UK to US Size Converter
Convert clothing and shoe sizes between UK and US sizing systems instantly
Women’s Clothing Quick Reference
| UK Size | US Size | Bust (inches) | Waist (inches) | Hips (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 31 | 23 | 33 |
| 6 | 2 | 32 | 24 | 34 |
| 8 | 4 | 34 | 26 | 36 |
| 10 | 6 | 36 | 28 | 38 |
| 12 | 8 | 38 | 30 | 40 |
| 14 | 10 | 40 | 32 | 42 |
| 16 | 12 | 42 | 34 | 44 |
| 18 | 14 | 44 | 36 | 46 |
| 20 | 16 | 46 | 38 | 48 |
Men’s Clothing Quick Reference
| UK Size | US Size | Chest (inches) | Waist (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 34 | 34 | 28 |
| 36 | 36 | 36 | 30 |
| 38 | 38 | 38 | 32 |
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 34 |
| 42 | 42 | 42 | 36 |
| 44 | 44 | 44 | 38 |
| 46 | 46 | 46 | 40 |
Women’s Shoe Size Quick Reference
| UK Size | US Size | EU Size | Foot Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 36 | 8.5 |
| 3.5 | 5.5 | 36.5 | 8.75 |
| 4 | 6 | 37 | 9 |
| 4.5 | 6.5 | 37.5 | 9.25 |
| 5 | 7 | 38 | 9.5 |
| 5.5 | 7.5 | 38.5 | 9.75 |
| 6 | 8 | 39 | 9.9 |
| 6.5 | 8.5 | 40 | 10.1 |
| 7 | 9 | 40.5 | 10.3 |
| 8 | 10 | 41.5 | 10.6 |
Men’s Shoe Size Quick Reference
| UK Size | US Size | EU Size | Foot Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 40 | 9.5 |
| 6.5 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 9.7 |
| 7 | 8 | 41 | 9.9 |
| 7.5 | 8.5 | 41.5 | 10.1 |
| 8 | 9 | 42 | 10.3 |
| 8.5 | 9.5 | 42.5 | 10.5 |
| 9 | 10 | 43 | 10.7 |
| 10 | 11 | 44 | 11 |
| 11 | 12 | 45 | 11.3 |
| 12 | 13 | 46 | 11.6 |
Kids’ Clothing Size Quick Reference
| Age | UK Size | US Size | Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 0-3m | 0-3m | 20-24 |
| 3-6 months | 3-6m | 3-6m | 22-26 |
| 12-18 months | 12-18m | 12-18m | 31-33 |
| 2-3 years | 2-3 | 2T | 36-39 |
| 3-4 years | 3-4 | 4T | 39-41 |
| 5-6 years | 5-6 | 6 | 43-46 |
| 7-8 years | 7-8 | 7-8 | 48-50 |
| 9-10 years | 9-10 | 10 | 52-55 |
How to Convert UK Sizes to US Sizes
Converting between UK and US sizes involves different formulas depending on whether you’re converting clothing or footwear, and whether the items are for women, men, or children. The systems developed independently in each country, leading to these variations.
Women’s Clothing
For example, a UK size 12 becomes a US size 8. This four-size difference remains consistent across most standard sizes from UK 4 to UK 26.
Men’s Clothing
Men’s clothing sizes are the same in both countries. A UK 38 jacket is also a US 38. This applies to suits, shirts, and most other garments.
Women’s Shoes
Add 2 to the UK size to get the US equivalent. A UK 5 becomes US 7. This two-size difference applies to most footwear styles.
Men’s Shoes
Add 1 to the UK size for the US size. A UK 9 converts to US 10. This single-size difference is consistent across athletic and dress shoes.
Why Size Systems Differ
The UK and US developed their sizing systems based on different measurement standards. The UK system originally used actual body measurements in inches, while the US system evolved with its own set of standards. These historical differences persist today, which is why conversion is necessary when shopping across borders.
Pro Tip: Size conversions provide a starting point, but individual brands may vary. Always check the specific brand’s size chart when available, as some American brands run smaller than UK equivalents, while others may run larger.
Clothing Size Conversion Guide
Women’s Size Conversion Details
Women’s clothing sizes show the most significant difference between UK and US systems. The four-size gap means careful attention is needed when ordering from international retailers.
