Custom Apparel Guide · 4 min read

Hat Size Chart: How to Measure Your Head for the Right Fit

By Arklavo Editorial Team · Updated September 21, 2026

Key takeaways

Measure at the widest point, about an inch above the eyebrows and half an inch above the ears, for an accurate reading.
US numeric sizes (6¾ to 8) and alpha sizes (XS to XXL) describe the same head circumference; one chart converts between them.
Between sizes on a fitted cap, size up. Adjustable, snapback and stretch-fit styles cover a range, so one size fits most.

If a hat shows up too tight or slides over your eyes, the fix is a two-minute measurement and one reliable chart. This guide gives the full head-circumference-to-size chart for custom hats, shows how to measure in under a minute, and explains the fitted-number system used by New Era, Richardson and Flexfit, plus how to plan sizes for a team order.

Hat & Cap Size Chart: Inches to CM to US Size

This is the standard adult numeric chart, converting head circumference to US hat size. Start here for the fitted-cap number.

US hat size	Head circumference (in)	Head circumference (cm)	General size
US 6¾	21¼"	54 cm	Small youth / petite adult
US 7	22"	56 cm	Smaller adult
US 7⅛	22⅜"	57 cm	Average (most common)
US 7¼	22¾"	58 cm	Average / larger
US 7⅜	23⅛"	59 cm	Larger adult
US 7½	23½"	60 cm	Extra-large
US 7⅝	23⅞"	61 cm	Extra-large
US 7¾	24¼"	62 cm	XX-large
US 7⅞	24⅝"	63 cm	XX-large
US 8	25"	64 cm	Big-and-tall

Half-sizes sit between every numeric size (7⅛ is between 7 and 7¼). Measure twice and round to the nearest ⅛ inch.

Adjustable and Stretch-Fit Caps

Snapbacks, trucker hats and dad hats are one-size-adjustable and fit most adults. Stretch-fit (Flexfit) caps come in two bands.

Cap type	Fits (in)	Fits (cm)	Notes
One Size (adjustable)	21 - 24"	53 - 61 cm	Snapbacks, truckers, dad hats
S/M (stretch fit)	21⅛ - 22¾"	54 - 58 cm	Flexfit / smaller
L/XL (stretch fit)	22⅜ - 24"	57 - 61 cm	Flexfit / larger

How to Measure Your Head for Hat Size

You only need a soft tape measure, or a strip of string and a ruler.

The one-minute method

Find the spot. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your head, about half an inch above the ears and an inch above the eyebrows, where a hat naturally sits.

Keep it level and snug. The tape should form a straight line all the way around, comfortable but not tight, with room for one finger.

Read and match. Note the measurement and match it to the chart above. No tape measure? Wrap string, mark the overlap, then measure it against a ruler.

Fitted Hat Sizes Explained (New Era, Richardson, Flexfit)

Fitted caps use a numeric size instead of S-M-L: the head circumference in inches divided by pi, so 7¼ fits a head of about 22¾ inches. New Era 59FIFTY and most structured fitted caps follow this system (Richardson's fitted PTS-series, for example; the Richardson 112 is an adjustable snapback, not a fitted cap). Sizing can vary about an eighth of a size between brands, so check the specific cap's chart before a bulk order.

Youth and Kids Hat Sizes

Toddler caps fit roughly 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) and youth caps 20 to 21½ inches (51 to 54.5 cm). Most youth snapbacks and truckers are adjustable, which is the safe choice for team orders where you cannot measure every child.

If You Are Between Sizes

On structured, non-adjustable caps, size up so the cap is not tight on the brow. On stretch-fit and adjustable caps, size down, since the material gives. A cap that leaves a red mark is too small; one that lifts in wind is too big.

Ordering Hats for a Team

For a bulk order you rarely need to measure everyone. Two approaches work.

Go adjustable. Order snapbacks, truckers or dad hats and one size covers almost everyone, ideal for events, giveaways and mixed groups. When you need structured fitted caps, collect sizes with a short form. Browse custom fitted and adjustable caps to see how each style sizes.

Related reading: once you know the size, our guide to the best hats for embroidery helps you pick a blank that takes a stitched logo cleanly.

Sources

Head-circumference-to-size figures are cross-checked against New Era 59FIFTY and Flexfit / Yupoong published sizing, plus the standard US-to-metric hat conversion table.

Arklavo's Take

Arklavo's Take is to size the whole order from one measurement standard before you choose styles. Capture each person's head circumference once, decide adjustable versus fitted per style, and keep the same chart across caps so a team order arrives consistent, not a box of returns.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure my head for a hat size?

Wrap a soft fabric tape measure (or a piece of string, then lay it against a ruler) around your head at its widest point, roughly half an inch above your ears and about an inch above your eyebrows. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight, and note the number in inches or cm. That number is your head circumference, and it is what every hat size chart is built on.

What size hat do I need if my head is 22 inches?

A 22 inch head circumference falls in the Medium range (22 to 22¾ inches, or 56 to 58 cm) on the standard alpha size chart. On the numeric scale it lines up closely with a US size 7, and on a New Era style fitted cap chart, 22 inches is an exact match for a size 7 cap.

What hat size is 58 cm?

58 cm converts to US hat size 7¼ on the standard adult conversion chart (22¾ inches), which falls in the Large range. On brand charts that grade by centimeter bands instead of numeric size, 58 cm typically sits inside a brand's Medium/Large or Large range, since exact cutoffs vary by brand.

Is a 7 1/4 hat a medium or a large?

On the standard US to metric conversion chart, size 7¼ (22¾ inches, 58 cm) is grouped as Large. Some alpha size charts place it right at the boundary between Medium and Large, so if a specific brand's chart shows 7¼ as a Medium, go with that brand's own chart over a generic one.

What is the average hat size for men and women?

There is no single official average, since head size varies by person, but most adult hat brands center their standard size run around US 7 to 7⅜ (22 to 23 inches, 56 to 59 cm). That is also why this middle range is usually the first to sell out in a fitted style.

What should I do if I'm between two hat sizes?

On a fitted or numeric hat, size up rather than down. A slightly looser fitted cap is comfortable; a slightly tight one will give you a headache by the end of the day. If you would rather skip the guesswork, choose an adjustable, snapback, or stretch fit style instead, since those cover a range of head sizes with one size.

How do fitted baseball cap sizes work?

Fitted caps are sewn to one exact head circumference with no adjustment strap, so the size on the sticker (for example, 7¼) has to match your head measurement precisely. Brands like New Era size their fitted caps from 7 up to 8 in eighth inch increments, roughly 22 to 25 inches (55.8 to 63.5 cm), so measuring first matters more here than on any other hat style.