36G. If you can pinch material at the cup, then it is too big. Move down a cup size.

Choosing the wrong nursing bra size can lead to discomfort. By using the methods described earlier, you should be able to find the right size and proper fit.

By using a bra size calculator, you will be able to get the best fitting bra possible. Unless the bra fits properly, discomfort will be felt. A tight fitting bra will also leave reddish marks. These calculators (which are free on the Web) will help you find the right size.

How to Use the Calculator

Look for one using a search engine. When you get to the site, you will see the following fields: below, bust and above. Enter your figures. Click “calculate”.

The correct size will appear. Usually the answer will be given in a variety of sizes (American, UK, European, Japanese, French etc). The measurements of bra size calculators can be whole numbers or in decimals.

How to Measure Bra Size

You should wear an ordinary underwired bra. Do not wear padded or push up bras. Stand up, with the back and shoulders straight. Do not hold your breath or expand the chest. Stay relaxed.

Step 1: Measure the Band Size

Get a soft tape measure. Place it snugly all around the rib cage. It should be just under your breasts. Be sure the tape is set all the way around. Measure it in centimeters or inches. You can enter this into the bra size calculator.

Step 2: Measure the Bust Size

Place the tape at the fullest section of the bust. This will be just above the nipples. Ensure the tape is straight around your body. The measurement can also be in inches or centimeters.

Step 3: Measure the Above Bust Size

Take your measurement at the rib cage above the breasts and under the arms. Be certain the tape measure is level. Note: this measurement is considered optional, but for the sake of accuracy it is better to make this measurement too.

Band Size and the US Cup Equivalent

Less than 1" is equal to AA, and 1" to A. 2" is equal to B and 3" to C. 4" is the same as D and 5" is equal to DD. Other size equivalents are 6" (DDD, 3D), 7" (DDDD, 4D), 8" (DDDDD, 5D) and 9" (DDDDDD, 6D). Other band sizes and their equivalents are 10" (J), 11" (K) and 12" (L).

US, European and UK Cup Sizes

The US cup sizes are AA, A, B, C, D, DD/E, DDD/F, DDDD/G, DDDDD/H, DDDDDD/I and J. Their European equivalents are AA, A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. The UK sizes are AA, A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ and K.

Tips

The bra size is correct if there is no digging or poking sensations. Walk around. It should feel comfortable. The bra is too big if the cup is baggy or getting wrinkled. If there is puddling or falling out, the cup is not large enough. You need to get a bigger cup size. Also, the straps should not be hard.

Using a bra size calculator will help you get the right size. Women who wear the wrong size often experience discomfort, but by utilizing the tool, you can steer clear of this problem.

The following panty size guide is meant to give you an idea of what the approximate sizes should be. You should still try out different brands, as their sizes may vary a bit. Even though they may both say 6 / medium, the fabric may affect your comfort level.

An Overview of Common Panty Measurements

If the waist measurement is 23"- 24" and the hip is 33"-34", the panty to get should be 4/XSmall. If the waist is 25"-26" and the hips are 35"-36", the size should be 5/Small. If the waist is 27"-28" and the hip is 37"-38", the ideal size is 6/Medium.

If the waist and hip measurements are 29"-30" and 39"-40", the panty size is 7/Large. If the waist is 31"-32" and the hips 41"-42”, the right size is 8/XLarge. The size to get is 9/2XLarge if the waist and hip measurements are 33"-34" and 43"-44", respectively.

For waistlines measuring 35"-36" and 45"-46" hips, the size should be 10/3XLarge. 11/4XLarge is ideal if the waist measures 37"-38" and the hips 47"-48". If the waist is 39"-40" and the hips 49"-50", the right size is 12/5XLarge.

For waists measuring 41"-42" and hips, 51"-52", the 13/6XLarge is recommended. For a waist measuring 43"-44" and hips 53"-54", the size is 14/7XLarge. If the waist is 45"-46" and the hips 55"-56", size 15/8XLarge is suitable.

How to Find Your Panty Size

Get a measuring tape and place it around your waist. It should be snug, but not a cinch. Put the tape at the natural break of the waist. If you can’t locate this, bend your torso. The resulting crease is where you will wrap the tape measure. Jot it down.

To measure your hips, place the tape measure at the thickest part of your hips. If necessary, use a mirror so the tape measure is straight. The tape needs to be parallel to the ground. Write down the size. Assume the waist is 28 and the hip measurement is 38. Your size will be medium or 6.

Panty Sizes: Other Things to Consider

The crotch must be a comfortable fit. It shouldn’t be too loose, nor too tight against the back or front. The waistband must also be snug. If the waistband rolls, you’ve got the wrong size. You have the correct size when the band doesn’t stray and it’s comfortable.