When converting women’s dress sizes, remember that UK sizes typically run slightly larger than their US counterparts. A UK 10, which converts to US 6, is one of the most common sizes purchased by American shoppers from British brands. This size typically fits someone with a 36-inch bust, 28-inch waist, and 38-inch hips.
Shopping Insight: British high street brands like Marks & Spencer and Boden tend to have more generous sizing compared to American brands like J.Crew or Banana Republic. When in doubt between two sizes, consider sizing down when buying UK brands if you prefer a more fitted look.
Men’s Size Conversion Details
Men’s clothing conversions are straightforward since UK and US men’s sizes match directly. A 40-inch chest measurement in the UK corresponds to a size 40 in both countries. This applies to jackets, suits, and most shirts.
However, men should pay attention to neck sizes for dress shirts. While the numeric sizing remains the same, some UK brands use slightly different collar measurements. A 15.5-inch collar in the UK might fit more like a 15.75-inch US collar.
Jeans and Pants Sizing
Denim sizing follows waist measurements in inches for both countries, but women’s jeans often use different numbering. A UK 10 in jeans typically converts to a 28-29 inch waist, which would be labeled as US size 6 or sometimes shown as 28/29 on American jeans.
Men’s jeans use waist and inseam measurements in inches across both countries, making conversion unnecessary. A 32×32 size means the same thing whether you’re shopping in London or Los Angeles.
Shoe Size Conversion Guide
Women’s Footwear Sizing
Women’s shoe sizes require adding 2 to the UK size to find the US equivalent. This conversion is based on the barleycorn measurement system historically used in the UK. One barleycorn equals one-third of an inch, and the two-unit difference accounts for how each country calibrates shoe sizes.
A UK 6 shoe, which converts to US 8, typically fits a foot measuring 9.9 inches in length. This is one of the most common sizes for adult women in both countries. When shopping for heels, boots, or sneakers from UK brands, always add those two sizes to get the correct fit.
Fit Advice: Athletic shoes from UK brands like Adidas UK or Reebok UK may fit differently than the same models sold in US stores. Even with correct size conversion, try to read customer reviews about fit before purchasing international shoes online.
Men’s Footwear Sizing
Men’s shoe conversion requires adding just 1 to the UK size. A UK 9 becomes US 10. This single-size difference reflects the different starting points each system uses for men’s footwear measurements.
For men with larger feet, sizes above UK 12 can sometimes be harder to convert since not all US retailers carry extended sizes. A UK 13 converts to US 14, but availability may vary by brand and style.
Half Sizes and Width Considerations
Both UK and US systems use half sizes for shoes, and the same conversion rules apply. A UK 7.5 becomes US 9.5 for women, and UK 8.5 becomes US 9.5 for men.
Shoe width designations differ between countries. The US commonly uses letters like B (narrow), D (standard), and EE (wide). UK brands may use different width indicators or simply label shoes as “wide fit.” Check product descriptions carefully when width is a concern.
Children’s Size Conversions
Baby and Toddler Sizes
Children’s clothing sizes in both countries are primarily age-based, making conversion relatively simple. However, the labeling differs slightly. UK sizes for babies use age in months (like 3-6m or 12-18m), while US sizes also use months but may add designations like “newborn” or use different age ranges.
For toddlers aged 2-6, UK sizes continue with age numbers (2-3, 3-4, 4-5), while US sizes transition to “T” sizes (2T, 3T, 4T). A UK 2-3 typically corresponds to US 2T, designed for children around 36-39 inches tall.
Children’s Clothing Sizes (Ages 7-12)
Once children reach school age, sizing becomes more standardized. UK sizes 7-8 generally match US sizes 7-8, though some variation exists. At this age, height becomes more important than age for accurate sizing. A UK size 9-10 fits children around 52-55 inches tall, the same range as US size 10.
Kids’ Shoe Sizes
Children’s shoe sizing can be confusing because both countries use multiple numbering systems. UK children’s shoes run from size 0 to 13.5 for young children, then restart at 1 for youth sizes. US sizes start higher and don’t restart, running continuously from toddler through youth sizes.
