Want to measure your child’s head circumference to find the right hat or cap size? With a soft tape measure it only takes a moment. Here we show you step by step how it works, what the average head circumference is for kids aged 0 to 12 – and which size fits your child.
Measuring head circumference in kids: step by step
1. Get a soft tape measure ready: Use a sewing tape measure or a piece of string – not a metal tape measure.
2. Position it correctly: Place the tape once around the head, above the ears and around the widest part of the back of the head.
3. Don’t pull too tight: The tape should lie flat without cutting in.
4. Read the value in cm: If you use string, mark the spot where the ends meet and measure the length with a ruler.
5. Find the size: Compare the value with the charts below or with our cap size chart. If it falls between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Little tip: toddlers rarely sit still for long. Measure twice, for example while reading a story or at mealtime – that makes the result more accurate.
Kids’ head circumference: chart by age (0–12 years)
What is the typical head circumference for kids at each age? The chart shows rounded average values and the typical range, based on WHO growth data. On average, boys are about 1 cm above girls. Next to it you can see which Soulbuddy size usually fits for snapback caps and beanies. When ordering, though, what always counts is the measured value, not the age.
| Age | Average head circumference (approx.) | Typical range (approx.) | Matching Soulbuddy size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 34–35 cm | 32–37 cm | none yet – KIDS S from approx. 3 months |
| 3 months | 40 cm | 38–42 cm | KIDS S |
| 6 months | 43 cm | 41–45 cm | KIDS S |
| 9 months | 44–45 cm | 42–47 cm | KIDS S or KIDS M |
| 1 year | 45–46 cm | 43–48 cm | KIDS M |
| 1.5 years | 47 cm | 44–50 cm | KIDS M |
| 2 years | 48 cm | 45–51 cm | KIDS M or KIDS L |
| 3 years | 49 cm | 46–52 cm | KIDS L |
| 4 years | 50 cm | 47–53 cm | KIDS L |
| 5 years | 50–51 cm | 47–53 cm | KIDS L |
| 6 years | 51 cm | 48–54 cm | KIDS L |
| 8 years | 52 cm | 49–55 cm | KIDS L |
| 10 years | 53 cm | 50–56 cm | KIDS L or ADULT |
| 12 years | 54 cm | 51–57 cm | KIDS L or ADULT |
All values are guidelines. Kids’ heads grow at different rates – a head circumference at the upper or lower end of the range is completely normal. If you have questions about your child’s development, your pediatrician is the right person to ask.
Head circumference in babies
The head grows fastest in the first year of life: from around 35 cm at birth to about 45–46 cm by the first birthday. For babies from approx. 3 months, many of our caps are available in KIDS S with a soft elastic band (40–45 cm head circumference).
Head circumference at 3, 4 and 5 years
From the third birthday on, the head grows much more slowly – usually only about 1 cm per year. At 3 years, the average head circumference is around 49 cm, at 5 years about 50–51 cm. KIDS L almost always fits here, the size for caps for kids from age 2.
Head circumference in school-age kids (6–12 years)
School-age kids usually have a head circumference between 51 and 54 cm. For snapback caps and beanies, KIDS L goes up to 54 cm and therefore fits many kids well into primary school. From about 54–55 cm, our ADULT cap in One Size with an adjustable snapback closure is the better choice. You’ll find all caps for kids in our kids collection.
Measure head circumference
Kids’ hat size: Soulbuddy sizes by age
The following chart shows which Soulbuddy size roughly fits which age and which head circumference each size is designed for according to our size chart. Age is only a rough guide – what counts is always the measured head circumference.
| Age (approx.) | Soulbuddy size | Head circumference snapback / performance | Head circumference trucker / sports / dad hat | Head circumference beanie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3–9 months | KIDS S (depending on style) | 40–45 cm | 40–44 cm | 40–45 cm |
| 1 year | KIDS M | 45–49 cm | 44–48 cm | 45–49 cm |
| 2 years | KIDS M or KIDS L | 45–49 cm (M) / 49–54 cm (L) | 44–48 cm (M) / 48–53 cm (L) | 45–49 cm (M) / 49–54 cm (L) |
| 3–10 years | KIDS L | 49–54 cm | 48–53 cm | 49–54 cm |
| Teens & adults | ADULT One Size | 55–60 cm | 54–60 cm | 55–62 cm |
Hat size at 1 year
At around one year, most toddlers fit our size KIDS M – for beanies and caps. It’s designed for toddlers approx. 1–2 years. You’ll find all styles in caps for toddlers (KIDS M).
