How to Read a Shoe Size Chart: US, EU, UK and CM

Why the same foot has different numbers

A shoe size is not a physical measurement. It is a label assigned to a range of foot lengths, and each region started from a different historical reference. The US system, the UK system and the EU (also called European or Paris point) system each set their own zero point and their own step size between full sizes.

The EU system is the most straightforward: it uses Paris points, where each full size equals 6.6 millimeters of foot length. That is why EU sizes are spaced closely and rarely use half sizes. The UK and US systems are based on barleycorns, an old English unit of one-third of an inch. A full size in those systems is one barleycorn, about 8.5 millimeters. Because the two systems share that step size but start from different zeros, a US size and a UK size for the same foot are usually two full numbers apart for men and one number apart for women.

Centimeter scales avoid the numbering confusion entirely. Many brands, especially those selling internationally, publish a foot length in centimeters (or sometimes millimeters) as the anchor for their size chart. If a chart lists a centimeter value, that is the number to trust most, because it describes the foot itself rather than a regional label.

Measure your foot length in centimeters

Before you consult any chart, measure both feet. Foot length is the distance from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe, and it changes slightly through the day. Measure at the end of the day or after standing for a while, when feet are at their largest.

Stand on a piece of paper against a wall, mark the longest point of your foot, and measure the distance in centimeters. Measure both feet, because one is often a few millimeters longer, and use the larger value. Then add a small allowance for movement: for most shoes, about 1 centimeter of extra length beyond your foot is a reasonable target, though the ideal amount depends on the shoe type and your preference. See how to measure foot size for a step-by-step guide.

Reading the columns on a size chart

A typical chart has four columns: US, EU, UK and centimeters (or inches). To use it, find your measured foot length in the centimeter column, then read across to see the corresponding sizes in the other systems. The chart is a translation table between scales, not a universal fit guarantee.

Keep in mind that charts vary by brand. One brand may list a US women's 8 as a 38 EU, while another lists it as a 39. The differences come from where each brand places its zero point and how much length it builds into each size. When a brand publishes its own chart, use that chart rather than a generic one, because the brand's last is designed around its own sizing assumptions.

For a deeper look at how the conversion works between systems, see shoe size conversion US EU UK.

Length is only half the fit equation

A size chart tells you length, but it does not tell you width. Two feet with the same length can have very different width measurements, and shoes labeled with the same numeric size can fit differently across widths. If a brand offers width options, such as narrow, standard, wide or extra wide, check those letters or terms next to the size number.

Toe room matters too. Your toes should have space to spread slightly, and the widest part of your foot should sit at the widest part of the shoe. If a shoe is too narrow in the forefoot, a longer size will not fix the problem; it only adds length you do not need. For guidance on how much space to leave, see how much toe room do you need, and for width fitting tips see shoe width fitting tips.

Brands and last shapes change the fit

The same numeric size can feel different from one brand to another, or even between two models from the same brand. The last, the three-dimensional form over which a shoe is built, controls the shape of the toe box, the arch position and the heel width. A size 39 in a narrow last fits differently from a size 39 in a roomy last.

That is why the size chart is a starting point. Once you know your approximate size in the system a brand uses, the next step is to check the brand's own size guide and read fit notes for the specific model. If you buy between two sizes, the right choice usually depends on the shoe's intended use. For dress shoes, a snugger fit that does not allow heel slip is often correct, while for walking or outdoor shoes, a little more room in the toe is safer. See dress shoe fit checklist and work boot size guide for type-specific advice.

Kids, unisex and special sizing notes

Children's sizes use a different numbering scale than adult sizes, and the transition point depends on the brand. Some brands switch from kids to adult sizes around a foot length of 23 to 24 centimeters, but the exact crossover varies. If you are buying for a child, measure the foot in centimeters and use the brand's kids chart rather than converting from an adult size.

Unisex shoes are usually listed in men's sizes, with a conversion note for women's sizing. A women's size is typically about 1.5 to 2 US sizes larger than the men's size for the same foot length. The centimeter column remains the most reliable reference. For more on children's fit, including flexibility and growth allowance, see kids shoe sizing guide and kids shoe flexibility test.

What to pick based on your situation

Questions

Why is my EU size not the same across brands?

The EU system is based on Paris points, where each size equals 6.6 millimeters of foot length, but brands start their zero point at different lengths and add varying amounts of room inside the shoe. The same foot can be a 38 in one brand and a 39 in another. Measure your foot in centimeters and use each brand's own chart.

What is the difference between US, UK and EU sizes?

US and UK sizes use the same step interval of one barleycorn, about 8.5 millimeters, but start from different zero points. For men, US is usually two sizes larger than UK for the same foot. EU sizes use Paris points with a 6.6 millimeter step and start from a longer zero point, which is why EU numbers are much higher.

Is the centimeter column on a size chart my foot length?

It should be, but it is actually the internal length of the shoe, which is longer than your foot to leave room for movement. If a chart says a size corresponds to 26.5 centimeters, that does not mean your foot should measure 26.5 centimeters. Compare your measured foot length plus about 1 centimeter of allowance to that column.

Should I size up if my foot is between two sizes?

It depends on the shoe. For walking, work or outdoor shoes where your foot will swell and move, the larger size is usually safer. For dress shoes that should hold the heel firmly, the smaller size may be correct if it does not pinch. Think about the shoe's purpose and the room you need for socks.

Do unisex shoes use men's or women's sizing?

Most unisex shoes are listed in men's sizes, with a note that women should order about 1.5 to 2 sizes smaller. The centimeter column is the reliable reference, since it does not depend on the numbering system.