Do not include the length of any charm or pendant hanging from the chain.

Round up to the next inch or centimeter if you get a measurement that isn’t a precise number. If this is a length you want for a new necklace, you can bring in this length while searching for a necklace

If you are a person with a neck size measuring 13 (33 cm) to 14 ½ inches (36. 8 cm), an 18-inch (45. 7 cm) necklace is a good choice for necklace length. If you have a neck size measuring 15 (38 cm) to 16 ½ inches (41. 2 cm), a 20-inch (50. 8 cm) necklace would be a good choice. If your neck size measures 17 (43. 2 cm) to 18 ½ inches (47 cm), a 22-inch (55. 9 cm) necklace would be a good option for you.

If your height is below 5 feet (1. 5 m) 4 inches (162 cm), stick with necklaces measuring between 16 and 20 inches (40 and 50 cm). For people with heights between 5 feet (1. 5 m) 4 inches (162 cm) and 5 feet (1. 5 m) 7 inches (170 cm), necklaces of any length should work well. People with a height of 5 feet (1. 5 m) 7 inches (170 cm) or taller look best in longer necklaces.

If you want to accent the bust, choose a necklace that draws attention to the area just below the collarbone and above the bust. Usually, 20 to 22 inch (50 to 55 cm) necklaces will do the trick. If you have a flatter, less prominent bust, thin chains measuring around 22 inches (55 cm) tend to have an elegant look.

A choker length necklace measuring between 10 and 16 inches (25 and 40 cm) can help soften the sharp angle of the chin on people with heart-shaped faces. This tactic also works well for those who have rectangular and oblong faces. People with round faces should avoid short necklaces since these chains tend to make the face appear even rounder. Longer necklaces measuring between 26 and 36 inches (66 and 91 cm) elongate the jawline better. If you have an oval shaped face, all necklace lengths should be equally flattering.

Choker length is 16 inches (40 cm). Princess length is 18 inches (45 cm), but this size can actually range anywhere between 17 and 19 inches (43 and 48 cm). This length usually falls out at the collarbone. Matinee length is 20 inches (50 cm), which usually extends just a bit below the collarbone. If you need a chain that falls at mid-chest, opt for a 20-inch (55-cm) chain. For a necklace that falls around the bust, choose a 24-inch (60-cm) chain.

Men with smaller neck sizes may choose an 18-inch (45 cm) chain. This length should come down to the base of the neck. The most common length for the average man is 20 inches (50 cm), which comes down to the collarbone. Choose a 22-inch (55-cm) chain if you want something that lands just below the collarbone. For a necklace that comes down to a point just above the sternum, go with a 24-inch (60 cm) chain.

The right necklace measurement for a casual blouse may not work well for a formal dinner dress.

A necklace measuring 28 to 34 inches (71 to 86 cm) hang at or below the bust and are usually wrapped around the neck twice. Necklaces measuring 40 inches (101 cm) or longer usually land at or below the navel and may need to be wrapped around the neck two to three times. If a necklace measures 48 inches (122 cm) or longer, it will usually be wrapped around the neck three to four times.

If you want to wear pearls for a less formal occasion, however, notably long strands can still work well. You can get a strand of pearls measuring up to 100 inches (254 cm) long. For long necklaces like this, wrap the strand around your neck three to four times so that the pearls do not extend past your upper abdomen.

Notably heavy pendants may pull the chain down even further since the weight of the charm will cause the chain to hang taut around your neck.