US, UK and EU clothing and shoe sizes: how to convert them
Short answer: clothing and shoe sizes differ between the US, UK and EU, and between brands. Measure your foot in centimetres, use the rough rules below as a starting point, and check the brand's own chart. Orbitika's free Size Chart shows US, UK and EU sizes side by side.
What Orbitika's Size Chart does
The Size Chart shows US, UK and EU clothing and shoe sizes side by side. It is one of Orbitika's free everyday tools and is handy when you are shopping abroad or ordering from another country.
Why sizes differ
- EU shoe sizes use Paris points, where each size step is two thirds of a centimetre.
- UK shoe sizes are based on barleycorns, where each step is one third of an inch.
- US sizes are offset from UK sizes, and men's and women's sizes are different scales.
- Brands cut the same labelled size differently, especially between countries.
Rough rules of thumb
- Men's shoes: US is roughly UK plus 1.
- Women's shoes: US is roughly UK plus 2.
- EU shoe size: add about 1.5 cm to your foot length, then multiply by 1.5. A 26 cm foot gives (26 + 1.5) × 1.5, which is about 41.
Treat these as starting points. Always check the brand's own chart.
Typical women's dress sizes
| UK | US | EU |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 | 36 |
| 10 | 6 | 38 |
| 12 | 8 | 40 |
| 14 | 10 | 42 |
These are typical equivalents, and some brands run smaller or larger.
When it is useful
- Shopping in another country, where only local sizes are shown.
- Ordering shoes or clothes online from overseas sellers.
- Buying gifts for family in another country.
- Browsing second-hand marketplaces with mixed size labels.
Tips for a better fit
- Measure your foot in centimetres, preferably in the evening when feet are slightly larger, and use the longer foot.
- Use the seller's centimetre measurements when they are listed. Labels from some overseas sellers run smaller than you expect.
- Check the return policy before you buy, since size is the most common reason for returns.
Try Orbitika
Frequently asked questions
Why do clothing and shoe sizes differ between countries?
Each region uses its own system: Paris points for EU shoes, barleycorns for UK shoes, and a separate offset scale in the US. Brands also cut the same size differently.
What is a UK size in US shoes?
Roughly, a men's UK size plus 1 gives the US size, and a women's UK size plus 2 gives the US size. Check the brand's chart for exact fit.
How do I find my EU shoe size?
Measure your foot length in centimetres, add about 1.5 cm, then multiply by 1.5. For example, a 26 cm foot gives about EU 41.
Does Orbitika have a size chart?
Yes. Orbitika's Size Chart shows US, UK and EU clothing and shoe sizes, and it is one of the free everyday tools.