Shoe Size Conversion Guide: EU, US, and UK Sizes Explained
Buying shoes online from a foreign retailer — or checking a size chart from a brand you haven't tried before — can be confusing when the sizing system is different from what you are used to. This guide explains how EU, US, and UK shoe sizes relate to each other and gives you the formulas and reference tables to convert between them.
How Shoe Size Systems Work
There are three major shoe sizing systems: EU (European), US (split into Men's and Women's), and UK. Each uses a different numeric scale, but all are ultimately based on foot length — the distance from heel to toe while standing.
EU sizes use the Paris point system, where 1 Paris point = 2/3 of a centimeter. UK sizes use a system derived from barleycorns (1/3 of an inch). US sizes use a similar barleycorn base but with different starting points for men and women.
Note that shoe sizes are approximate — fit varies by brand, shoe style, and last shape. Always check a brand's specific size chart when available.
The Conversion Formulas
EU to US Men's: subtract 33. Example: EU 42 − 33 = US Men's 9.
EU to US Women's: subtract 31. Example: EU 39 − 31 = US Women's 8.
EU to UK: subtract 33.5. Example: EU 42 − 33.5 = UK 8.5.
US Men's to US Women's: add 2. Example: US Men's 9 + 2 = US Women's 11.
US Men's to UK: subtract 0.5. Example: US Men's 9 − 0.5 = UK 8.5.
EU to foot length (cm): divide by 1.575. Example: EU 42 ÷ 1.575 ≈ 26.7 cm.
EU to US and UK Size Chart
Common sizes for adult shoes:
- EU 36 = US Women's 5 / US Men's 3.5 / UK 3.5 / 22.9 cm
- EU 38 = US Women's 7 / US Men's 5 / UK 5 / 24.1 cm
- EU 39 = US Women's 8 / US Men's 6 / UK 6 / 24.8 cm
- EU 40 = US Women's 9 / US Men's 7 / UK 6.5 / 25.4 cm
- EU 41 = US Women's 10 / US Men's 8 / UK 7.5 / 26.0 cm
- EU 42 = US Women's 11 / US Men's 9 / UK 8.5 / 26.7 cm
- EU 43 = US Women's 12 / US Men's 10 / UK 9 / 27.3 cm
- EU 44 = US Men's 11 / UK 10 / 27.9 cm
- EU 45 = US Men's 12 / UK 11 / 28.6 cm
How to Measure Your Foot Size
Place a blank sheet of paper on a hard floor. Stand on it with your full weight and trace the outline of your foot with a pencil held vertically.
Measure the longest distance from the heel mark to the toe mark. This is your foot length in centimeters.
Multiply by 1.575 to get your EU size. For example, 26.7 cm × 1.575 ≈ EU 42.
Always measure both feet — most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Use the larger measurement to choose your size.
Why US Men's and Women's Sizes Differ
US women's sizes run about 1.5 sizes larger than US men's for the same foot length. This is a historical convention, not a reflection of actual foot width or shape.
Practically: a US Women's size 9 is the same physical length as a US Men's size 7. Both equal approximately EU 40 (25.4 cm foot length).
Some brands — especially athletic and workwear — sell shoes in one unisex scale (usually men's). Women buying unisex shoes typically go 1.5 sizes down from their women's size.
Conclusion
The most reliable way to find your size in any system is to measure your foot length in centimeters, then convert using the formula: EU size = foot length (cm) × 1.575. From EU, you can reach any other system with simple addition or subtraction. Use our free shoe size converter for instant results.