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Often, sellers don't seem care enough. So I've usually seen it go like this: do the bars have packaging that states a number? If yes, that's how they will sell it. If not (i.e. used parts without a clear marking on it), they will measure it c-to-c. Hopefully. If you're lucky.
When it comes to figuring out which size you really want, there's no way past looking up how the manufacturers actually measure it. I've seen c-to-c / outside-to-outside at the bar ends, and c-to-c / outside-to-outside on the hoods. 3T, e.g., measures c-to-c on the hoods. Deda, I think, measures outside-to-outside, but I can't remember whether that's in the drops or the hoods...
SwissChap-
3T, e.g., measures c-to-c on the hoods. Deda, I think, measures outside-to-outside, but I can't remember whether that's in the drops or the hoods...
This seems to fit with my measuring. And yes, some sellers don't even tell you which doesn't help. Decent manufacturer websites always help but I'm currently looking at Nitto M109AA's and I know that Nitto don't even list them on their website...
Fox
I have four sets of 42cm handlebars (carbon Ergonovas, alu Ergonovas x 2 and a pair of Deda Speciale).
Centre to centre, they all measure 40cm not 42cm - except one pair of alu Ergonovas which is weirdly more like 39cm. But they are all supposed to be 42cm, which is actually more like their total width (i.e. not c-to-c).
If you look up websites selling/that have sold these bars, they all claim the width is measured c-to-c. I don't know why this is, but given this is the case, should I buy new bars in 42cm too, even though everyone claims this is a c-to-c measurement?
It's a conspiracy! Why can't the bike industry be honest about the width of handlebars?!