Chinese Size to US/EU/UK Conversion Chart & Guide (2026 Updated)

Chinese sizes follow different standards than US, EU, or UK sizes — and the differences are bigger than most people expect.

A Chinese “XL” in clothing is often closer to a US Medium. A Chinese shoe labeled “40” may not match a real EU 40. And a Chinese ring size 12 is nowhere near a US 12.

This guide gives you the quick conversion charts for the three categories that cause the most confusion — clothing, shoes, and rings — plus a simple sizing rule for each one so you pick the right size the first time.

Need a deep dive into a specific category? Jump straight to the section you need:

👕 Clothing Sizes
👟 Shoe Sizes
💍 Ring Sizes

The "Size Up" Rule (Crucial for Sellers)

Before looking at any chart, here is the single most important thing to know: Chinese sizes generally run 1 to 2 sizes smaller than US or European sizes.

Here is the quick conversion:

China M ≈ US XS
China L ≈ US S
China XL ≈ US M
China XXL ≈ US L

This happens because Chinese clothing is designed around East Asian body measurements, which tend to be slimmer and shorter than Western averages. The same principle applies to shoes (narrower lasts) and rings (different number systems entirely).

The practical takeaway: Never trust the letter or number on the label by itself. Always check the centimeter or millimeter measurements. Each section below shows you exactly how.

Chinese Clothing Size to US/EU/UK — Quick Conversion

Women’s Clothing Conversion Chart

(Note: These are approximations. Always check the specific garment measurements.)

Chinese Label	US Size	EU Size	Bust (cm)	Waist (cm)
S	0–2	32–34	78–82	62–66
M	4–6	36–38	82–86	66–70
L	8–10	38–40	86–90	70–74
XL	10–12	40–42	90–94	74–78
XXL	12–14	42–44	94–98	78–82

Men’s Clothing Conversion Chart

Men’s sizing is tricky because of Shoulder Width. Chinese cuts are often very narrow in the shoulders.

Chinese Label	US Size	EU Size	Chest (cm)	Waist (cm)
S	XS–S	44–46	82–86	71–76
M	S–M	46–48	86–90	76–81
L	M–L	48–50	90–94	81–86
XL	L–XL	50–52	94–98	86–91
XXL	XL–XXL	52–54	98–102	91–96

Key Things to Know About Chinese Clothing Sizes

It’s not just about size — it’s about shape. Chinese garments are cut with narrower shoulders, shorter sleeves, and slimmer torsos compared to Western-fit clothing. Even if you size up for the chest, the shoulders and arms may still feel tight. This is called “Asian Fit.”

Watch out for “Free Size” (均码). On Chinese shopping platforms like 1688 and Taobao, many items are listed as “Free Size” or “One Size Fits All.” In practice, this usually fits a bust range of about 80–88cm — roughly a US XS to M. It does not fit everyone.

Chinese tags use a special code like “160/84A.” The first number is height in cm, the second is bust or waist in cm, and the letter is the body shape. Understanding this system helps you match sizes accurately across different suppliers.

Want the full charts, the 160/84A system explained, Asian Fit vs. Western Fit differences, children’s sizes, and a seller’s sizing checklist?

👉 Read the complete guide: Chinese Clothing Size Charts — Full Conversion & Fit Guide (2026)

Chinese Shoe Size to US/EU/UK — Quick Conversion

Men’s Shoes

Foot Length (mm)	CN Size (Old)	EU Size	US Men’s	UK
250	40	40	7	6.5
255	41	40.5	7.5	7
260	42	41.5	8	7.5
265	43	42	9	8
270	44	43	9.5	8.5
275	45	44	10	9
280	46	44.5	10.5	9.5

Women’s Shoes

Foot Length (mm)	CN Size (Old)	EU Size	US Women’s	UK
225	35	36	5.5	3.5
230	36	37	6	4
235	37	37.5	6.5	4.5
240	38	38	7.5	5
245	39	39	8	6
250	40	40	8.5	6.5

Key Things to Know About Chinese Shoe Sizes

Chinese shoe sizes and EU sizes are NOT the same — even though the numbers look similar. Around size 40 (foot length ~250mm), the two systems happen to align. But at larger sizes, the gap grows fast. An Old Chinese size 44 fits a 270mm foot, while a real EU 44 fits a 280mm foot — that’s a full 10mm difference.

