Necklace Length Chart: How to Choose the Right Length
Updated November 2026. By the Jewelry by Sweet Pea team, a family-owned jeweler since 2008.
The short answer: 18 inches is the most popular necklace length. It sits at the collarbone and suits most pendants. Choose 16 inches for a close fit at the base of the neck, or 22 to 24 inches for the usual men's length.
The easiest way to choose a necklace length is to try it before you buy: lay a string around your neck and see where it falls. It takes about two minutes.
Necklace length chart
| Length | Where it sits on an average adult |
|---|---|
| 16 in | Base of the neck (choker) |
| 18 in | Collarbone, the most popular pendant length |
| 20 in | A few inches below the collarbone |
| 22 to 24 in | Upper chest, the usual men's length |
| 30 in and longer | Center of the chest, or for layering |
Length is the full chain length, clasp included.
Three ways to find your length
1. Measure a necklace you already like
- Unclasp it and lay it flat in a straight line.
- Measure from end to end, clasp included.
- Choose the closest length in the chart.
2. Try it with a piece of string
- Drape non-stretchy string around your neck and hold the ends together in front of a mirror.
- Slide your fingers along the string until it falls where you want the necklace to sit, then mark that spot.
- Lay the string flat and measure it. Then choose the closest length in the chart.
3. Use our printable tape measure
No tape measure at home? Print ours, cut out the strips and tape them together.
Download the Tape Measure (PDF)
- Print at 100% or "Actual size". Do not use "Fit to page".
- Check the print: a standard credit card should match the card line on the sheet.
- Cut along the lines and tape the strips end to end.
Tips for the right length
- Wearing a pendant? The pendant hangs below the chain, so it will sit lower than the chain length alone suggests.
- Buying a thicker chain? Thick chains tend to sit a little higher than a fine chain of the same length.
- Layering? Choose lengths about 2 inches apart so the chains don't sit on top of each other.
- Between two lengths? Choose the longer one if you want room over your head or a looser fit.
- Buying a pendant? Check the listing to see whether a chain is included, and that the chain will fit through the pendant's loop.
Ordering your length
Many chains and necklaces show length choices on the product page. Just select yours. Otherwise, the length is listed in the product details.
More jewelry guides
- How to Find Your Ring Size: Measure at home with our printable sizer and size chart.
- Gold and Metals Guide: 10K or 14K, sterling silver, plated and more, compared.
- Engraving Guide: How it works, wording tips and what to check before you order.