Sunglasses Size Chart: Lens, Bridge, and Temple Sizing Decoded
Three numbers, all in millimeters. Lens width, bridge width, temple length. The 52-18-140 stamp on every pair of glasses you own. Here's the full chart for picking sunglasses by face width.
Quick answers
- What do the numbers mean?
- Lens width – bridge – temple, in mm
- What is 52-18-140?
- 52mm lens, 18mm bridge, 140mm arm
- Small frame lens width
- ≈ 48–51 mm
- Medium frame lens width
- ≈ 52–54 mm
- Large frame lens width
- ≈ 55–58 mm
- Where is the size printed?
- Inside the temple arm or bridge
The Three Numbers Decoded
| Position | Means | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| First (e.g., 52) | Lens width — horizontal width of one lens | 44mm small – 60mm large |
| Second (e.g., 18) | Bridge width — gap between lenses | 13mm narrow – 22mm wide |
| Third (e.g., 140) | Temple length — arm length | 120mm short – 155mm long |
Total frame width (the visible width on your face) ≈ lens × 2 + bridge. A 52-18 frame is approximately 122mm wide, plus 2–4mm for frame edges = ~125mm visible width.
Sunglasses Size by Face Width
| Face width (temple-to-temple) | Recommended frame width | Common sizes |
|---|---|---|
| ≤125mm (petite) | 120–127mm | 48-16-135, 49-17-140 |
| 125–130mm | 125–132mm | 50-17-140, 51-18-140 |
| 130–135mm | 128–137mm | 52-18-140 (standard women's) |
| 135–140mm | 133–142mm | 53-18-140, 54-19-140 |
| 140–145mm | 138–147mm | 54-18-145, 55-19-145 |
| 145–150mm | 143–152mm | 56-19-145, 57-20-150 (standard men's) |
| 150mm+ | 150mm+ | 58-20-150, 60-22-150 (oversize) |
Match the frame's total width within ±5mm of your face width. Statement oversize sunglasses can be +5 to +10mm wider than face for fashion intent. More than +20mm and they look ill-fitting rather than oversized.
Standard Sizes by Style
Aviator
Wayfarer
Round (Lennon, Clubmaster)
Oversize / cat-eye
Sport / wraparound
Rimless
Bridge Width Specifics
Bridge fit is the most underappreciated sizing dimension. Bridge too small → glasses pinch the nose. Bridge too big → glasses slide down.
| Bridge width | Best for |
|---|---|
| 12–14mm | Narrow nose, low nose bridge |
| 15–17mm | Average nose, medium bridge (most common) |
| 18–20mm | Average to wide nose |
| 21–23mm | Wide nose, high nose bridge |
Asian fit (Asian-specific bridge engineering) often uses higher bridge with deeper nose pads — addresses the issue that standard Western fit slides down lower nose bridges.
Temple Length Specifics
Temple length is from hinge to ear-tip. Too short and the arms curl forward; too long and they extend past your ear.
| Temple length | Best for |
|---|---|
| 120mm | Petite / children's frames |
| 130mm | Small adult / women's standard |
| 135mm | Most common adult |
| 140mm | Standard / unisex |
| 145mm | Standard men's / unisex large |
| 150–155mm | Long / extra-large |
Children's Sunglasses
| Age | Common size |
|---|---|
| 1–3 yr | 40-14-115 |
| 3–6 yr | 44-15-120 |
| 6–10 yr | 47-15-125 |
| 10–14 yr (small adult) | 49-16-130 |
Kids' sunglasses prioritize fit (no slipping) and impact resistance. UV protection rated to UV400 is essential at any age.
Common Mistakes
Sizing only by lens width
A 56mm lens with an 18mm bridge fits a different face than a 56mm lens with 14mm bridge. Bridge is half the fit.
Buying oversize without checking face width
Oversize at +5–10mm of face width = intentional. Oversize at +20mm = wrong size.
Ignoring temple length
Temple too short = frames slip; too long = arms extend past ear. Match within ±5mm of your usual.
Buying sport sunglasses by lifestyle frame size
Sport-fit sunglasses use different sizing systems. Don't assume your dress frame size translates.
FAQs
How are sunglasses sized?
By lens width, bridge width, and temple length in mm. Stamped 52-18-140 or similar.
What size sunglasses do I wear?
Match total frame width to face width ±5mm.
What's the standard size?
52-18-140 unisex. Women's smaller; men's larger.
What is the bridge?
The gap between lenses that sits on your nose.
What is temple length?
Arm length from hinge to ear tip.
Are sunglasses sized like prescription glasses?
Yes — both use the same notation.
Three Numbers, Right Sunglasses
Match all three to your face. Pull your existing glasses, read the stamp, find sunglasses with similar numbers.
For face measurement see how to measure your face for sunglasses; for related head sizing see how to measure your head for a hat.
Selling sunglasses on Shopify? Show all four fit numbers.
Tailor Size Guide adds bridge, temple, and total frame width to every product so customers match all dimensions to their face.