In this guide, you will learn how to identify your face shape. In just a few easy steps, you’ll be able identify yours using either a quick and easy infographic or an in-depth measurement process.
Just scroll down or jump ahead with the following links if you want to get right into it:
Why Identify Your Face Shape?
Being able to identify and better understand your face shape is an invaluable asset for the discerning gentleman. Some men may consider it superficial but you will be amazed in how your approach to wardrobe and personal grooming choices will drastically benefit. Know your features and learn how to best bring them into the limelight.
We’ve already highlighted the importance of our faces and how we present ourselves to the outside world. Even if a man isn’t particularly concerned with looking impeccable at all times, keeping the potential of his features in mind when picking out new hairstyles or beards gives him a huge advantage over his peers.
Remember that an understanding of your morphology gives you tremendous power in fine-tuning your appearance and the attitude you exude.
Perhaps you’re here because you’ve already read one of our guides on hairstyles or beards and need to calculate your face shape before going any further?
Maybe you’re just curious because you’ve heard about oblong or oval face shapes but don’t actually know yet which best fits your description. Let us put your mind at ease and guide you from here.
How To Find Your Face Shape
Firstly, note that although the page is written with men in mind, it can also be used for women.
If you’re a busy man at work, surrounded by colleagues and under your superviser’s watchful eye, you’d understandably feel uncomfortable asking the intern to pass you the ruler and start measuring away in the middle of an open space.
We understand and we’ve devised our own quick and dirty face shape infographic:
Bear in mind that the above infographic is designed for quick consultation to better understand your face shape. Still confused or want a more accurate result? Keep reading to learn more!
Satisfied with the result that you found? Click here to push on and learn more about your face shape!
Accurate Method For Identifying Your Face Shape
If the above infographic didn’t do it for you and you need or want something a little more precise, we’ve got an easy step-by-step method all laid out below.
Firstly, how does it work? It’s rather simple. By isolating four facial features and measuring them, we can easily determine a person’s face shape by comparing how they differ. Furthermore, no complex calculations are required as ratios are simply ordered from largest to smallest. The graphic below will help you understand how it works.
Before you continue, you’ll need the following items to find your face shape:
- A Mirror (to admire yourself).
- A tape measure (optional but will provide accurate results).
- An Ikea pencil (something to write with)
- The back of an envelope (something to write on)
Once you’ve got all of those items gathered, read on!
Steps For Measuring Your Face Shape
Measuring your face shape consists of taking the following steps and measurements:
- Measure Your Face Length
- Measure Your Forehead Width
- Note Your Cheekbone Width
- Measure Your Jawline
- Measurement Write-Up
You can use the links above to jump ahead if you’re halfway done or scroll down to go through them all!
This is the distance between the tip of your hairline to the point of your chin. If you have a widow’s peak (a hairline in the shape of a V), you’re all set to measure from there.
Having difficulty finding the hairline? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Just facepalm in despair! In placing your palm over your forehead with the little finger wrapped across the eyebrows, the knuckle of your index finger will now be over the hairline’s tip.
Take the measurement and note it down. Metrical or imperial, the unit doesn’t matter. We just need a value.
Extend your index and middle finger. Place your middle finger on the outer tip of your eyebrow and slide it up towards your hairline.
When about halfway, stop and check where your index finger is resting. This should be somewhere between the temple and the hairline, which is the widest part of your forehead.
Measure from here to the opposite side and take note.
Place your finger on the outer corner of your eye (don’t poke it) and run it down until you find bone.
Congratulations, you found your cheekbone – you probably already knew it was here but we just needed to make sure. Measure from here to the opposite point.
If you reach in below your ear as if you were taking your pulse after an intensive jog, your middle finger will be just under your jawbone.
Measure this down to the tip of your chin. You’ll want to multiply this by two to account for the entire jaw and because maths is fun!
Additional Note:
Since we’ve launched our face shape guides, we’ve had a lot of requests for help where readers submit their measurements. Over the course of the months, we’ve noticed that there have been a number of abnormally large jawline measurements.
We believe that this may be the source of much of the confusion. Therefore, we think it’s important to highlight exactly where the measurement should be taken.