China has two sizing systems. The “Old” system uses numbers like 38, 39, 40 (which look like EU sizes but aren’t calculated the same way). The “New” system (Mondopoint, based on GB/T 3293.1) uses foot length in millimeters — like 250, 260, 270. The most reliable way to find your size is to measure your foot length in mm and match it to the chart.

Width matters too. Many Chinese shoes are built on narrower lasts than Western shoes. Even if the length is right, the shoe may squeeze across the toes. If you have wide feet, consider going up half a size.

For the full Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’ charts, the Old vs. New sizing system explained, a 5-step home measurement guide, and red flags to watch for when buying shoes from China:

👉 Read the complete guide: Chinese Shoe Size to US/EU/UK — Full Charts & Fit Guide (2026)

Chinese Ring Size to US/EU/UK — Quick Conversion

Inner Circumference (mm)	China Size	US Size	UK Size	EU Size
49	9	4¾	I½	49
51	11	5½	K	51
52	12	6	L	52
54	14	6¾	M½	54
56	16	7½	O	56
57	17	8	P	57
59	19	8¾	Q½	59
61	21	9½	S	61
63	23	10¼	T½	63

Key Things to Know About Chinese Ring Sizes

Chinese ring sizes and US sizes use completely different measuring methods. China measures the inner circumference of the ring (the full distance around the inside of the hole). The US measures the inner diameter (the straight line across the hole). This is why the numbers look nothing alike — a Chinese size 17 is a US size 7.

Mainland China sizes and Hong Kong sizes are also different. Many suppliers in Shenzhen and Guangdong use Hong Kong sizing, which can be 1–2 numbers off from the Mainland standard. If you’re ordering from a Chinese supplier, ask which system they use before placing your order.

The easiest home method: the paper strip. Wrap a thin strip of paper around your finger, mark where it overlaps, and measure the length in mm. That number is your inner circumference. Match it directly to the “Inner Circumference” column in the chart above.

For the complete conversion table (all sizes from 46mm to 64mm), the Mainland vs. HK sizing comparison, how to read ring listings on AliExpress / 1688 / Temu / Taobao, and a pre-listing verification checklist:

👉 Read the complete guide: Chinese Ring Size Chart — US, UK & EU Conversion (2026)

How to Measure Yourself at Home

The best size chart in the world won’t help if you don’t know your own measurements. Here is a quick guide for each category.

For Clothing

Use a soft measuring tape (the kind tailors use). Measure over thin clothing — not a thick sweater.

Bust / Chest: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest. Keep it horizontal.
Waist: Measure around your natural waistline — the narrowest part of your torso, about 2–3cm above your belly button.
Hips: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.

Write all numbers down in centimeters. Then compare your numbers to the cm columns on the seller’s chart — not the letter labels like S, M, or L.

For a complete measurement guide including shoulder width, sleeve length, and inseam (plus how to tell the difference between body measurements and garment measurements): Full clothing measurement guide →

For Shoes

Stand on a piece of paper against a wall (wear your normal socks).
Mark your longest toe and the back of your heel with a pen.
Measure the distance between the two marks in millimeters (mm).
Measure both feet — use the longer one.
Add 5–10mm for comfort room.

Match the final number to the “Foot Length” column in the shoe chart above. For the full step-by-step with tips on width and a printable guide: Full shoe measurement guide →

For Rings

Paper strip method (no printer needed):

Cut a thin strip of paper (about 1cm wide).
Wrap it around the base of your finger — snug but not tight.
Mark where the paper overlaps.
Lay it flat and measure the distance in mm.

That length is your inner circumference. Find it in the ring chart above for your size. For advanced tips (measuring over knuckles, adjusting for temperature, wide band rings): Full ring measurement guide →

For Online Sellers: Why Chinese Sizing Costs You Money (And How to Fix It)

If you sell products sourced from China — on Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, or any other platform — sizing mistakes are one of your most expensive hidden costs.

Wrong sizes lead to returns. Returns lead to negative reviews. And if enough customers file chargebacks through their bank, your Stripe or PayPal account gets flagged — or worse, frozen. For most fashion and accessories dropshippers, sizing is the #1 driver of disputes, ahead of shipping speed and product quality.

