The ultimate necklace length guide: how to find your perfect fit (chart)

The most popular necklace length is 18 inches (45.7 cm), which falls right at the collarbone on most women and suits almost any neckline. A 16-inch (40.6 cm) chain sits at the base of the neck, 20 inches (50.8 cm) sits a little below the collarbone, and 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61 cm) reaches the chest. Your neck size, neckline and whether you plan to layer all shift where a chain lands, so use the chart below, then check with a piece of string at home.

In this guide9

Necklace length chart: where does each length sit?

Choose a length to see where it falls. Positions are for an average adult neck; on a wider neck, a chain sits a little higher.

Necklace lengths on the neck

Length	Where it sits	Best for
14 in (35.6 cm), choker	Where it sits High and close around the neck	Best for Open necklines and the top layer of a stack
16 in (40.6 cm), collar	Where it sits At the base of the neck, just above the collarbone	Best for Framing the face, small pendants and layering
18 in (45.7 cm), princess	Where it sits On the collarbone	Best for Everyday wear and most pendants; the most popular length
20 in (50.8 cm), matinee	Where it sits A few inches below the collarbone	Best for Crew necks, button-downs and a second layer
22 in (55.9 cm), matinee	Where it sits At the top of the chest	Best for Bolder chains and larger pendants
24 in (61 cm), long	Where it sits Mid-chest	Best for Over sweaters and turtlenecks, and the longest layer

What is the most popular necklace length?

18 inches is the most popular length for women’s necklaces. It sits on the collarbone, where a pendant shows clearly above most tops. For men, 20 to 24 inches is more common, because it sits lower on a wider neck.

Which necklace length suits my neckline?

• Crew necks and turtlenecks: longer chains, 20 to 24 inches, that sit on top of the fabric.
• V-necks and scoop necks: 16 to 20 inches, so the chain follows the shape of the neckline.
• Strapless and off-the-shoulder: 16 or 18 inches, to frame the collarbone.
• Button-down shirts: 18 inches with the top button open, or 20 inches over a buttoned collar.

Does height or neck size change how a necklace fits?

Yes, neck size matters most. On a wider neck, more of the chain wraps around the neck itself, so an 18-inch chain can sit where a 16-inch chain would on someone else. Height and frame play a smaller part: shorter chains of 16 to 18 inches tend to look proportional on petite frames, while taller frames carry 20 to 24 inches easily.

If you are buying a gift and don’t know the size, 18 inches is the safest choice.

How long should a necklace be for a pendant?

For small, delicate pendants, 16 or 18 inches keeps the pendant close to the collarbone where it can be seen. Larger or heavier pendants look better on 20 or 22 inches, on a slightly sturdier chain. Remember that a pendant and its bail add their own drop below the chain.

What lengths should you choose for layering?

Choose lengths about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, such as 16, 18 and 20 inches, so each chain has its own space and the stack is less likely to tangle. Mixing chain textures helps each layer stand out. Our guide to layering gold necklaces walks through the full method, and our guide to gold chain types helps you choose the styles.

How do you measure necklace length at home?

1. Take a piece of string or a soft tape measure.
2. Wrap it around your neck and let it hang to where you want the necklace to sit.
3. Mark the point where the two ends meet.
4. Lay the string flat and measure it with a ruler. That is your necklace length.

You can also measure a necklace you already love: lay it flat, open the clasp and measure from end to end.

Find your length at Heon

Most of our chains and pendant necklaces come in several lengths, listed on each product page. The rope chain and paperclip necklace are easy everyday starting points, and the four-leaf clover necklace comes as a pendant only or on a 14 to 22 inch chain. Every piece is 14K gold (58.5% pure gold), stamped 585, never plated or filled, and ships with a certificate of authenticity.

Looking for a present? Our 14K gold gift guide has ideas for every budget.

Frequently asked questions

Shop our 14K gold necklaces