The panty leg should also feel comfortable. They are too tight if marks are left on your leg. The leg openings should not be uneven. If you feel uncomfortable, a French cut is worth looking into. The panties should also cup your buttocks. The cupping needs to be even. Of course this won’t be an issue if you are wearing a thong.

Note that panties today come in different fabrics. Those with sensitive skin would do well to stick with cotton. Others are more comfortable with lace. You also need to spend time going over this as much as the size.

Picking the correct panty sizes are absolutely vital. Take as much time as possible when choosing.

A good number of women do not pay much attention to the details that should go into checking for the right bra size. Oftentimes, if the fit is okay – not a perfect fit, but just okay – women feel that this is enough.

How often do you adjust the straps of your bra during the day or pull the band down because it constantly goes up? These are clear indications that you are wearing the wrong bra size. 

Checking a bra sizes chart can help you finally figure out just what bra size you should be wearing. But first, you need to take the proper measurements.

How to Check Bra Sizes?

There are four parts of a bra that you should pay attention to. Getting the right fit for each one will ultimately mean a more comfortable bra and the right kind of support for your breast area.

First, there is the back panel of your bra band. As a rule, the back portion of your band should be lower than its front part. The back panel should be just below your shoulder blades, if it rides up; you’re wearing the wrong size.

Next, are the bra cups. If there is even just a bit of spillage, it definitely says that you have the wrong cup size. The cup should make you feel as if your breasts are comfortably sitting on the cups, in a manner of speaking. 

The third essential parts that you need to check are the clasps and the front portion of your bra. The clasps in front plus the front band should be flat against your chest area. 

Finally, there are your bra straps. The straps should be tight enough to stay in place without cutting on your shoulders. If they fall down even after adjusting the straps, you may be wearing the wrong cup size since falling straps usually indicate that you are not filling the cups properly.

Bra Sizes Chart

To give you a rough idea of how bra sizes are determined, check the measurements below and their corresponding bra sizes. You need to take your full bust measurement first and your measurement just around your ribcage. 

For full bust measurement, measure the fullest tip of your breasts; wrapping the measuring tape from your back to the nipple area.

If you have a bust size of 39 and a ribcage size of 35 or 36, your best fit would be a 36C. For a 39 bust size with a ribcage size of 37, your bra size would be a 38B.

For a bust size of 40 with a ribcage of 35, your best fit could be a 36D. If you have a 37 ribcage measurement, your recommended bra size is a 38C; while a 38 ribcage size is ideal for a 38B bra size.

Your best option is to have your measurements double-checked by an assistant in your lingerie shop. She may be able to help you determine your right bra size.

A sport bra is a special kind of brassiere that provides extra support while doing physical activities like sports and regular exercises. This underwear garment is worn to prevent discomfort and damages to the chest ligaments. Aside from doing vigorous activities, this bra is also used by women who just have undergone extensive breast surgical procedures. The sizes of a sport bra are different from the usual brassiere. In order to learn more about choosing the size that fits you, below is a sport bra size guide that you can follow when choosing a brassiere that will suit you.

Bra Sizes

The band sizes of sport bra differ on one country to another. In Europe, United States and Great Britain, consumers can buy XS to 6XL band sizes. However, in some countries like France, Italy, Australia as well as New Zealand, the band sizes available are S to 6XL. Consumers with an underbust measure of 58 to 62 centimeters should choose the XS band size while those with 63 to 67 centimeters underbust measure should buy the S band size. The band sizes of M to L range from 68 centimeters to 77 centimeters. The band sizes of XL to 6XL ranges from 78 centimeters to 107 centimeters.

The cup sizes also vary in countries. The available sizes in Australia and Great Britain are AA to K while the sizes in Europe, Canada and the United States are AA to N. The cup size can be determined by getting the difference between the band size and the bust size. The measurement of the cup size ranges from 10 centimeters to 50 centimeters.

Determining One’s Sport Bra

When buying a sport bra, it is important that you know how to know the size that will suit you. To get your size, the first thing to do is to measure the chest size. To do this, get a measuring tape and wrap it around the chest, above one’s breasts and below the armpit. If the measurement is an odd number, use the next even number for the chest size. The next step is to get the ribcage diameter. Subtract the ribcage diameter from the chest size to get the cup size.

When purchasing a sport bra, it is also necessary to known the activities that you usually do. If you are using strenuous physical activities, then it is best that you choose the items with underwire. If you will use the brassiere after surgery, it is important to buy a closed sport bra.

Both men and women seem to agree that a C cup is the perfect breast size. Though fewer than one-third of American women boast the full bosoms that mark a cup C – compared to nearly half who are a cup B – their relative rarity must contribute to their desirability. In the UK, however, C cups are the most common.

To find out how big a C cup is or even whether your proper bra size is a cup C, we need to know how to properly measure ourselves and obtain our cup size.

