Shoe Size Conversion

Please provide a shoe or foot size below to convert to the shoe sizes of other countries.

Convert for   Adults Kids (age 5-12) Infants/Toddlers (age 0-4)
US/Canada women	(1-15)
US/Canada men	(1-14)
UK/India	(0-15)
EU	(15-50)
Japan/Mexico	(8-32)
China	(8-55)
Foot length	cm mm inches

Choosing the right shoe size is tricky because there is no worldwide standard. Variations in measurement methods across countries, differences between men's and women's feet, diverse brand labeling practices, and even the fact that individuals can have uniquely shaped feet all make it hard to pinpoint an exact size.

The absence of a universal sizing system stems from the fact that shoemaking predates industrial mass production. Historically, cobblers crafted each pair to fit a single customer, which fostered a multitude of local measuring techniques and manufacturing habits. Without a strong incentive for nations or regions to align these practices, the legacy of assorted systems persists, much like entrenched units of measurement that are difficult to overhaul.

The tool above calculates a shoe size based purely on the length of your foot. Although many other aspects influence overall fit—topics we’ll explore further—this calculator aims to give a reliable reference point, allowing you to estimate a size that is likely to suit you. Consequently, the charts and formulas presented represent our best approximation derived from foot length, which may not exactly match every brand or website.

Below you’ll find the relevant formulas and tables for quick reference. For a deeper dive into shoe sizing, fitting nuances, and measurement techniques, scroll down to the sections following these tables.

Shoe Size Calculation Formulas

U.S. and Canada

women's shoe size ≈ 3L - 21

men's shoe size ≈ 3L - 22

big kid's shoe size ≈ 3L - 22¾

little kid's shoe size ≈ 3L - 9¾

Here, L stands for foot length measured in inches. In this scheme, shoe sizes progress in increments of half a point.

UK/India

adult shoe size ≈ 3L - 23

big kid's shoe size ≈ 3L - 23¾

little kid's shoe size ≈ 3L - 10¾

In this notation, L represents the foot’s length in inches, and each size step corresponds to a half‑point increase.

EU

shoe size = 32L + 2

L denotes the foot length in centimeters. Using this system, shoe sizes advance by whole points.

Japan/Mexico

shoe size = L

When L is expressed in centimeters, the sizing scale moves upward by half‑point increments.

China

shoe size = 2L - 10

With L measured in centimeters, this method increases shoe size by full points.

Shoe Size Chart

Foot measurement systems

Shoe‑size estimation relies on foot measurements, but the final size also depends on the manufacturer, the specific shoe last used, regional standards, and more. Various measurement systems exist, such as the Brannock device, the RITZ stick, and the Mondopoint methodology.

Brannock device

The Brannock device is used to acquire three key measurements that impact proper fit:

• Foot length: measurement from the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
• Foot width: measurement across the foot at its widest point, typically near the ball.
• Arch length: distance spanning from the heel up to the inner edge of the ball of the foot.

Even though many experts favor this foot‑measuring tool, it fails to capture every dimension influencing shoe fit. Elements such as the ball‑of‑the‑foot girth, heel breadth, and additional variables also play a role.

The Brannock instrument is tied to the Brannock sizing scheme, which mainly yields U.S. sizes that can diverge from the metrics employed by our calculator. Within this framework, shoe size is derived through the following equations:

U.S.men's shoe size = (foot length in inches×3) - 22

U.S.women's shoe size = (foot length in inches×3) - 21

RITZ stick

Before the Brannock tool appeared, the RITZ stick served as the go‑to measuring apparatus. Constructed from wood, it features sliding scales for both men's and women's sizes and includes a reverse‑side chart to translate width measurements into length equivalents.

The RITZ stick and Brannock instrument each provide a reasonable estimate of shoe size, yet their accuracy varies. Numerous influences beyond the raw length and width numbers affect how a shoe fits. Consequently, these tools are handy for rapid checks, but the resulting size is merely one piece of the overall fitting puzzle.

Mondopoint system

The Mondopoint method is widely adopted in the sports sector for items such as ski boots, skates and ballet slippers. It also serves as the main sizing convention in regions including Russia, former East Germany, Taiwan, China, Japan and South Korea.

Mondopoint sizing relies on the typical foot width and length that a model accommodates, expressed in millimetres. The required dimensions are obtained using the following steps:

• Foot length—Measured as the straight‑line span from the most pronounced point of the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
• Foot width—Determined by the horizontal gap between the first and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints, roughly the distance across the forefoot.
• Perimeter—Captured by wrapping a flexible tape around the foot at the level of the first and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints to record its circumference.

Although Mondopoint specifications differ marginally from one nation to another, the underlying principle remains consistent. By factoring in both foot width and overall girth, it tends to produce a closer match than systems that rely mostly on length alone. Under Mondopoint, any foot whose dimensions fall within the average range for a particular size should comfortably occupy that shoe.

How to find the right shoe

Finding the right shoe can be difficult as there are many factors that determine how well a shoe fits.

Factors impacting shoe fit:

• Foot length—While length is a useful indicator of shoe size, two individuals sharing identical measurements can experience markedly different fits. Moreover, a single wearer may encounter size variations across brands or even between models from the same maker. Although not flawless, length remains a sensible starting point for size estimation.
• Foot width—The breadth of a foot influences shoe comfort not just at its widest spot but along its entire length. While our calculator doesn't factor width, many modern shoe lines offer width‑specific models. Yet, there is no universal convention for width labeling; each maker, region, or brand may use its own terminology.
• Foot shape—The overall shape of a person's foot outside of width and length, including aspects such as circumference and position of a person's arch, impact shoe size.
• Sex—Male and female feet differ in both size and contour. Typically, men possess longer and wider feet, yet the disparity isn’t limited to dimensions; the arch, outer edge, big toe, and forefoot also vary. Consequently, footwear is engineered separately for each gender, and a size conversion between them rarely guarantees a proper fit.
• Age—Foot dimensions evolve from childhood to adulthood, and later in life the foot’s structure can shift due to ligamentous and tendinous alterations. Thus, a size that fit for years may eventually feel cramped as the foot grows longer or broader.
• Manufacturer—Different manufacturers and brands use different shoe lasts and manufacturing processes, so length, width, and the overall fit of a shoe will vary, even if they are labeled as the same shoe size.

The best approach is to try the shoes on and walk around a bit. While size gives an initial reference, true comfort and fit can’t be judged from the number alone.

How to measure your foot:

• Take your foot measurements toward the evening, when natural swelling makes them slightly larger.
• Use a Brannock device or other such measurement device where possible to provide a more accurate reading than a regular ruler.
• Typically you should size shoes to your bigger foot, since many individuals have one foot slightly larger than the other. Opting for a slightly roomy fit is safer than a tight one. For everyday or long‑duration wear, extra room accommodates swelling, whereas in activities like soccer or climbing a snugger shoe may be preferred despite occasional discomfort.

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