UK to US Shoe Size
Convert UK shoe sizes to US for men and women. Free online UK to US shoe size converter with accurate formulas, gender-specific offsets, and conversion charts.
About This Calculator
Our UK to US shoe size converter helps you find the perfect fit when shopping across the Atlantic. Whether you are buying from British brands like Clarks and Dr. Martens or American brands like Nike and New Balance, this tool instantly converts shoe sizes between UK and US systems for both men and women.
The UK and US shoe sizing systems both use the barleycorn unit, where one barleycorn equals one-third of an inch. However, they start from different baselines: UK sizing uses the formula size = (3 × foot length in inches) - 23, while US men's sizing uses size = (3 × foot length in inches) - 22 and US women's sizing uses size = (3 × foot length in inches) - 21. This one-barleycorn difference for men and two-barleycorn difference for women creates the simple conversion rules: add 1 for men and add 2 for women when going from UK to US.
Regional Notes: In India, shoe sizes commonly follow UK sizing as a legacy of British influence, though EU sizes are also widely used. In the US, the US sizing system is standard for all domestic brands. In the UK, the UK sizing system is used for most footwear, with EU sizes appearing on European imports. Always check brand-specific size charts as manufacturing tolerances vary.
The tool supports half sizes and provides the corresponding foot length in centimeters, making it easy to cross-reference with physical measurements for the most accurate fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert UK shoe size to US shoe size?
To convert UK men's shoe size to US, add 1 to your UK size. For women's shoes, add 2 to your UK size. For example, UK size 8 in men's converts to US size 9, while UK size 8 in women's converts to US size 10.
How do I convert US shoe size to UK shoe size?
To convert US men's shoe size to UK, subtract 1 from your US size. For women's shoes, subtract 2 from your US size. For example, US men's size 9 converts to UK size 8, and US women's size 9 converts to UK size 7.
Is UK shoe size different from US shoe size?
Yes, UK and US shoe sizes differ by approximately one to two sizes. UK men's sizes are one full size smaller than US men's sizes (UK 8 = US 9). UK women's sizes are two full sizes smaller than US women's sizes (UK 4 = US 6). The sizing systems use different starting points based on the barleycorn unit, where one barleycorn equals one-third of an inch.
What is the formula for UK to US shoe size conversion?
The formula is based on foot length in inches. UK sizing uses: shoe size = (3 × foot length in inches) - 23. US men's sizing uses: shoe size = (3 × foot length in inches) - 22. US women's sizing uses: shoe size = (3 × foot length in inches) - 21. This gives the simple rule: US men's = UK + 1, US women's = UK + 2.
Are UK and European shoe sizes the same?
No, UK and European shoe sizes use completely different systems. UK sizes use the barleycorn system based on inches, while European sizes use the Paris point system based on centimeters (1 Paris point = 2/3 cm). A UK size 8 is approximately EU size 42, but this varies by brand and should always be verified.
How do I measure my foot for shoe size conversion?
Place your foot flat on a piece of paper against a wall, mark the longest toe tip, and measure the distance in centimeters. Divide by 2.54 to get inches. For UK size, use: size = (3 × inches) - 23. For US men's: size = (3 × inches) - 22. For US women's: size = (3 × inches) - 21. Round to the nearest half size.
Why do brands fit differently despite the same size number?
Shoe sizing is not standardized across brands. Each manufacturer uses their own lasts (foot-shaped molds) which can vary in width, toe box shape, and arch support. Always try shoes on or check the brand's specific size chart before purchasing, especially when converting between UK and US sizes.
Is UK size 7 the same as US size 7?
No, a UK size 7 is not the same as US size 7. For men, UK 7 converts to US 8 (one size larger). For women, UK 7 converts to US 9 (two sizes larger). Conversely, a US women's size 7 converts to UK 5 (two sizes smaller). Always use a conversion calculator to ensure the correct fit.