Necklace Length Guide: 40, 45 and 50 cm in Inches
Posted by YANIV SEGAL
A 45 cm necklace is 17.7 inches long. On most adults it falls just below the collarbone, which makes it the most versatile length and the classic choice for a name necklace. A 40 cm necklace (15.7 in) sits higher at the base of the neck, and 50 cm (19.7 in) drops onto the upper chest. Here is the full conversion chart and how to pick the right length.
45 cm necklace in inches
45 cm equals 17.7 inches (1 inch is 2.54 cm). In the US the same length is usually listed as 18 inches, one of the most popular necklace lengths. The 0.3 inch difference is too small to notice once the necklace is on.
The quick conversions people search for most:
- 40 cm = 15.7 inches
- 45 cm = 17.7 inches
- 50 cm = 19.7 inches
Necklace length chart: cm, inches and where it sits
| Length (cm) | Length (in) | Style name | Where it sits on most adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 cm | 13.8 in | Choker | Sits high around the base of the neck |
| 40 cm | 15.7 in | Collar / short | Rests at the base of the neck, near the collarbone |
| 45 cm | 17.7 in | Classic (princess) | Falls just below the collarbone |
| 50 cm | 19.7 in | Long princess | A few centimeters below the collarbone, on the upper chest |
| 55 cm | 21.7 in | Matinee (short) | Around the top of the bust or a low neckline |
| 60 cm | 23.6 in | Matinee | At or just above the bust |
Where a necklace sits also depends on neck size, height and build. On a petite frame, 45 cm can fall a little lower; on a broad neck, it can sit closer to the collarbone. Use the chart as a starting point, then check with the string test below.
Where does a 45 cm necklace sit?
On most adults, a 45 cm necklace rests just below the collarbone, in the small hollow at the base of the throat. It is visible above a crew-neck T-shirt, frames a V-neck and sits neatly inside an open collar. That flexibility is why it is a go-to length for pendants and name necklaces.
For a pendant, the chain length is measured end to end, and the pendant adds a little drop below the chain. A wide name pendant sits a touch lower than a single small charm on the same chain.
40 cm vs 45 cm vs 50 cm: which length should you choose?
| 40 cm (15.7 in) | 45 cm (17.7 in) | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Close to the neck, delicate | Classic, balanced | Relaxed, lower |
| Best necklines | Open collars, strapless, scoop | Almost everything: crew, V, collar | High necklines, sweaters, layering |
| Best for | Small charms, petite frames | Name necklaces and pendants | Layering under a shorter chain |
| Watch out for | Can feel tight on a larger neck | Very little | Pendant may hide under a neckline |
The best length for a name necklace
For a name necklace, we usually point people to the 45 cm range. The name sits flat on the chest just below the collarbone, where it is easy to read and does not flip as easily as it would higher on the neck. Longer chains let the name hang lower, which works for layering but can hide the name behind clothing.
Name length plays a part too. A short name like Lily or Liam is compact and works at any length. Longer names are wider, and they look most balanced at 45 cm or below, where the chest is broad enough to frame them.
See your name necklace before you order
Choosing length is easier when you know exactly what the pendant will look like. On every gold name necklace page you can type the name, press Generate necklace and see it drawn in gold in about 30 seconds. Diamond name necklaces take about a minute.
- Up to 9 letters, in one or two words, letters only.
- Gold name necklaces support 10 scripts: Latin/English (plus Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German and others), Hebrew, Arabic (including Persian/Farsi and Urdu letters), Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Russian, Armenian and Thai.
- Diamond name necklaces are English letters only.
- Gold name necklaces start from $815 in 14K or 18K yellow, white or rose gold, or platinum; diamond name necklaces start from $3,470.
Our gold name necklace buying guide covers metals and fonts, and name necklaces in any language walks through every script.
How to measure your necklace length at home
- Take a piece of string or a phone charger cable and drape it around your neck.
- Let it fall to where you want the name or pendant to sit, then pinch the point where the ends meet.
- Lay it flat and measure in centimeters. Divide by 2.54 for inches.
- Try it with the neckline you wear most. A crew neck and a V-neck can change the ideal length by a few centimeters.
- If you plan to layer, leave about 5 cm between each necklace so they don't tangle.
Already own a necklace you love the length of? Lay it flat, measure it clasp to clasp, and use that number.
Shop the look: name necklaces
| Piece | Price | Why we picked it |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Name Necklace - Gianna | from $815 | A classic gold name pendant in 14K gold |
| Gold Arabic Name Necklace – Amal أمل | 14K Solid Gold | from $815 | Arabic calligraphy name; one of 10 supported scripts |
| 22K Gold Name Necklace – Katlin | Solid Gold | from $1,734 | 22K gold for a richer, deeper yellow |
| Gold Name Necklace – Emily | 14K Solid Gold | from $815 | A five-letter name that sits balanced at a classic length |
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 45 cm necklace in inches? 45 cm is 17.7 inches. In the US it is commonly sold as an 18 inch necklace.
Where does a 45 cm necklace sit? On most adults, just below the collarbone. It is visible with most necklines and is the classic length for pendants.
Is 40 cm or 45 cm better for a name necklace? 45 cm suits most people, because the name sits flat below the collarbone. Choose 40 cm for a closer, more delicate look on a petite frame.
How many inches is 50 cm? 50 cm is 19.7 inches. It sits a few centimeters below the collarbone, on the upper chest, and is a good length for layering.
Can I see my name necklace before buying? Yes. Type the name on the product page and press Generate necklace. Gold previews take about 30 seconds and diamond previews about a minute.
