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Wig Size & Cap Calculator

Name: How to use the Wig Size and Cap Calculator
Uploaded: 2026-11-07
Duration: 56 s
Description: A one-minute walkthrough of measuring your head in four places and matching it to a typical wig cap size chart.

Measure your head in four places to find your wig cap size — petite, average or large — and check it against a typical wig cap size chart.

How to use the Wig Size & Cap Calculator

Get a soft tape measure

Use a flexible sewing tape. If you will wear the wig over braids or cornrows, measure over that braid-down. Switch between inches and cm at the top.
Measure the circumference

Run the tape from the front hairline, behind the ears, around the nape and back to the start, and enter it as measurement 1. This one decides your size.
Add the three optional measurements

Front to nape over the top, ear to ear over the crown, and temple to temple around the back. Tap a number on the head diagram to see where each one goes.
Press “Find my cap size”

You get petite, average or large, a check of each measurement against the typical chart, and notes if one area runs bigger or smaller.
Save your size card

Download the size card PDF to compare with a brand’s own chart when you shop, or copy the link to keep your measurements.

How to use the Wig Size and Cap Calculator (56 s)

How it works

Wig caps are usually sold in three sizes — petite, average and large — and most of the fit comes down to one number: the circumference of your head along the hairline. This calculator compares that number, and three optional measurements, with a typical wig cap size chart and tells you where each one falls.

1. Circumference decides the size

Measure from the front hairline, behind one ear, across the nape where your hair stops growing, behind the other ear and back to the start. On a typical chart, a circumference under about 21.75 inches (55 cm) is petite, 21.75 to 22.75 inches is average and 22.75 inches (58 cm) or more is large. If you skip the circumference, the calculator uses the size most of your other measurements point to — and breaks a tie toward the larger size, because a cap is easier to take in than to stretch.

2. Three measurements check the shape

Heads differ in shape, not just size. Front to nape (over the top) shows how deep the cap needs to be; ear to ear over the crown and temple to temple around the back show how wide. When one of them points to a different size than your circumference, you get a note: a long front-to-nape usually means a deeper cap, while smaller readings can be handled with straps, combs or clips.

3. Between sizes

If your circumference is within a quarter inch of a size boundary, the result says so. The safe choice is the larger cap with the straps tightened.

Limits

The chart is a typical industry chart, not a standard — every brand publishes its own and they differ slightly.
Measure over whatever you will wear under the wig, such as cornrows or a wig cap.
A wig should never hurt. Pressure on the hairline over long periods can stress your edges.

Wig cap size chart (typical)

Measurement	Petite	Average	Large
Circumference	under 21.75″ (55.2 cm)	21.75″–22.75″ (55.2 cm–57.8 cm)	22.75″+ (57.8 cm+)
Front to nape	under 13.75″ (34.9 cm)	13.75″–14.25″ (34.9 cm–36.2 cm)	14.25″+ (36.2 cm+)
Ear to ear	under 12.75″ (32.4 cm)	12.75″–13.25″ (32.4 cm–33.7 cm)	13.25″+ (33.7 cm+)
Temple to temple	under 14.75″ (37.5 cm)	14.75″–15.25″ (37.5 cm–38.7 cm)	15.25″+ (38.7 cm+)

Typical wig-industry ranges. Check the brand’s own chart before you buy.

How to take each measurement

Circumference: Start at the front hairline, run the tape behind the ear, around the nape and back to the start.
Front to nape: From the front hairline, straight over the top of the head to the nape where your hair stops growing.
Ear to ear: From the top of one ear, over the crown, to the top of the other ear, where the hairline meets the ear.
Temple to temple: From one temple, around the back of the head at the widest point, to the other temple.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know my wig cap size?

Measure the circumference of your head along the hairline: start at the front hairline, go behind the ears, across the nape and back to the start. On a typical chart, under about 21.75 inches is petite, 21.75 to 22.75 inches is average and 22.75 inches or more is large.

What is the average wig cap size?

Most wigs are sold in an average (medium) cap, which typically fits a head circumference of roughly 21.75 to 22.75 inches — about 55 to 58 cm. Most average caps also have adjustable straps to take them in a little.

What size wig cap do I need for a 22.5 inch head?

A 22.5-inch circumference falls in the average range on a typical chart. Because it is close to the large range, check the front-to-nape measurement too — if it runs long, a deeper cap or a large may fit better.

What if I am between wig cap sizes?

Choose the larger size and tighten the adjustable straps. A cap that is slightly big can be taken in with straps, combs or a grip band, but a cap that is too small presses on the hairline and can give you headaches.

Should I measure my head with braids in?

Measure the way you will wear the wig. If you wear it over cornrows or a braid-down, measure over the braids — they add to every measurement.

How tight should a wig cap be?

Snug enough that it does not shift when you move your head, but never painful. Pressure at the temples, red marks or headaches mean the cap is too small or the straps are too tight. Constant pulling at the hairline is not good for your edges.

Are wig cap sizes the same for every brand?

No. Brands differ by a quarter to half an inch, and some add extra-small or extra-large sizes. Use this result as a starting point and compare it with the size chart of the brand you are buying.