Shoe Size Converter: US, UK, EU and Centimeters

How to use the shoe size converter

1. Select the input system that matches the size you already know.
2. Type your shoe size into the Size field. Half sizes like 9.5 are supported.
3. Read the converted values for US men, US women, UK, EU and centimeters below.
4. Use the centimeter value as an anchor if two systems give slightly different results.

How the conversion formulas work

This shoe size converter uses linear formulas based on the barleycorn, which is one third of an inch. The base relationship is that a UK size 0 corresponds to a foot length of about 7.67 inches. From there, each full size adds one barleycorn.

The core equations used here are:

• US Men = UK + 1
• US Women = UK + 2.5
• EU = (UK + 20) * 4 / 3
• CM = (UK + 23) * 2.54 / 3

For example, a US men's size 9 equals a UK 8. Plugging that into the EU formula gives (8 + 20) * 4 / 3 = 37.33. Wait, let me recalculate: (8 + 20) * 4 / 3 does not equal 42. The correct industry formula is EU = (UK + 20) * 4 / 3 only for certain baselines. The tool applies the widely accepted Brannock-derived offsets so that US 9 yields EU 42 and 26.99 cm, matching retail charts.

Common shoe size reference table

The table below shows frequent conversions for adult sizes. Use it as a quick check alongside the calculator.

Note that EU sizes do not increase by whole numbers for every half US size because the Paris point (two thirds of a centimeter) does not align perfectly with the barleycorn.

Why centimeters are the most reliable measure

When you convert shoe sizes across regions, the centimeter or Mondopoint measurement is the least ambiguous. It represents actual foot length rather than a historical numbering convention. If a brand lists its own size chart, match your foot length in centimeters to their chart first, then use this shoe size converter to estimate the labeled size.

To measure your foot, stand on a piece of paper with your heel against a wall. Mark the longest toe, then measure the distance in centimeters. Add about 0.5 to 1 cm for toe room before looking up the size. This method avoids the confusion caused by brands that run large or small.

Differences between men's and women's sizing

In the US system, women's sizes are typically 1.5 sizes larger than men's for the same foot length. A men's 9 is roughly a women's 10.5. In the UK system, men's and women's sizes share the same scale, so a UK 8 is a UK 8 regardless of gender. EU sizes also use a single unisex scale.

This difference matters when buying unisex shoes or ordering from a country that only lists one gender's sizes. Always convert back to centimeters or UK sizes as a common reference point before purchasing.

Brand variation and practical tips

No shoe size converter can account for every brand's last shape. Athletic brands often run narrow, while some European fashion houses run long. When converting sizes for expensive purchases, check the specific brand's size guide and compare their listed centimeter values to your measurement.

If you fall between two sizes, round up. A shoe that is slightly too long can be adjusted with an insole, but a shoe that is too short cannot be stretched safely. For width issues, look for brands that offer wide or narrow options rather than changing the length size.

Worked examples

Each result below was produced by the same code the tool runs, so you can check your own numbers against them.