Last updated: 2026-09-02
To measure your neck for a pendant necklace, wrap a soft measuring tape or a piece of string around the base of your neck, note the circumference, add 2–6 inches (50–150 mm) depending on how low you want the pendant to sit, and match that total to a standard necklace length.
A tape on bare skin beats guessing from a necklace you already own, because clasp style and pendant height change how the piece hangs. Stand relaxed, keep one finger under the tape, and record inches and millimeters. Your neck size plus that extra drop is the chain length to order.
Key Takeaways
- Measure the base of your neck, then add 2–4 inches (50–100 mm) for a close pendant or 4–6 inches (100–150 mm) for a classic drop.
- Common chains are 16 inches (406 mm), 18 inches (457 mm), 20 inches (508 mm), and 22 inches (559 mm); 18 inches (457 mm) is the everyday default.
- A large zinc-alloy pendant hangs lower than a small charm, so size the chain to where the pendant bottom should sit.
- Yuhive in Yiwu, China, has a large and continually expanding in-stock range; orders start at one piece and ship to 30+ countries.
- In-stock orders are usually processed in 1–3 business days and typically take 5–12 business days to the United States or 7–20 business days elsewhere. US orders over $25 ship free; below that, US shipping starts at $3.99.
How do I measure my neck for a pendant necklace at home?
To measure your neck for a pendant necklace at home, wrap a flexible sewing tape around the base of your neck where a shirt collar sits, slide one finger between the tape and your skin, and read the circumference in inches and millimeters. If you only have string or paper, mark the overlap and measure it on a ruler. That number is neck circumference, not necklace length. Add 2–6 inches (50–150 mm) for drop and round up to the next common chain.
- Stand upright, look forward, and relax your shoulders. Do not tuck your chin.
- Wrap the tape at the base of the neck, level with a crew-neck T-shirt collar.
- Keep the tape parallel to the floor so the nape does not inflate the number.
- Slide one finger underneath so the finished chain can move.
- Record inches and millimeters. A 13.5-inch neck is about 343 mm (13.5 × 25.4).
A favorite necklace is only a cross-check: measure it unclasped, end to end, including the clasp. A chain that is 1 inch (25 mm) longer still sits and moves once a pendant hangs from it.
How much extra length should I add after I measure my neck?
After you measure your neck, add 2–4 inches (50–100 mm) for a high collarbone pendant, or 4–6 inches (100–150 mm) for a classic drop on the upper chest. Add that extra to your circumference, then choose the nearest standard chain: 16 inches (406 mm), 18 inches (457 mm), 20 inches (508 mm), or 22 inches (559 mm). Skipping the add-on is why a chain that “matches” your neck still feels tight once the clasp, jump ring, and pendant are on.
| Neck circumference | Close pendant add-on | Classic drop add-on | Chain to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 in (305 mm) | +4 in (100 mm) | +6 in (150 mm) | 16 in (406 mm) or 18 in (457 mm) |
| 13 in (330 mm) | +3 in (75 mm) | +5 in (125 mm) | 16 in (406 mm) or 18 in (457 mm) |
| 14 in (356 mm) | +2 in (50 mm) | +4 in (100 mm) | 18 in (457 mm) or 20 in (508 mm) |
| 15–16 in (381–406 mm) | +2–3 in (50–75 mm) | +4–5 in (100–125 mm) | 18 in (457 mm) or 20 in (508 mm) |
- Close pendant: neck + 2–4 inches (50–100 mm).
- Classic pendant: neck + 4–6 inches (100–150 mm), the usual look for pendant necklaces.
- Lower drop: neck + 6–8 inches (150–200 mm), usually 20–22 inches (508–559 mm).
- If you are between sizes, size up. A chain that is 1 inch (25 mm) longer still sits and moves; a chain that is 1 inch (25 mm) too short does not.
Crew necks versus V-necks often decide 18 versus 20 inches (457 versus 508 mm). See 18-inch vs 20-inch pendant necklace lengths.
Where will each pendant necklace length sit on my chest?
On most adults, a 16-inch (406 mm) chain sits at or above the collarbones, an 18-inch (457 mm) chain sits at the collarbone notch, a 20-inch (508 mm) chain sits below the collarbones, and a 22-inch (559 mm) chain falls toward the mid-chest. Those landmarks assume a neck of about 13–15 inches (330–381 mm). A longer neck or a pendant 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 inches) tall will push the visual center lower, so pick the length for the landmark you want.
- 16 in (406 mm): top of the collarbones; small charm; crew necks.
