Shoe Size Conversion

Shoe size is a complicated topic due to the lack of a global standard. Differences in the way shoe size is measured and determined in various countries, in the feet of men vs. women, in the way that different brands label and manufacture their shoes, and even the fact that individuals often have different sized feet, all contribute to the complication in finding a proper shoe size. Much of the reason is that shoemaking existed long before mass production; shoemakers made shoes individually and catered to the individual, which led to many different methods of measurement and fabrication, with little motivation for different countries or regions to collaborate on a standard.

Our calculator above estimates shoe size solely based on the foot length. While there are many other factors that impact overall shoe fit, our calculator seeks to provide a consistent reference through which a person can build a basis for identifying a shoe that is most likely to be a good fit. Consequently, the tables and formulas provided are our best interpretation of shoe size based on foot length, and may differ slightly from those provided by different websites, manufacturers, and brands.

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

where L is foot length in inches. In this system, shoe size increases in half-point increments.

UK/India

adult shoe size ≈ 3L - 23

big kid's shoe size ≈ 3L - 23¾

little kid's shoe size ≈ 3L - 10¾

where L is foot length in inches. In this system, shoe size increases in half-point increments.

EU

shoe size = (3/2)L + 2

where L is foot length in centimeters. In this system, shoe size increases in whole-point increments.

Japan/Mexico

shoe size = L

where L is foot length in centimeters. In this system, shoe size increases in half-point increments.

China

shoe size = 2L - 10

where L is foot length in centimeters. In this system, shoe size increases in whole-point increments.

Shoe Size Chart

Women's shoes

Men's shoes

Infant and toddler shoes (age 0 - 4)

Kid's shoes (age 5 - 12)

Foot measurement systems

Shoe size estimation is based on the measurement of foot size, which depends on the manufacturer, the shoe last (the physical form used to manufacture and repair shoes), a country's standards, and more. The Brannock device measures foot length (heel to longest toe), foot width (at the ball of the foot), and arch length (heel to the inside of the ball), and its system uses the formulas: U.S. men's shoe size = (foot length in inches × 3) − 22, and U.S. women's shoe size = (foot length in inches × 3) − 21. The older RITZ stick is a wooden slide ruler with men's and women's sizes and a conversion chart. The Mondopoint system, common in sports footwear such as ski boots and skates and used as the primary system in parts of Asia and Europe, is based on the average foot length, width, and perimeter in millimeters for which a shoe is suitable, and generally allows a better fit because it accounts for width and circumference.

Finding the right shoe also depends on foot width and shape, sex (men's and women's feet differ in shape, not just scale), age (feet change as ligaments and tendons change), and the manufacturer, since different brands use different lasts. Ideally, always try on a shoe and spend some time in it: measure your feet later in the day when they are slightly larger from swelling, use a Brannock device where possible, and fit the shoe to your largest foot—it is better to have a shoe slightly loose rather than slightly tight.

Related Calculators

• Bra Size Calculator
• GPA Calculator
• Grade Calculator
• Height Calculator
• Conversion Calculator
• Other Calculators