Generally, add 1 to 1.5 sizes when converting UK kids’ shoes to US sizes. A UK children’s size 10 typically converts to US 11 or 11.5. However, this varies by age group, so always measure your child’s foot length and consult specific size charts when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UK size 10 the same as US size 10?
No, sizing differs by category. For women’s clothing, UK 10 equals US 6. For men’s clothing, UK 10 would be the same as US 10. For women’s shoes, UK 10 converts to US 12. Always check which category you’re shopping for before converting.
Why do UK and US sizes differ?
The two countries developed their sizing systems independently based on different measurement standards and industry practices. The UK system evolved from traditional tailoring measurements, while the US system developed its own standards during the industrial revolution. These historical differences remain in place today.
Do all UK brands follow the same sizing?
While UK brands generally follow standard UK sizing, individual brands may have slight variations. Luxury brands might size differently than high street retailers. Some UK brands that sell extensively in the US may even label their items with US sizes. Always check the specific brand’s size chart when shopping.
How do I know my correct UK size when shopping online?
Measure yourself accurately using a tape measure for bust, waist, and hips for clothing, or foot length for shoes. Compare your measurements to the size chart provided by the specific retailer. Most online stores offer measurement guides. When between sizes, read customer reviews to see if items run small or large.
Are petite and plus sizes converted the same way?
Yes, the same conversion formulas apply to petite, regular, and plus sizes. A UK 18 in plus size still converts to US 14. However, petite sizes indicate shorter inseams and proportions rather than different numeric sizing. A UK petite 10 still converts to US petite 6.
What about other international sizes like European?
European sizes use a different numbering system altogether. For women’s clothing, a UK 10 is EU 38, and for shoes, add about 33 to the UK size. When shopping from European brands, you’ll need separate conversion charts since European sizing doesn’t align with either UK or US systems.
Can I return items if the UK size doesn’t fit correctly?
Return policies vary by retailer. When shopping from UK stores as a US customer, check whether international returns are accepted and who pays return shipping. Some UK retailers have US return centers, while others require shipping items back to the UK, which can be costly.
Do athletic brands use different size conversions?
Major athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma typically use their own size standards that may differ slightly from standard UK or US sizing. These brands often provide their own conversion charts. For athletic shoes especially, check the brand’s specific sizing guide as they may not follow standard conversions exactly.
Tips for Accurate Size Selection
Measure Yourself Properly
Accurate measurements are essential for selecting the right size when shopping internationally. For clothing, measure your bust at the fullest point, waist at the narrowest point, and hips at the widest point. Keep the tape measure snug but not tight. For shoes, measure your feet in the afternoon when they’re slightly larger, and measure both feet since one may be bigger than the other.
Check Brand-Specific Size Charts
Generic conversion charts provide guidelines, but individual brands often have their own sizing standards. Before purchasing, look for the specific brand’s size chart on their website. Many brands include detailed measurement guides showing exactly what measurements correspond to each size.
Read Customer Reviews
When shopping online from UK retailers, customer reviews often mention whether items run small, large, or true to size. Look for reviews from customers who mention their usual size and whether the item fit as expected. This real-world feedback can be more valuable than size charts alone.
Consider Style and Fit Preferences
Your preferred fit affects which size to choose. If you like fitted clothing, you might size down when buying from UK brands that tend to run generously. If you prefer relaxed fits, stick with your converted size or even size up. For shoes, consider whether you’ll wear thick socks and whether the style typically runs narrow or wide.
Shopping Strategy: When buying expensive items from international retailers, consider ordering two sizes if returns are free or inexpensive. This way, you can try both at home and return the one that doesn’t fit, ensuring you get the perfect size without multiple order rounds.
Account for Fabric and Construction
Fabric type affects fit significantly. Stretchy fabrics like jersey or spandex blends are more forgiving of sizing differences, while rigid fabrics like denim or structured cotton require more precise sizing. Tailored items like blazers need especially careful size selection since alterations can be costly.
Save Your Size Information
Once you find your size in a particular UK brand, make a note of it for future reference. Create a list of your sizes in different brands to streamline future shopping. Many retailers also allow you to save your size preferences in your account for faster checkout.