Hat size at 2 years
Around the second birthday is the transition between KIDS M and KIDS L. That’s why it’s especially important here: measure your child’s head circumference before you order. If the value falls between two sizes, choose the larger one – a cap can be adjusted tighter with the closure. From approx. 2 years KIDS L usually fits – here are our caps for kids from age 2.
Hat size at 3 years
At three years, KIDS L usually fits. This size is designed for kids from approx. 2 years and goes up to 54 cm head circumference for snapback caps and beanies. If your child’s head is already bigger, take a look at the ADULT size.
Beanie or cap: are the sizes the same?
The size names are the same for caps and beanies, but the head circumferences differ slightly by style. For trucker, sports and dad hat caps, the kids sizes are each 1 cm lower than for snapback, performance and beanie. The ADULT beanie fits up to 62 cm head circumference, the ADULT caps up to 60 cm. For winter, you’ll find all colors in our kids beanies.
Kids’ head size: why head circumference matters more than age
When buying hats or caps, always go by your child’s actual head circumference in cm, not just the age ranges. These are only approximate and can vary a lot, because kids’ heads grow very quickly in the first years – and each at a slightly different pace. Most age ranges are based on the data and measuring methods of the WHO (World Health Organization) for kids’ head circumference.
Our KIDS M and KIDS L caps have an adjustable snapback closure at the back. So you can adjust the cap to your child’s head, and it grows with them for a while.
Kids' Hat Sizes – What to Consider When Choosing a Hat
How to tell the hat no longer fits
The hat keeps sliding up or no longer covers the ears.
A clear mark stays on the forehead after taking it off.
The cap sits on top of the head even though the closure is already fully open.
Your child keeps pulling the hat off because it pinches.
Then it’s time for the next size. You’ll find our kids caps and beanies in every size in the overview Kids caps & beanies.
A matching look for big and small
Want to order for big and small at once? With our Mix & Match Bundle Builder for caps & beanies you choose the style, color and size for each piece yourself and save up to 25%.
Frequently asked questions
How do you measure head circumference correctly?
With a soft tape measure or a piece of string, once around the head – above the ears and around the widest part of the back of the head. Read the value in cm.
Is head size the same as head circumference?
Yes. When people talk about a kid’s head size, they almost always mean the head circumference in cm – exactly the value you measure with the tape measure and compare with the chart.
What is the head circumference at 3 years?
Around 49 cm on average; about 46–52 cm is typical. At Soulbuddy, KIDS L usually fits at 3 years.
What is the head circumference at 8 years?
Around 52 cm on average; about 49–55 cm is typical. KIDS L fits up to 54 cm, above that the ADULT cap in One Size.
What hat size does a 1-year-old need?
Usually KIDS M. For our beanies, this size is designed for a head circumference of 45–49 cm.
What hat size does a 2-year-old need?
At Soulbuddy, KIDS M is designed for approx. 1–2 years and KIDS L for kids from approx. 2 years. So at age 2 either can fit – the measured head circumference decides.
What hat size does a 3-year-old need?
Usually KIDS L. For snapback caps and beanies this size goes up to 54 cm, for trucker, sports and dad hat caps up to 53 cm head circumference.
When does an adult cap fit kids?
As soon as the head circumference is around 54–55 cm – for many kids between 10 and 14 years. Our ADULT caps are adjustable via the snapback closure and fit from 54 or 55 to 60 cm.
Are beanie and cap sizes the same?
The size names are the same, but the head circumferences differ slightly by style. You’ll find all values in the size chart.
What if the head circumference is between two sizes?
Then choose the larger size. The snapback closure lets you adjust the cap tighter.
Is there a tape measure with Soulbuddy sizes?
Yes, our tape measure for head circumference measures up to 65 cm and has the Soulbuddy cap sizes printed right on it.
Your set, your colours
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