- 18 in (457 mm): collarbone notch; everyday pendant; most tops.
- 20 in (508 mm): upper chest; medium pendant; V-necks and sweaters.
- 22 in (559 mm): mid-chest; larger motif; dresses.
A 16-inch (406 mm) piece behaves more like a collar; 18 inches (457 mm) is the default pendant. For that choice, read choker vs pendant necklace length. When layering, keep at least 2 inches (50 mm) between chains.
Does pendant size change the chain length I should buy?
Yes. Pendant height is part of the finished drop, so a 25 mm (1 inch) charm on an 18-inch (457 mm) chain sits higher than a 40 mm (1.6 inch) cast pendant on the same chain. Measure from the bail or jump ring to the lowest point. Tall or heavy die-cast zinc-alloy charms in the Zamak family used for much costume jewelry hang lower than a flat disc. Match the chain to where the pendant bottom should rest.
- Small charm, 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in): 16–18 inches (406–457 mm).
- Everyday pendant, 20–35 mm (0.8–1.4 in): 18 inches (457 mm).
- Larger motif, 35–50 mm (1.4–2.0 in): 18–20 inches (457–508 mm).
- Heavy zinc-alloy or enamel: the chain forms a V, so the piece can sit 0.5–1 inch (13–25 mm) lower than a light charm.
Browse charms and pendants with that drop in mind. Yuhive’s main materials are zinc alloy and stainless steel, often with plating and soft-enamel color. A tight chain rubs plating at the bail and clasp.
How do I measure someone else for a gift pendant necklace?
To measure someone else for a gift pendant, wrap a tape around the base of their neck with one finger of ease, or measure a necklace they already wear, unclasped, end to end including the clasp. If you cannot measure them, choose 18 inches (457 mm) for a versatile adult pendant, or 20 inches (508 mm) if they prefer a lower drop. Do not guess from clothing size. Size up when unsure, and pick a lobster clasp rather than a tiny spring ring.
- Best: measure at the collar line with one-finger ease, then add 4–6 inches (100–150 mm).
- Next: measure a necklace they wear in the same spot, clasp to clasp.
- Fallback: 18 inches (457 mm) classic; 20 inches (508 mm) for a longer look.
- Hardware: lobster clasp; jump ring fully closed.
- You can order one piece; Yuhive has no minimum order.
Before you buy, confirm neck circumference, add-on, pendant height, and listed chain length. In-stock orders from Yiwu are usually processed in 1–3 business days, then typically take 5–12 business days to the United States or 7–20 business days elsewhere. Questions can go through the contact page.
FAQ
These answers cover the follow-up questions shoppers ask after they measure: string versus tape, measuring over clothes, 18 versus 20 inches, converting inches to millimeters, and what to do when you fall between two chain lengths. Keep your written neck circumference next to them; the numbers only work if the tape went around the base of your neck.
Can I measure my neck with string if I do not have a tape?
Yes. Wrap a non-stretch string around the base of your neck with one finger underneath, mark the overlap, and measure it on a ruler. Add 2–6 inches (50–150 mm) for drop before you choose a chain.
Should I measure over a shirt or on bare skin?
Measure on bare skin, then think about the clothes you will wear. A turtleneck needs a longer chain than a scoop neck.
Is 18 inches or 20 inches the right pendant length?
For many shoppers, 18 inches (457 mm) sits at the collarbones and 20 inches (508 mm) sits a little lower. Use neck size plus 4–6 inches (100–150 mm); if you are between those two, pick 20 inches (508 mm) unless you want a high pendant.
How do I convert my neck measurement from inches to millimeters?
Multiply inches by 25.4. A 13.5-inch neck is about 343 mm; an 18-inch chain is 457 mm.
What if my measurement falls between two chain lengths?
Choose the longer chain. A necklace that is 1 inch (25 mm) longer still sits and moves; one that is 1 inch (25 mm) too short will sit on the neck and can rub plating at the clasp.
Will a zinc-alloy pendant hang lower than a light charm on the same chain?
Usually yes. A heavier die-cast zinc-alloy pendant pulls the chain into a V, so the motif can sit about 0.5–1 inch (13–25 mm) lower than a light charm.
If you need help matching a chain length to a pendant, email sales@keychainco.com or WhatsApp +86 151 2288 2244. Yuhive ships single-piece orders from Yiwu to 30+ countries, with no minimum order.
Written by Dong Jiang, Founder of Yuhive — affordable fashion jewelry, charms, pendants and accessories, shipped worldwide from Yiwu, China.