US vs UK vs EU sizes: the complete guide
Three regions, three systems, endless confusion. This guide puts US, UK and EU sizes side by side for clothing, shoes and rings — with the simple rules that convert between them.
Women's clothing
The rule: UK = US + 4, and EU = US + 30. A US 8 is a UK 12 and an EU 38.
| US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 | 32 |
| 4 | 8 | 34 |
| 6 | 10 | 36 |
| 8 | 12 | 38 |
| 10 | 14 | 40 |
| 12 | 16 | 42 |
Shoes (women's)
No clean formula — sizes round between systems. Foot length in cm is the reliable anchor.
| EU | US | UK | Foot (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 6.5 | 4 | 23.5 |
| 38 | 7.5 | 5 | 24 |
| 39 | 8 | 5.5 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 9 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 41 | 9.5 | 7 | 26 |
| 42 | 10.5 | 8 | 26.5 |
Rings
The EU size is the inner circumference in mm, so it's the most precise. US uses numbers, UK uses letters.
| EU (mm) | US | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 49 | 5 | J½ |
| 52 | 6 | L½ |
| 54 | 7 | N½ |
| 57 | 8 | Q |
| 59 | 9 | R½ |
Frequently asked questions
How do US, UK and EU clothing sizes compare?
For women's clothing: UK = US + 4, and EU = US + 30. So a US 8 is a UK 12 and an EU 38.
What is the best way to convert between US, UK and EU sizes?
Use the measurement in centimetres or millimetres — it's shared across all systems. For clothing check the cm measurements, for shoes your foot length, for rings the inner circumference.
Why don't US, UK and EU sizes match up neatly?
Each region developed its own system, and brands add their own 'vanity sizing' on top. Only the physical measurement is consistent.