What to Do If You Don’t Have a Ruler or Original Buttons

Sometimes you may not have a ruler or the original buttons to measure your garment.

If you have the original buttons, measure them first.

If not, you can use common coins as a simple size reference.

If you are still unsure, you can ask a tailor or a dry cleaner to help measure and recommend the correct size.

Coin Size Reference

USD
Dime (10¢) – 17.91 mm (11/16") – Small buttons  
Penny (1¢) – 19.05 mm (3/4") – Small / Medium buttons  
Nickel (5¢) – 21.21 mm (13/16") – Medium buttons  
Quarter (25¢) – 24.26 mm (15/16") – Medium / Large buttons  

Euro
1 cent – 16.25 mm (5/8") – Small buttons  
2 cent – 18.75 mm (3/4") – Small / Medium buttons  
5 cent – 21.25 mm (13/16") – Medium buttons  
10 cent – 19.75 mm (25/32") – Small / Medium buttons  

GBP
1p – 20.3 mm (13/16") – Small / Medium buttons  
2p – 25.9 mm (1.02") – Large buttons  

AUD
5c – 19.41 mm (25/32") – Small buttons  
10c – 23.60 mm (15/16") – Medium buttons  
$1 – 25.00 mm (0.98") – Medium / Large buttons  
$2 – 20.50 mm (13/16") – Small / Medium buttons  

Tips

Small buttons: 10–15 mm (shirts, cuffs)  
Medium buttons: 15–20 mm (shirts, light jackets)  
Large buttons: 20–25 mm (coats)  

- For most buttons, always measure across the widest point (diameter).  
- Toggle and frog buttons are exceptions; measure according to their unique shape.