How UK, EU and US sizes relate
The three systems grew up separately, so converting between them is a matter of convention rather than exact maths. The offsets used by most UK retailers are simple:
UK and US sizes both step in thirds of an inch, which is why they stay a fixed distance apart. EU sizes step in Paris points of two thirds of a centimetre, a slightly different stride, so the EU column is genuinely approximate: charts from different retailers place the same UK size half a European size apart, and sports brands in particular often run a half size from the table below. Treat every conversion here as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Worked examples
Size charts at a glance
Men's sizes (all approximate):
- UK 6 = EU 40 = US 7
- UK 7 = EU 41 = US 8
- UK 8 = EU 42 = US 9
- UK 9 = EU 43 = US 10
- UK 10 = EU 44 = US 11
- UK 11 = EU 45 = US 12
- UK 12 = EU 46 = US 13
Women's sizes (all approximate):
- UK 3 = EU 36 = US 5
- UK 4 = EU 37 = US 6
- UK 5 = EU 38 = US 7
- UK 6 = EU 39 = US 8
- UK 7 = EU 40 = US 9
- UK 8 = EU 41 = US 10
A quirk worth knowing: children's UK sizes run from 0 up to 13.5 and then start again at adult size 1, so a kids' 13 is smaller than an adult 1 despite the bigger number. EU sizes just keep counting upwards through childhood into adulthood, which is one reason many parents find the European numbers easier to follow. This converter covers adult sizes only.
Buying shoes across systems
Conversions get you to the right shelf; fit gets you to the right shoe. Lasts vary between brands far more than the size labels suggest, so an EU 42 from one maker can fit like another's 42.5, and half sizes are where published charts disagree most. If you are ordering from abroad, find the brand's own size chart and use your foot length in centimetres: measure both feet standing at the end of the day, heel to longest toe, and size to the longer foot. Foot length is the one number every chart agrees on, which makes it far more reliable than hopping between UK, EU and US labels. Keep the returns policy handy all the same, and if you need centimetres from an old imperial measurement our cm to feet converter works in both directions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a UK 9 in EU and US sizes?
For men, a UK 9 is about an EU 43 and a US 10. For women, a UK 9 is about an EU 42 and a US 11. Men's US sizes run one ahead of UK, women's US sizes run two ahead.
Are men's and women's shoe sizes converted differently?
Yes. UK and US men's sizes differ by one (UK 8 is US 9) but UK and US women's sizes differ by two (UK 5 is US 7). EU sizes are unisex, though the UK to EU offset used on charts is usually 34 for men and 33 for women.
Why is the conversion only approximate?
Because the systems do not line up exactly. EU sizes step in Paris points of two thirds of a centimetre while UK and US sizes step in thirds of an inch, and every brand shapes its lasts differently. Two brands can label the same shoe EU 42 and EU 42.5, so always check the brand's own chart when buying.
Do half sizes convert cleanly?
Roughly. A half size in UK terms is about half a size in US terms and half a European size, and the tool follows that through. Half sizes are where charts disagree most though, so if you are between sizes in one system expect to be between sizes in the others too.
How do I find my size accurately?
Measure your foot length in centimetres at the end of the day, standing, from heel to longest toe, and compare it against the sizing chart of the brand you are buying. Foot length is the one measurement every brand chart shares, so it beats converting between size systems.