Using Cillian Murphy’s exceptional jawline as an example in the image below, you will see that you need to measure from the where the jawbone begins to the tip of the chin. Avoid measuring from below the ear as a few centimetres extra can have a profound effect on your results!
Now the figures have been hastily jotted down like the coffee requests on an intern’s first day, list your features out from largest to smallest (make a note if they’re the same or very similar).
Remember that we only need a few measurements from isolated features to identify a face shape. Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to double check by comparing the different face shapes we’ve listed out below.
Compare Your Results
Finally, let’s see how these compare to our 7 face outlines!
- Face Length > Cheekbone Width > Forehead Width > Jawline
- Forehead Width > Cheekbone Width > Jawline [Pointed Chin]
- Face Length > (Cheekbone Width ≈ Forehead Width ≈ Jawline)
- Face Length > Cheekbone Width & Forehead Width > Jawline
- (Face Length ≈ Cheekbone Width) > (Forehead Width ≈ Jawline) [Rounded Jaw]
- Face Length ≈ Cheekbone Width ≈ Forehead Witch ≈ Jawline [Hard Jawed]
- Jawline > Cheekbone Width > Forehead Width
Compare the above proportions and click on the ratio that fits your description the most to jump straight to the face shape. Alternatively, scroll down and read up on each one before choosing.
Bear in mind that there’s an off-chance you may fall into more than one category. Don’t fret, it’s not uncommon! We’re in a ready-to-wear and not a made-to-measure context but the advantage is that you’ll be able to pick and mix our advice in several sections and tailor them to your needs.
Face Length > Cheekbone Width > Forehead Width > Jawline:
Your face length is the largest measurement, followed by your cheekbones, forehead width and jawline. This means that you have a Diamond face shape.
Shine bright and read our full guide on Diamond face shapes, which will refine your styling options.
Forehead Width > Cheekbone Width > Jawline [Pointed Chin]:
With a forehead width larger than your cheekbones and jawline, you have a heart-shaped face.
Learn how to melt hearts with yours via our heart face shape guide.
Face Length > (Cheekbone Width ≈ Forehead Width ≈ Jawline):
Your face length is the largest whilst your forehead, cheekbones and jawline are all similar in length, which means that you are an Oblong!
You can read up on how to style an Oblong face shape with our tutorial.
Face Length > Cheekbone Width & Forehead Width > Jawline:
With a face length longer than the cheekbone width as well as a forehead width larger than your jawline, yours is what is known as an Oval-shaped face.
Step this way to read more about Oval-shaped faces and learn more about how to take advantage of what you’ve got.
(Face Length ≈ Cheekbone Width) > (Forehead Width ≈ Jawline) [Rounded Jaw]:
Whilst your face cheekbone width and face length are alike, they’re both larger than your similarly-sized forehead and jawline. This means that your face is Round.
Read our Round face shape page to learn how to maximise its potential.
Face Length ≈ Cheekbone Width ≈ Forehead Witch ≈ Jawline [Hard Jawed]:
All measurements are similar on a Square face shapewith an often pronounced jawline.
Read about about your God-given square-shaped features and how to style them properly.
Jawline > Cheekbone Width > Forehead Width:
If you have a Triangle face shape, jawline is wider than your cheekbone width, which in turn is wider than your forehead.
Our Triangle face shape guide features detailed advice on how to properly style it.
What Next?
Finally, remember that nothing is set in stone. Despite some sources saying otherwise, no face shape is more attractive than another. Nobody’s perfect and the grass is always greener for everyone. Therefore, it’s important to enjoy being you.
Now that you’ve successfully identified your face shape, you’ll be able to explore all our personal grooming and glasses content. Each of the following topics regularly links back to face shapes:
Nevertheless, feel free to click on your appropriate face shape above to learn more about its features and potential pitfalls!
"I love this website! After hours and hours of researching, I finally found an amazing in-depth detailed website which I used to get an idea of my face shape."
Contents
Very nice te the way you explain the steps are nice
Thanks!
Best,
CP
Hello!