Here is what experienced sellers do differently.

1. Never Copy-Paste the Supplier’s Size Chart

Factory size charts are written for the Chinese domestic market. A supplier’s “XL” is based on Chinese body proportions — not American or European. If you paste their chart onto your Shopify store without translating it, your customers will order based on their local expectations and get the wrong fit.

What to do instead: Build your own size chart using the centimeter measurements. Show US, EU, and UK equivalents side by side. Include both cm and inches — your Chinese supplier thinks in cm, but many of your customers think in inches.

2. Request Flat-Lay Garment Measurements, Not Body Measurements

There is an important difference. “Body measurements” describe who the garment is designed for (e.g., “fits 96–100cm chest”). “Garment measurements” describe the actual item — laid flat on a table and measured with a tape.

Garment measurements are more precise and more useful. A customer can measure a shirt they already own, compare it to your flat-lay numbers, and know whether the fit will work for them.

When you message your supplier, ask specifically: “Can you send me the garment measurements (成衣尺寸), not the body measurements?”

3. Verify Sizes Before Shipping

This is where most solo sellers fail. You can’t personally measure every jacket, ring, and pair of shoes when your supplier is in China and your customers are in the US. That gap — between what the supplier says and what the customer receives — is where the returns happen.

This is what a fulfillment agent is for.

How DailyFulfill Handles Sizing for You

At DailyFulfill, sizing QC is built into our fulfillment process:

We physically measure samples from every new batch when it arrives at our warehouse.
We compare the real measurements to your store’s size chart.
If a “Large” measures like a “Small,” we stop the shipment and alert you before it reaches your customer.
We can swap size labels to match Western standards (with your approval) — so the tag inside the garment says “Medium” instead of “XL.”
For rings, we verify inside circumference with digital calipers before packing.
For shoes, we measure the actual insole length and flag anything that doesn’t match the listing.

No more “this XL fits like a Small” emails. No more chargebacks over sizing. No more ugly grey bags from AliExpress.

Stop losing money on size-related returns. Get a free quote from DailyFulfill →

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FAQs

Here are the most common questions buyers and sellers ask about ring sizes.

Why are Chinese sizes smaller than US or EU sizes?

Chinese sizes are based on different body measurement standards. Clothing and shoes are designed around East Asian body proportions, which tend to be slimmer, narrower in the shoulders, and shorter in arm/leg length than Western averages. Always compare the centimeter or millimeter measurements — not the letter or number label.

Is Chinese shoe size the same as EU size?

Not exactly. Chinese shoe sizes and EU sizes use different formulas. Around size 40, they happen to be close. But at larger sizes, the gap grows — a Chinese 44 fits a 270mm foot, while a real EU 44 fits a 280mm foot. Measure your foot in mm for the most accurate conversion. See the full shoe chart →

What is a Chinese ring size 12 in US?

Chinese ring size 12 has an inner circumference of 52mm, which equals approximately a US size 6. Chinese rings are measured by circumference (the distance around the inside of the ring), while US sizes are based on diameter (the distance across). See the full ring chart →

What does "Free Size" (均码) mean on Chinese clothing?

“Free Size” means the garment comes in one single size only — there are no S, M, L, or XL options. Despite the name, it does not fit everyone. In practice, it usually fits about bust 80–88cm / waist 62–70cm, which is roughly US XS to M. If you’re above a US Medium, “Free Size” items are likely to be too small. Learn how to handle Free Size listings →

What does 160/84A mean on a Chinese clothing tag?

This is China’s national sizing code (GB/T 1335). The first number (160) is the wearer’s height in cm. The second number (84) is the bust or waist measurement in cm. The letter (A) indicates body shape — A means standard, B means fuller, Y means slimmer. So 160/84A is designed for someone 160cm tall with an 84cm bust and a standard build — roughly a Chinese M or US 4–6. Full explanation →

How do I avoid buying the wrong size from China?

Three steps: (1) Measure yourself in centimeters or millimeters — don’t guess based on your usual Western size. (2) Compare your measurements to the specific product’s size chart, not a general conversion table. (3) If you’re between two sizes, choose the larger one. Chinese sizes almost always run smaller, so sizing up is the safer bet.

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