Bra Sizing Problems and Solutions

Bra Size - Bra Sizing Calculations

Measuring one's bra size consists of taking two measurements, the the rib cage (directly below the breasts) and bust (across and over the breasts). If you wish to additional information on typical bra sizing problems and bra sizing solutions, please visit our article Bra Sizing Problems and Solutions.

When measuring the rib cage (directly below the breasts), we are determining the bras "bandwidth", such as 32, 34, 36 (USA bra sizing) or 75, 80, 85 (European bra sizing). One's rib cage is best measured with neutral air in the lungs, that is, lungs which are not all the way full nor empty. Round this measurement to the nearest whole number. Next, we add four inches to the measurement if it is an even number and five inches to the measurement if it is an odd number. So, for example, if one's bandwidth measured 34.3 inches, this would be rounded to the nearest whole number, which is 34. Next, because 34 is an even number we add 4 more inches, to get 38.

The second measurement will help us to determine the bra's "cup size". To determine the bra cup size, such as A, B, C, D, etc., we take a second measurement over the breasts. All measurements should be rounded up to the nearest full increment/number. Next, we add four inches to the measurement if it is an even number and five inches to the measurement if it is an odd number. So, for example, if one's bust measured 36.3 inches, this would be rounded to the nearest whole number, which is 37. Next, because 37 is an odd number we add 5 more inches, to get 43.

Without a convernsion chart, one may generally calculate the cups size by simply adding one cup size for each 1 inch difference between the bandwidth size and cup size. Therefore, in our example of a 38 inch bandwidth and a 43 inch bust, we have a difference of 5 inches (43 - 38 = 5), which equates to a DD cup (see the bra size table below).

Calculate your cup size. Subtract the band size from the bust measurement and determine your cup size as follows: (The cup size calculation may be less accurate for larger cup sizes.)

Bra Size Table

less than 1 inch = AA cup
1 inch = A cup
2 inches = B cup
3 inches = C cup
4 inches = D cup
5 inches = DD cup
6 inches = E cup (US DDD)
7 inches = F cup (US DDDD)
8 inches = FF cup
9 inches = G cup