My measurements are:
Face length: 8 inch
Cheekbone: 6 inch
Forehead: 7.5 inch
Jawline: 9 inch
Any ideas on what is the shape of my face? Thank you!
Hi Owen,
It would appear that you have a triangle face shape. Double check the jawline measurement just to be sure!
Best,
CP
I’m pretty confused!
I get
Jaw = 26cm
Face Length – 21.5cm
Forehead = 13cm
Cheek – 12cm
None of those shapes seem to fit me?
Any help appreciated!
Hi Steve,
Indeed, it’s possible that you have a combination of face shapes. By the looks of it, triangle seems to be your primary face shape and oblong would be your secondary face shape.
I recommend that you use both face shape resources for styling advice.
Best,
CP
Hmmm… my measurements don’t match up perfectly with any of the types. I would guess my face is probably closest to triangular, as my jawline is the longest measurement. However, I’ve done the measurements 3 times now, and my forehead width consistently shows up as wider than my cheekbone width. Nor did I notice that quality showing up in any of the other types. How common is it for a face to not match up with any of these types? And do you have any advice as to what my type is closest to (measurements in descending order were: jawline, face length, forehead, and cheekbones)?
Hi Christopher,
As we’ve outlined only 7 face shape templates, it’s not uncommon for there to be some cases where none of them apply to certain people entirely. My advice would be to do a visual inspection. If nothing comes to you immediately, consider taking into account your most distinguishable features and measurements and then comparing them to our templates. You can then mix and match the styling options based on the suggestions that we offer.
Best,
CP
EXacTLY SaMe To SaMe You BRo! SaMe MeasuReMenTs! I THinK We’Re ‘TRianGLe’ ????
Triangle Bros!
Hi i Areeb
Jawline: 8
Facelenght: 8.1
Forehead: 6
Cheekbones: 6
Please help me to identify my face shape
Hi Areeb,
These dimensions sound very close to one another. I would hazard a guess at square or round face shapes – you need to do a visual inspection to make the distinction.
Best,
CP
Can you tell me that what is visual inspections and how to do it
Hi Areeb,
There are two ways. One is to use our quick infographic guide. Meanwhile, the other is simply comparing your own face with the seven different ones in order find out which one has the closest resemblance.
Best,
CP
I’m not sure what face shape I still have lol I feel like I need help. Someone come take a look of a few pics of me lol
Hi Kevin,
If you contact us directly, we could arrange for a private consultation for a fee!
Best,
CP
I might be tripping up the measurements but my face length is 8 and my jawline is 8 but then my cheekbones and forehead are both 6
So I don’t know which shape I would be
Anyone mind helping me?
Hi Matthew,
Sounds like either a round or square face shape. You’ll have to rely on a visual inspection to choose between the two.
Best,
CP
Hi,
Please help me to find my face shape?
If my face length = 20 cm
Forehead = 16 cm
Cheek bones = 14 cm
And jawline = 24 cm
Please reply!!!????????
Hi Aman,
Your measurements strike me as triangle shape due to the pronounced jawline.
First is my jaw greater
Second is my face length greater
Third is fore head
And four number is check bone
What is my face shape plz tell me i am confused
Hi Jawad,
With the greater jawline, it sounds like you have a triangle face shape.
Best,
CP
My face length is 8 inches.
My forehead is 7 inches.
Cheekbones are 10 inches.
Jawline is 10 inches
Which one am I.
There’s a narrow different between some of the measurements so it may be square. However, they also indicate a triangle face shape. I’d recommend checking the mirror. However, you may want to borrow from both style guides.
Sorry to bother, but I’m having a difficult time as well.
In inches, my face measurements are:
Forehead: 4.75
Cheekbones: 5
Jawline: 9 ish
Overall Length: 8.3
Hi Garrett,
Given the distinctive different between your cheekbones and jawline, I’d say that your face shape is a triangle shape.
Best,
CP
Hi ,
my face length is 23 cms
Fore head is 15 cms
Cheek bone is 13 cms
Jaw line is 20 cms
Pls hehp me with shape
Hi Venkates,
Sounds like a triangle face shape to me.
