How to tell the shape of your face

As you're finding your personal style, the shape of your face is an essential piece of information. It can help you choose hairstyles, accessories, and even makeup looks that balance out your natural bone structure. Learning how to tell the shape of your face can also help you find the right glasses frames for your face. (Finally, something to help narrow down the options!)

Figuring out your face shape involves measuring your key features, determining the widest point of your face, and comparing the results to established face shapes. You'll also consider the overall curve (or lack thereof) of the edges of your face.

How to identify your face shape:

1. Get a ruler or measuring tape.

2. Pull your hair back.

3. Measure how long your face is.

4. Measure how wide your forehead is.

5. Measure how wide your cheekbones are.

6. Measure how wide your jawline is.

7. Determine the widest part of your face.

8. Compare your results to face shape types.

Wondering how your face measures up? (Sorry, we couldn't resist.) In this guide, we'll show you how to tell the shape of your face, break down each step of the process, and help you figure out which shape best fits your face.

How to determine your face shape

Figuring out your face shape isn't hard — all it takes is a few measurements. Before you start measuring, get a piece of paper. Make entries for face length, forehead width, cheekbone width, and jawline width. That way, you can jot down the numbers quickly.

Ready to get started? Here's how to identify face shapes.

1. Get a ruler or measuring tape

Find something to measure your face with. Rulers and measuring tapes both work well. A flexible fabric measuring tape is a bit more face-friendly than the retractable metal type — it can scrape your skin if it releases unexpectedly (ouch) — but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure the lock button is firmly in place!

2. Pull your hair back

If your hair is loose around your face, it can throw off the measurements. To make sure you're getting accurate numbers, pull back your hair with an elastic band or a headband.

Don't have anything to tie back your hair? Wet it and comb it straight back from your hairline on all sides of your face.

A beard can also get in the way of the measuring tape, but it's not too hard to manage. You can wet the hair or tie the beard back, too. (If you look like a Viking, you're doing it right.) Or just push down the hair while you're measuring.

3. Measure how long your face is

Hold your ruler or measuring tape vertically in front of your face. Measure the length from the center point of your forehead hairline to the tip of your chin.

Reading the numbers on the measuring tape might take a little practice at first. It might be helpful to enlist the help of a friend or family member.

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4. Measure how wide your forehead is

Locate the widest part of your forehead. Use your ruler or measuring tape to find the width from point to point. Write down this measurement.

5. Measure how wide your cheekbones are

Find the widest part of your cheekbones. Lay your tape measure across your face from one outer edge of the cheekbone to the other.

You don't need to measure all the way to the hairline — most people's cheekbones are widest right around the temples. The top edge of the tape measure should be under your eyes, but the exact spot will vary by face shape.

6. Measure how wide your jawline is

You guessed it — measure the width of your jawline at the widest point. If you're not sure, feel your jaw with your fingers until you find the corner of the bone. Then, measure from the left corner to the right corner, and write down the number.

7. Determine the widest part of your face

Look at the measurements you've written down. Determine whether your forehead, cheekbone, or jaw is widest. Then, compare that number to your face length.

8. Compare your results to face shape types

When you're determining your face shape, there are two things to consider: your measurements and the edges of your face.

Both of these factors are important. If two faces have similar measurements, for example, the curve of the jaw or forehead could determine the shape. It can be helpful to have a mirror or a selfie on hand (your phone probably has a folder full of them) for analyzing the curves of your face.

Here are the common face shapes:

• Oval: Oval faces are longer than they are wide. The cheekbones, jaw, and forehead have similar measurements, but the cheekbones may be slightly wider. This face shape usually has a softly curving forehead and jaw that create the oval shape.

• Rectangle or oblong: Like oval faces, oblong/rectangular faces are longer than they are wide, with similar forehead, cheekbone, and jaw measurements. However, the jaw will likely be straight and angular.

• Round: If you have a round face, you'll have similar measurements for your face length and cheekbone width. Your forehead and jaw will be slightly narrower, and your face will curve softly from the cheekbones to the forehead and the jaw to the chin.

• Square: As with a round face, square faces have similar length and cheekbone measurements. However, the sides of the face are typically straight between the forehead and jaw. You may also have an angled jawline rather than a gentle curve.

• Diamond: This face shape features a wide cheekbone measurement, a narrower jaw and forehead, and a pointed chin. If this is your face shape, your cheekbones are likely very prominent.

• Heart: If you have a heart-shaped face, your forehead will be the widest measurement, followed by your cheekbones. This face shape usually has a narrower jaw and a pointed chin, creating a distinctive heart shape. The forehead and cheeks are often soft and rounded.

• Triangle: A triangular face has measurements similar to a heart-shaped face — a wide forehead, narrower cheekbones, and an even narrower jaw paired with a pointed chin. However, it typically has a defined, angular jaw and cheekbones.

Not sure which is right? Look at various photos of yourself. Once you have a general idea of different proportions, it's pretty easy to spot the differences and figure out how to identify your face type.

Why is it important to know your face shape?

Now that you know how to tell the shape of your face, you're ready to take on the world — the world of fashion, anyway. This critical piece of data is crucial for everything from finding the most flattering eyeglass trends to choosing makeup that enhances your natural features.

Curious about the frames that balance out your bone structure? Start shopping for glasses that suit your face shape.