Ring Light Sizes Explained: 6, 10, 12, 14 and 18 Inch Size Chart
Ring light sizes from 6 to 18 inch explained, with a size chart in inches and centimetres and what each size suits.
In this guide
Ring light sizes are quoted in inches, from small 6 inch lights to big 18 inch studio rings. The size changes how soft the light looks, how much of you it lights and how big a stand you need. This guide explains how ring lights are measured, what each size suits, and how to choose one for your room.
How ring light size is measured
The size is the outside diameter of the ring. A 10 inch ring light is about 25.4 cm across. The size does not include the phone holder, the mount or the stand.
Ring light size chart
| SizeDiameterBest forTypical setup | |||
| Mini / clip-on | Under 4 inch (under 10 cm) | Selfies and video calls on the go | Clips onto the phone |
| 6 inch | 15.2 cm | Desk video calls and close-up selfies | Small table tripod |
| 8 inch | 20.3 cm | Face-level selfies and calls | Table tripod or short stand |
| 10 inch | 25.4 cm | Reels, YouTube talking videos, makeup close-ups, online classes | Desk, or a stand up to about 7 feet |
| 12 inch | 30.5 cm | Head-and-shoulders to half-body videos | Light stand |
| 14 inch | 35.6 cm | Half-body videos and small home studios | Sturdy light stand |
| 18 inch | 45.7 cm | Full-body shots, makeup artists, salons | Heavy stand, often with its own power adapter |
What a bigger ring light changes
- Softer light: a larger light wraps around your face and softens shadows and skin texture.
- More coverage: a bigger ring lights more of your body from the same distance, which helps outfit and dance videos.
- Bigger catchlight: the ring shows up as a larger circle in your eyes.
- More weight and space: big rings need a sturdier stand and more room, and often more power than a USB port gives.
Small ring light or mini ring light?
A small ring light or mini ring light is usually 6 inch or under. It is easy to carry and clips onto a phone or a desk, and it works well for selfies and video calls. The trade-off is a smaller, harder light that covers less of you, so it suits a face close to the camera better than a half-body shot. At Jikra, the clip-on selfie ring light fixes to a desk or table edge.
Is a 10 inch ring light enough?
For most phone creators, yes. A 10 inch ring lights your face and upper body evenly from one to two feet away, runs on USB power and fits on a desk or in a small room. It is the most popular size for selfies, Instagram reels, makeup videos, video calls and online classes. Choose a bigger ring only if you regularly shoot full-length videos, or light a client's whole face and hair as a makeup artist.
How to choose a size for your room
- Small room or desk: 8 to 10 inch. A big ring crowds the space, and you cannot move it far enough back.
- Standing videos in a normal bedroom: a 10 inch ring on a tall stand, raised to just above eye level.
- Full-length or group shots: 14 to 18 inch, or two smaller lights, one on each side.
- Travel: a clip-on light, or a selfie stick tripod with a small fill light.
Size is only one part
A smaller ring placed closer can look as soft as a bigger ring placed further away. Height, distance and light mode matter as much as size. Our ring light setup guide shows where to place it, and the ring light buying guide covers stands, light modes and power.
Frequently asked questions
What size ring light is best for YouTube?
A 10 inch ring is enough for talking-head YouTube videos shot from the waist up. For full-body videos, use a 14 to 18 inch ring or add a second light.
Is an 18 inch ring light better than 10 inch?
It is better for full-length shots and professional makeup work, because the light is bigger and softer. For selfies, reels and desk videos, a 10 inch ring is easier to place, lighter and usually cheaper.
What size ring light do I need for makeup?
For your own makeup tutorials filmed close up, 10 inch works well. Makeup artists who light clients often prefer 14 to 18 inch for even light across the whole face.
How many centimetres is a 10 inch ring light?
About 25.4 cm across the outside of the ring.
Related guides
Shop the 10 inch RGB ring light with 7 feet stand or the 10 inch RGB ring light with phone holder.
