Shoe size converter: convert US, UK, EU, and international sizes instantly

Buying shoes from a different country? Use the free shoe size converter on ToolHQ to convert between US, UK, EU, Japanese, and other international shoe sizes for men, women, and children.

Shoe sizing systems are not standardized worldwide. The same foot size is called different things in the US, UK, Europe, and Japan, and the numbers do not simply map to each other with a single formula. The converter handles the math for all major systems.

No data is stored or transmitted. All conversions run in your browser.

Key Takeaways

• Convert shoe sizes between US, UK, EU, JP, and other international systems
• US women's sizes are approximately 1.5-2 sizes larger than US men's for the same foot
• Shoe sizes vary by manufacturer: always check the brand's own size chart when possible
• Measuring your foot in centimeters or inches is the most reliable way to find your correct size
• No data stored or transmitted; no account required

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Why shoe sizing is confusing

Shoe sizing varies significantly across countries and even across brands within the same country. According to Wikipedia's shoe size article, no single international standard for shoe size exists. Different countries developed their own systems based on different measurement units and calculation methods, producing incompatible numbering schemes that persist today.

The major sizing systems and what they measure:

US sizing uses barleycorns (1/3 inch) as its unit. The scale starts from zero at a foot length of approximately 7.33 inches. US men's and US women's sizes start at different points on the same scale, which is why the same physical foot gets a different number in men's vs women's shoes.

UK sizing is similar to US men's sizing but offset by one full size. A US men's size 9 is equivalent to a UK size 8.

EU (European) sizing is based on Paris points, where one Paris point equals 2/3 centimeter. EU sizes are the same for men and women for the same foot length.

Japanese sizing (JP) is the most intuitive: it directly uses foot length in centimeters. JP 25 means the shoe fits a 25cm foot. The ISO 9407 standard codifies this Mondopoint approach as the international shoe sizing standard, though it has not replaced regional systems in practice.

Mondopoint (the ISO standard) uses foot length in millimeters combined with width for precision fitting. Used in aviation, military, and some athletic footwear, but rarely in everyday retail.

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The key distinction: men's vs women's vs kids

One of the most frequent sources of confusion in shoe sizing is the relationship between men's and women's sizes in the US system.

US men's and women's sizing use the same scale but start at different offsets. A US women's size 8 corresponds approximately to a US men's size 6.5. The difference is typically 1.5 to 2 sizes, with women's sizes being numerically higher for the same foot length.

Children's sizing in the US uses a completely different numbering system. Children's sizes run from 0 (infant) to 13 (youth), then restart at 1 in adult sizes. A child's size 13 is followed by an adult size 1, not a size 14.

Conversion comparison table

Foot length (cm)	US Women's	US Men's	UK	EU	JP
22 cm	5	3.5	3	35	22
23 cm	6	4.5	4	36	23
24 cm	7	5.5	5	37	24
25 cm	8	6.5	6	38-39	25
26 cm	9	7.5	7	40	26
27 cm	10	8.5	8	41	27
28 cm	11	9.5	9	42-43	28
29 cm	12	10.5	10	44	29
30 cm	13	11.5	11	45	30

Note: EU sizes may span a range because Paris point increments do not map cleanly to centimeter increments. When EU sizes show a range (38-39), the lower size is typically the more conservative fit.

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How to measure your foot for accurate sizing

Shoe size conversions give you an approximation. The most reliable way to find your correct size is to measure your actual foot and match it to the size chart from the specific brand you are buying.

Here is how to measure:

1. Place a blank sheet of paper on a hard floor. Stand on it in the socks you plan to wear with the shoes.
2. Trace the outline of your foot. Keep the pen vertical while tracing.
3. Measure the longest distance. From the heel to the tip of the longest toe (usually the big toe but sometimes the second toe).
4. Measure the widest point. Across the ball of your foot.
5. Use the larger foot. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Size for the larger foot.
6. Match to the brand's size chart. Enter your measurement in centimeters into the converter or the brand's own chart.

Foot measurements change throughout the day. Feet are slightly larger in the afternoon after bearing weight. Measure when you plan to wear the shoes, or measure in the afternoon to be safe.