Precisely How Big a C Cup Is

Where the underwire of your bra defines the diameter of your breasts, cup size is all about the projection or “cup depth” of your breasts. What do we mean by this? Cup size is measured by the difference between chest measurement above or below the breast (also called “band size”) and that around the fullest portion of the breast itself (“bust size”). Obviously, then, cup size measures how far your breasts project from your rib cage or chest wall.

Just how big a C cup is varies on both sides of the Atlantic. . According to United State standards, you are a C cup if the fullest part of your breasts juts out 2.6 to 3.5 inches away from your chest wall. United Kingdom standards are a bit more modest, requiring only that the fullest part of your breasts is full enough to be 2.1 to 3.0 inches away from your rib cage. Wherever women live, however, knowing the approximate dimensions of a C cup is important for fit, comfort and fashionable appearance.

The Two Measurements That Determine How Big a C Cup Is

When checking to see what is your present cup size and, for curiosity’s sake, how big is a C cup, here are the proper ways for getting both band and bust size.

You need to ask for help, first of all, from the lingerie saleslady or, when measuring at home, a relative or friend. Having someone to help ensures that you keep the appropriate body position, back posture and arm position.

Your shoulders and arms should be at ease and straight as well. You should remain standing. Ensure that you remain comfortable and relaxed. Do not hold your breath and do not push your chest outward. This is to ensure that your chest will not artificially project outward. Exaggerating your cup size might be flattering for any female ego but poor fit is poor fit. You are bound to find yourself tugging and fretting about your straps all day long.

Make sure that you are wearing the appropriate bra while measuring for your cup size. The bra should neither be padded nor a push-up bra. It should be a standard underwired bra. The measuring tape you are using should also be a soft and flexible fabric to give you an accurate measurement.

The first measurement we need is the band size. This is the measurement directly under your breasts. The tape measure should fit tightly around your rib cage. You need to make sure that the measuring tape lies straight all the way around your chest wall.

The second measurement we need is the bust size. The measuring tape should be placed on top of the fullest part of your breasts. The fullest part of a woman’s breast is usually found above the nipples. Just like the first measurement, it should be straight all the way around and fit snugly.

Conclusion:

In the end, you get cup size by subtracting the band size from bust size. If your bust size is 40 inches and band size 37, for example, the difference of 3 inches makes you a cup C by both British and American standards.

Measuring bra size will be necessary, because if it is ill fitting, discomfort and pressure will be felt on the shoulders. Here is how to do it.

What You Will Need

Tape measure
Bra

Step 1

Stand straight up. Place your arms on the sides and breathe in a normal manner.

Step 2

Put the tape around your upper chest and back. Do this by going below your armpits and over the breasts. Ensure the tape is set tight against the skin. Round off the figure if it is a fraction. Example: 31.7 (80.3 cm) will be 32 inches (81.3 cm).

Step 3

Continue measuring bra size by putting the tape measure tight on the back. This is done by going across the ribcage and under the breasts. If you obtain an even number, add 4 inches (10.2 cm) to the figure. Add five inches (12.7 cm). The resulting figure is the band size.

Step 4

To get your cup size, measure your chest diameter. The breasts have to be measured at the fullest area. This will be around the nipple part. To get your cup size, subtract the band size from the chest plus your measurement for the breast.

Suppose your breast and chest measure 34 inches (86.4 cm) and the band measures 32 inches (81.3 cm). The difference is 2 inches.

Cup Size Differences

1 inch (2.5 cm): A; 2 inches (5.1 cm): B; 3 inches (7.6 cm): C; 4 inches (10.2 cm): D; 5 inches (12.7 cm): DD or E; 6 inches (15.2 cm): F and 7 inches (17.8 cm): G. In the example being given, the difference is two inches. This means the cup measurement is B.

Measuring Sports Bra Sizes

Measuring bra size in this case is a bit different. Start by wearing a no-pad bra. Stand in front of the mirror. Do not wear a shirt.

Step 1

Place the tape measure under the arms and over the breasts. Round the figure off if it is in fractions.

Step 2

Put the tape measure at the fullest part of the breasts. Take note of the number. Subtract the chest figures from the number you obtained here. If the difference is less than an inch, your cup size will be AA.

An inch is equivalent to A while 2 inches is equal to B. 3 inches is the same as C and 4 inches is the same as D. 5 inches is equal to DD.

Step 3

Combine the two numbers (i.e., 36B). A small sports bra will be suitable for the 32-34 A/B range. The medium size is for 34-36 B/C. The large bra size is for chests sized 36-38 C. The XL bra will be for the 38-40 C/D.

After measuring bra size, you should take note of how it feels. The important thing is how you feel. If the bra feels tight, get a larger size, even if the figures say the bra is right for you. Your comfort level should always be the priority.