China Size Conversion Chart 2026
US, EU, UK and CN Sizes ? Shoes, Clothing and Accessories
Shopping on Chinese platforms like Taobao, Weidian and 1688 opens up a world of incredible deals and unique products. However, one of the biggest challenges international buyers face is understanding Chinese sizing. Unlike Western sizing systems that use arbitrary numbered scales, China uses a metric system based on actual body measurements ? specifically foot length in centimeters for shoes and chest/waist measurements for clothing.
This means a Chinese size 40 shoe is not just a random number ? it corresponds to a foot length of approximately 25 centimeters. Similarly, Chinese clothing sizes are often directly linked to measurements in centimeters, making them fundamentally different from US, EU or UK sizing conventions. If you've ever received a pair of sneakers that felt two sizes too small or a jacket that fit like a crop top, you know exactly why this matters.
The stakes are even higher when you consider that returning items from China can be expensive, time-consuming, or sometimes impossible. Getting the right size the first time is not just convenient ? it's essential. This comprehensive guide gives you every conversion chart you need for shoes, clothing and accessories, along with practical tips to ensure you order with confidence every time. Whether you're scoring the latest sneaker drop from Weidian or stocking up on Taobao basics, bookmark this page and never guess your size again.
Why Chinese Sizes Are Different
Understanding why Chinese sizes differ from Western systems helps you make better purchasing decisions. Here are the key reasons:
- Metric system: Chinese sizes are fundamentally built around centimeters. Shoe sizes correspond directly to foot length in cm (e.g., CN 40 = 25 cm foot length). Clothing sizes reference actual body measurements rather than arbitrary numbered scales.
- Different body proportion standards: Chinese size charts are designed based on average body proportions of the Chinese population, which may differ from Western averages. This affects how garments are cut and proportioned.
- Manufacturing variation: China is the world's largest manufacturing hub, and products come from thousands of different factories. Each factory may have slightly different sizing standards, even when producing for the same brand.
- No universal standard: While Western sizes (US, EU, UK) have more standardized systems across regions, Chinese sizes can vary between sellers, brands, and product categories. An L from one Taobao seller may fit like an M from another.
- Listed vs. actual sizes: Some sellers list their own proprietary sizes that may not accurately reflect standard Chinese measurements. Always trust the specific measurements (in cm) provided in the product listing.
Men's Shoe Size Conversion
Men's shoe sizes in China are based on foot length in centimeters. This is the most reliable way to determine your CN shoe size. Measure your foot from heel to toe and use the chart below to find your exact match across all major sizing systems.
| CN | US | EU | UK | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 5.5 | 38 | 5 | 24.0 |
| 39 | 6.5 | 39 | 6 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 7 | 40 | 6.5 | 25.0 |
| 41 | 8 | 41 | 7.5 | 25.5 |
| 42 | 8.5 | 42 | 8 | 26.0 |
| 43 | 9.5 | 43 | 9 | 26.5 |
| 44 | 10 | 44 | 9.5 | 27.0 |
| 45 | 11 | 45 | 10.5 | 27.5 |
| 46 | 11.5 | 46 | 11 | 28.0 |
| 47 | 12.5 | 47 | 12 | 28.5 |
| 48 | 13 | 48 | 12.5 | 29.0 |
* CN shoe sizes are based on actual foot length in centimeters. Measure your bare foot for the most accurate result.
Women's Shoe Size Conversion
Women's shoe sizes in China follow the same metric principle. Chinese women's sizes are typically smaller numbers than men's for the same foot length due to different width and proportion standards. Use this table for accurate conversions:
| CN | US | EU | UK | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 5 | 35 | 2.5 | 22.0 |
| 36 | 5.5 | 36 | 3 | 22.5 |
| 37 | 6 | 37 | 4 | 23.0 |
| 38 | 7 | 38 | 5 | 23.5 |
| 39 | 7.5 | 39 | 5.5 | 24.0 |
| 40 | 8 | 40 | 6 | 24.5 |
| 41 | 9 | 41 | 7 | 25.0 |
| 42 | 9.5 | 42 | 7.5 | 25.5 |
| 43 | 10 | 43 | 8 | 26.0 |
| 44 | 10.5 | 44 | 8.5 | 26.5 |
* CN women's sizes are typically narrower than their US equivalents. Consider going up half a size if you have wide feet.
Men's Clothing Size Conversion
Men's clothing sizes from Chinese sellers can be tricky because there is no single universal standard. The most reliable approach is to compare your actual body measurements (in cm) with the seller's size chart. Below is a general reference for standard Chinese men's clothing sizes:
| CN Size | US Size | EU Size | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S / 165/84A | XS - S | 44 - 46 | 84 - 88 | 72 - 76 | 68 |
| M / 170/88A | S - M | 48 - 50 | 88 - 92 | 76 - 80 | 70 |
| L / 175/92A | M - L | 50 - 52 | 92 - 96 | 80 - 84 | 72 |
| XL / 180/96A | L - XL | 52 - 54 | 96 - 100 | 84 - 88 | 74 |
| XXL / 185/100A | XL - XXL | 54 - 56 | 100 - 104 | 88 - 92 | 76 |
| 3XL / 190/104A | XXL - 3XL | 56 - 58 | 104 - 108 | 92 - 96 | 78 |
* The Chinese size format "175/92A" means height 175cm, chest 92cm, body type A (standard). Always verify with the specific seller's chart.