Best,
CP
Hi there
Please help with mine
Jaw 7 inch
Total face length 7 inch
Forehead width 5 inch
Cheek 5 inch h
Thanks in advance!
Hi Mac,
It sounds like a potentially triangle face shape.
Best,
CP
the cheek measurement is just below the two corners of the eye?
do you start there and measure ear to ear tho
Hi Zach,
As is outlined in the text, you need to measure your actual cheekbones, which is the boney bit that tends to be just under the corner of your eye. You don’t measure from ear to ear.
Best,
CP
Hi
I’m having a hard time deciphering my face shape, I’d love some help. My measurements were as follows:
Face length: 21.3cm
Forehead: 18cm
Cheekbones: 16.2cm
Jawline: (13.4*2)= 26.4cm
Also, I have a rounded jawline, So it boils down to jawline>face length>forehead>cheekbones.
Thank you :)
Hi Moisés,
These measurements look like a triangle face shape to me.
Just make sure that you properly measured your jawline as I’ve noticed that a lot of people measure from under their ear. Instead, you should measure from where the jawbone points out.
Best,
CP
Great i got a Diamond Shape . I think its better than other face shapes.
Delighted that you’re happy with the result!
Hey, I was wondering if you anyone could help me determine my face shape.
1. Length: 19 cm
2. Forehead: 11.5 cm
3. Cheek: 12.5 cm
4. Jaw: 9-10 x 2 = 18-20 cm
Even a guess would be good enough for me to go from!
Hi Farzy,
Just by looking at the jawline, I’d say that you’re a triangle face shape. However, please double check your jawline measurement with regards to our note above as we’ve been getting a lot of abnormal measurements.
All the best,
CP
I tried measuring again and this time I got around 14-15cm. What face shape would that be? It doesn’t really look like a triangle face shape when I look in the mirror but it might be due to my body fat or somethin.
Hi Farzy,
That’s better!
How does an oblong face shape sound to you? All your other measurements are about the same whereas the face length is the largest one.
Best,
CP
brother,
my face shape
face length =20
forehead and cheekbone = 14.5
jawline= 9.
Now what is my face shape.
Hi Israfil,
It looks like you have a classic oval face shape?
All the best,
CP
Hi. Please help me to identify my face shape IAM so confused
Face length : 8
Forehead :6
Cheek : 5
Jawline:10. Please help me
Hi Bajil,
It’s hard to say but this sounds like a triangle face shape given the larger jawline.
Best,
CP
Hey, i still have some problem finding my faceshape i always thought i have an oblong face but read on here that top knots don’t really look good on such a face but i’m actually rockin a top knot and most people tell me it looks good so i would like some more clarification(i feel like every hairstyle looks good on me tbh)
My measurements are
Forehead 18cm
Cheekbones 15cm
Face length 20-21cm
Jawline 22m
Help would be much appreciated
Hi AricLodbrok,
Many of our recommendations are guidelines and there will always be exceptions to the rule. They’re not set in stone so if you feel good doing something, don’t let our words stop you!
Your face shape could be square or even oval by looking at those measurements. Your jawline and face length are very similar and the forehead isn’t far off. Perhaps your could leave a link to a photo in the comments and we’ll take a look? Feel free to use Instagram, Facebook or Flickr.
Best,
CP
This Face Shape Guide is phenomenal! I’ve seen and used other face shape guides on the internet, but this one is the best I’ve found so far. The “geometric breakdown” aspect goes above and beyond — Thank You!
That said, I have one piece of constructive feedback I hope you incorporate in the future in order to make this guide the absolute best. It would be tremendously helpful to have an example photo of each measurement that better defines the beginning and end point of each measurement.
Moreover, I did not see anything in the article stating which type of tape measure should be used. There are rigid tape measures, and flexible tape measures. Essentially, are we only measuring in two-dimensions (rigid tape measure), or three-dimensions (flexible tape measure)? The difference in these measurements could be significantly different. A photo could potentially reduce this confusion.
Face Shapes are understandably difficult to objectify. Thankfully, your “geometric shape breakdowns” provide great guidance on this subjective topic. Thanks again!