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When you need a shoe size converter

Buying shoes online from international retailers. When shopping from a European, UK, or Japanese retailer, the sizes are listed in their local system. A quick conversion prevents ordering the wrong size.

Buying gifts for people who use a different sizing system. If you know someone's UK size but need to order from a US store, the converter bridges the gap.

Buying kids shoes from international brands. Children's shoe sizing has additional complexity because the numbering systems reset. The converter handles children's, youth, and infant sizes separately.

Reselling or importing footwear. Businesses that import or resell shoes need accurate size conversion for labeling and customer guidance.

Take Fiona, who lived in the US but regularly bought shoes from European brands online. She wore a US women's size 8, but European listings used EU sizes and different brands' EU 38 fit differently than others. She started using the shoe size converter alongside each brand's own size chart. For most brands, EU 39 was closer to her foot measurement than EU 38, despite the standard conversion suggesting 38. She noted the discrepancy by brand in a simple note file and used it as a reference for future purchases.

Convert your shoe size now

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How to use the ToolHQ shoe size converter

Converting takes a few seconds.

1. Select your gender. Men's, women's, or children's.
2. Enter your known size. Type your current shoe size in the system you know.
3. Select the input sizing system. Choose US, UK, EU, JP, or CM (centimeters).
4. Read the results. The converter shows equivalent sizes in all other systems instantly.

No data is stored or transmitted. No account is needed.

For related tools, the clothing size converter handles apparel sizing across regions. The unit converter handles general length conversions if you need to convert foot measurements between centimeters and inches.

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Important caveats: sizing varies by brand

Shoe size conversion gives you a starting point, not a guaranteed fit. Sizing varies significantly between manufacturers because:

• Different brands use different lasts (the foot-shaped mold around which shoes are constructed)
• Leather and other materials stretch differently
• Width standards differ between brands
• Some brands run narrow; others run wide

A Nike size 9 fits differently than an Adidas size 9 fits differently than a New Balance size 9, even in the same gender and the same sizing system. This is why experienced online shoe buyers check brand-specific size guides and read customer reviews mentioning fit before ordering.

When exact fit matters, use your foot measurement in centimeters as the reference point, then match to the specific brand's size chart rather than relying solely on system-to-system conversion.

Marcus was a parent buying school shoes for his 8-year-old. His daughter had been wearing a US children's size 3, but the brand he wanted to order from online listed only EU sizes. He was confused because the EU numbering looked very different from what he expected. He used the shoe size converter: children's, US size 3, to EU, getting EU 35. He ordered EU 35 and the shoes fit correctly. He then bookmarked the converter for future use, knowing that children's EU and US sizes would stay consistent with the same formula as her feet grew.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between US men's and US women's shoe sizes?

For the same foot length, US women's sizes run approximately 1.5 to 2 sizes larger than US men's. A foot that fits a US men's 7 would wear approximately a US women's 8.5 to 9.

How do I convert EU shoe size to US?

For women: subtract 31-32 from the EU size to get the approximate US women's size. For men: subtract 33-34. Example: EU 39 = approximately US women's 8, US men's 6.5.

Are shoe sizes in the UK the same as the US?

No. UK sizes are approximately one size smaller than US men's sizes. A US men's 9 equals a UK 8. UK and US women's sizes differ by about 2.5 sizes.

Why do some brands fit differently than the size chart suggests?

Brands use different lasts (foot mold shapes) and allow different tolerances. Some brands consistently run narrow or wide. Brand-specific size charts and customer reviews mentioning fit are more reliable than generic system-to-system conversion for specific brands.

What is the Mondopoint shoe size system?

Mondopoint is an ISO international shoe size standard that uses foot length in millimeters as the size number. JP 25 means 250mm foot length. It is the most intuitive system and the most accurate for fit, but it is only widely used in Japan and for specialized footwear (military, aviation). Most retail shoes still use national systems.

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The short version

Shoe sizes are not standardized internationally. The US, UK, European, and Japanese systems all use different numbering schemes, and they do not convert with a single formula across all sizes.

ToolHQ's free shoe size converter handles all major systems for men, women, and children. Enter your size in any system and get instant equivalents in all others. Use foot measurements in centimeters for the most reliable sizing.

Convert your shoe size now

For clothing sizes, the clothing size converter handles apparel region conversions in the same way.

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