Women's Clothing Size Conversion
Women's clothing sizes from Chinese sellers are even more variable than men's. Fashion brands, streetwear labels, and basics manufacturers all use different sizing standards. Here is a general reference table:
| CN Size | US Size | EU Size | Bust (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS / 155/80A | 0 - 2 | 32 - 34 | 78 - 82 | 62 - 66 | 82 - 86 |
| S / 160/84A | 2 - 4 | 34 - 36 | 82 - 86 | 66 - 70 | 86 - 90 |
| M / 165/88A | 4 - 6 | 36 - 38 | 86 - 90 | 70 - 74 | 90 - 94 |
| L / 170/92A | 8 - 10 | 38 - 40 | 90 - 94 | 74 - 78 | 94 - 98 |
| XL / 175/96A | 10 - 12 | 40 - 42 | 94 - 98 | 78 - 82 | 98 - 102 |
| XXL / 180/100A | 12 - 14 | 42 - 44 | 98 - 102 | 82 - 86 | 102 - 106 |
* Chinese women's clothing typically runs 1-2 sizes smaller than US sizes. When in doubt, always size up.
How to Measure Your Size
Getting accurate measurements is the most important step in finding the right size when buying from China. Follow these steps to measure yourself correctly:
Place your bare foot on a piece of paper against a wall. Mark where your longest toe ends. Measure the distance from the wall to the mark in centimeters. Do this for both feet ? use the larger measurement. This number corresponds directly to CN shoe sizes.
Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your chest (for men) or bust (for women), keeping the tape parallel to the floor. Stand naturally and breathe normally. For women, wear the bra you plan to use with the garment for the most accurate measurement.
Find your natural waist, which is typically the narrowest part of your torso, just above the belly button. Wrap the measuring tape around this point, keeping it snug but not tight. Don't suck in your stomach ? measure in your natural, relaxed state.
Stand with your feet together and wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape level and parallel to the floor. This measurement is particularly important for women's pants, skirts and dresses.
For pants and trousers, measure from the crotch seam to your desired length (usually the ankle or top of the shoe). You can also measure a well-fitting pair of pants by laying them flat on a surface and measuring from the crotch to the hem along the inside leg seam.
Always compare your measurements with the specific size chart provided by the seller in the product listing. Don't assume that an L from one seller will be the same as an L from another. Match your measurements in cm with the seller's ranges for the best fit.
Size Conversion Tips for Buying from China
Beyond just knowing your measurements, these practical tips will help you navigate Chinese sizes like a pro:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my China shoe size?
Measure your foot length in centimeters from heel to toe. Chinese shoe sizes correspond directly to foot length in cm. For example, if your foot measures 25 cm, your CN size is 40. Add 1-1.5 cm to your actual foot length for comfort if you prefer a looser fit. Use our conversion chart above to cross-reference with US, EU and UK sizes.
Are Chinese sizes the same as US sizes?
No, Chinese sizes are not the same as US sizes. Chinese sizes use a metric system measured in centimeters, while US sizes use a different numbering scale. For shoes, CN sizes are based on foot length in cm. For clothing, CN sizes are generally one or two sizes smaller than their US equivalents. Always check actual measurements rather than just the size number.
What size should I order on Weidian?
When ordering on Weidian, always check the specific size chart provided by the seller, as sizes vary between manufacturers. Use our CN to US conversion chart as a general starting point, but prioritize the measurements listed in the product description. Read reviews from other buyers to see if items run large or small. Many Weidian sellers include detailed measurements in centimeters for each size ? use those as your primary reference.
Do Chinese clothing sizes run small?
Yes, Chinese clothing sizes generally run smaller than Western sizes. A Chinese XL can fit like a US M or even S, depending on the brand and seller. This is because Chinese sizes are based on average body proportions of the Chinese population, which tend to be smaller than Western averages. Always check the specific measurements (chest, waist, length) provided by the seller and compare them to your own measurements. When in doubt, size up one or two sizes.
How do I convert EU shoe size to China?
To convert EU shoe size to China size, the easiest method is to measure your foot length in centimeters. CN shoe sizes are directly based on foot length in cm (e.g., 25 cm = CN 40). EU sizes use a different formula. As a general rule, CN and EU size numbers are usually very close or identical for the same foot length. Use our conversion chart above to find the exact match of your EU size.
Are Taobao size charts accurate?
Taobao size charts are generally accurate for that seller's specific product, but sizes can vary significantly between different sellers and brands. The key is to look at the detailed measurements in centimeters rather than just the size number (S, M, L). Read customer reviews, look for photos of the product being worn, and if possible, message the seller with your measurements for a personalized recommendation.
What is the difference between CN and JP shoe sizes?
CN (China) and JP (Japan) shoe sizes are very similar since both systems are based on foot length in centimeters. In most cases, CN and JP sizes are interchangeable. However, there may be minor differences in how brands round their sizes or adjust for width. Generally, if you know your size in one system, it will be the same or very similar in the other.
How do I measure my chest for Chinese clothing?
To measure your chest for Chinese clothing, wrap a flexible measuring tape around the widest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor. Stand naturally, breathe normally, and don't puff out your chest. For the best fit, measure over the type of underwear you plan to wear with the garment. Compare your measurement to the seller's size chart in centimeters for the most accurate size match.
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