What Is a Long Ramus (& How Do You Measure It)?

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Aesthetics and looksmaxxing authority Austin Wayne explains what a ramus is

Co-authored by Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: March 4, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Meaning
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• How to Measure
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• Getting a Longer Ramus
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• Why does ramus length matter?
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• Video

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When the ramus (the part of your jawbone that connects your jaw to your skull) is longer than average, it’s believed to give you a stronger, more defined jawline and masculine look. Whether or not you have a long ramus has become a popular topic within looksmaxxing trends, especially for guys. In an exclusive interview, we talked to an aesthetics and looksmaxxing authority to find out what it means to have a long ramus and how to measure it. We’ll also dive into the methods you can use to try and lengthen it, why having a long ramus matters, and what it might mean for you.

Short vs. Long Ramus

Aesthetics and looksmaxxing authority Austin Wayne says the ramus runs from the bottom of the ear to the bottom of the jaw. A long ramus results in a longer lower third of the face, a more square face shape, and a defined jawline. A short ramus causes a shorter lower third of the face and a less defined jaw angle.

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Section 1 of 4:

What is a long ramus?

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   A long ramus is a longer-than-average vertical portion of the jawbone. A long ramus appears more elongated than a medium or short ramus might. Wayne says that the ramus runs from the bottom of the ear down to the bottom of the jaw. Specifically, it connects the angle of the jaw to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

   • Long ramus causes include:
     • Genetic facial structure
     • Inherited disorders like Crouzon syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome
     • Hormonal disorders like acromegaly or gigantism
     • A hard diet that causes more forceful chewing habits
   • Men generally have a longer ramus than women.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Austin Wayne is an aesthetics and looksmaxxing authority with 9 years of experience in fitness, aesthetics, and self-improvement. He’s also a personal trainer and male model, and has launched his own looksmaxxing school.
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   A long ramus creates a more square face shape and a strong jawline. It also decreases the lower third of the face by creating a lower gonial angle (the angle where the ramus meets the jawbone). In addition to producing a stronger, more defined jawline type, a long ramus can also weaken the bite force because of its thinner masseter muscles, which are used for biting and chewing.

   • Is a long ramus attractive? A long ramus is often considered attractive in men because it’s associated with a strong, well-defined square jawline.
   • A short ramus results in a less defined jaw angle, a shorter lower third of the face, and a more pronounced chin.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Measure Your Ramus

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   Measure from the top of the jawbone to where the jaw curves inward. TikTokers are posting videos that show themselves measuring their ramus length, like this one from linc4983 and this one from hermanherlove. Wayne says you can use a measuring tape to find the length of your ramus. Hold a soft tape measure from the top of the jawbone, directly in front of your ear. Then, measure from that point to the corner angle of your jaw.

   • Please note: This is a non-verified approach to measuring a long ramus and is not medically accurate.
   • Stand or sit in front of a mirror where you have good lighting when measuring.
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   Use your measurement to see if you have a long ramus. The average length of a ramus varies from 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm). A long ramus measurement would be in the higher range of average (or above), while a short ramus would fit into the lower range (or below).

   • Average male ramus: Approx. 2.41 inches (6.13 cm) to 2.42 inches (6.14 cm)
   • Average female ramus: Approx. 2.19 inches (5.55 cm) to 2.21 inches (5.61 cm)
   • Measurements that define a long ramus vary depending on sex, age, and the specific measurement being taken.
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   A cephalogram (CBCT) scan can identify and measure ramus length. Both are verified scientific methods to determine the approximate length of the ramus. Taking your own measurements is inaccurate because it’s very difficult to follow the curved structure of the jaw. The cephalogram or CBCT scans work like this:

   • They measure the distance from the point where the mandible connects to the skull to the point where the ramus (vertical part of the jaw) and the body of the lower jawbone meet.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Get a Long Ramus

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   Switch to a hard diet that requires more chewing to promote ramus growth. It's important to note that different studies have shown that diet can influence muscle development, but it can’t significantly alter bone structure in adults, because jaw structure is largely determined by genetics. A hard diet can strengthen your jaw muscles, which may benefit your overall health.

   • Consult a healthcare professional or dentist if you want to make changes in your jaw health and development.
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   Practice mewing. To use this popular social media tongue posturing technique, keep your entire tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth with suction—users claim that, over time, mewing can lead to a more defined, chiseled-looking jawline and improved facial structure. It’s important to note that there is no scientific research to back up claims that mewing can cause significant changes to facial structure.

   • Close your mouth while mewing and breathe through your nose. Practice when you’re at rest, so you can try to hold the position for extended periods.
   • It’s best to consult a dentist or an orofacial myofunctional therapist if you have concerns about your oral health or facial structure.
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   Shave off your sideburns to create the illusion of a longer ramus. When you remove your sideburns (especially if they’re longer), this can help provide a longer-looking ramus and a more defined jawline, aesthetically speaking. Sideburns may conceal or soften the angle of your jaw, so creating a cleaner, sharper line helps bring attention to the corner of the jaw. This can give the illusion of a longer ramus.
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   Learn more about cosmetic procedures used to lengthen a ramus. Procedures involve those where the ramus is cut to move the jaw, or ones that lengthen the bone gradually over time. Bone grafting, jaw implants, or fillers are also used to increase the length and width of the ramus.

   • Some of these surgical procedures are considered extreme steps and come with risks of their own. Once you take the time to consider this, you may still wish to move forward with a cosmetic procedure, which is fine too!
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Section 4 of 4:

Why does ramus length matter?

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   Ramus length matters because it’s linked to jaw stability and chewing. While a short ramus can lead to difficulty breathing, chewing, and speaking, and is linked to sleep apnea, a recessed chin, and some facial deformities, a long ramus is associated with dental issues that include a deep bite, which occurs where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. It may alter the resting position of the jaw, which can result in a condition known as TMJ. Symptoms of TMJ include pain in the jaw, face, or neck, headaches, and occasionally ear pain.

   • The TMJ joint is known as the temporomandibular joint; it controls jaw movements, including the opening, closing, and side-to-side motions of the jaw.
   • Other symptoms of TMJ include clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth and jaw stiffness.
   • A long ramus is also sometimes linked to wisdom teeth impaction or crowding of the teeth in the lower jaw.
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   Some people believe that a long ramus is more attractive. Social media looksmaxxing communities focus on having a long ramus (and strong jawline) through skincare practices, facial exercises, and cosmetic surgery. Remember that unhealthy or unrealistic beauty standards used to enhance your physical appearance are not backed by scientific or medical research. It’s most important to be proud of your appearance, believe in yourself, and know that you are beautiful and/or handsome just the way you are!

   • Wayne says that a long ramus can give the face a more feminine look, while a shorter, more compact ramus can make the face seem more masculine. But he adds that there’s “not a good or bad ramus.” He says it depends on how the ramus fits in with the harmony of a person’s overall face.
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