Metric Footwear Calibration
US to CM shoe size converter
Convert American (US) shoe sizes to foot length in centimeters (CM). Check exact metric measurements across men's, women's, and children's shoes with our calculator and conversion charts.
Direct answer: US men's 10 is 28.0 cm, US men's 10.5 is 28.5 cm, and US men's 9 is 27.0 cm. Women's CM values use a different scale, so select the correct category.
Convert American (US) size to centimeters (CM)
Select your category and US shoe size to determine your exact footbed length in centimeters, inches, and international sizes.
Common US to CM shoe size benchmarks
Reference values for adult shoe sizes converted to centimeters and inches.
US to CM shoe size conversion charts
Conversion tables for men's, women's, and children's shoes with CM, inch, EU, and UK references.
Men's US shoe size to CM chart
| US Men Size | Foot Length (CM) | Inches | Japan (JP) | EU Size | UK Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US 6 | 24 cm | 9.4″ | 24 | EU 38.5 | UK 5.5 |
| US 6.5 | 24.5 cm | 9.6″ | 24.5 | EU 39 | UK 6 |
| US 7 | 25 cm | 9.8″ | 25 | EU 40 | UK 6.5 |
| US 7.5 | 25.5 cm | 10″ | 25.5 | EU 40.5 | UK 7 |
| US 8 | 26 cm | 10.2″ | 26 | EU 41 | UK 7.5 |
| US 8.5 | 26.5 cm | 10.4″ | 26.5 | EU 41.5 | UK 8 |
| US 9 | 27 cm | 10.6″ | 27 | EU 42 | UK 8.5 |
| US 9.5 | 27.5 cm | 10.8″ | 27.5 | EU 42.5 | UK 9 |
| US 10 | 28 cm | 11″ | 28 | EU 44 | UK 9.5 |
| US 10.5 | 28.5 cm | 11.2″ | 28.5 | EU 44.5 | UK 10 |
| US 11 | 29 cm | 11.4″ | 29 | EU 45 | UK 10.5 |
| US 11.5 | 29.5 cm | 11.6″ | 29.5 | EU 45.5 | UK 11 |
| US 12 | 30 cm | 11.8″ | 30 | EU 46 | UK 11.5 |
| US 13 | 31 cm | 12.2″ | 31 | EU 47 | UK 12.5 |
| US 14 | 32 cm | 12.6″ | 32 | EU 48 | UK 13.5 |
US to CM shoe sizing: metric conversion, math, and measurement
When buying footwear online from global retailers or choosing athletic sneakers, numerical sizes can vary by country. Learning how to convert US shoe sizes to centimeters gives you a standardized metric that clarifies sizing across brands. Centimeters represent the physical length of your footbed, providing a consistent baseline across American, Japanese, and European footwear.
How many centimeters correspond to each US shoe size
Shoe sizing in the United States derives from the imperial barleycorn unit, where each full size step equals one-third of an inch (1/3″). For full historical details on this scale, consult our guide to shoe sizes in inches. In metric terms:
- One full size step equals 1/3 inch, or 0.846 cm (8.46 mm).
- One half size step equals 1/6 inch, or 0.423 cm (4.23 mm).
Footbed length expands by roughly 0.85 centimeters per full size and approximately 0.42 centimeters per half size:
- Men's US 7 fits a 25.0 cm footbed.
- Men's US 8 fits a 26.0 cm footbed.
- Men's US 9 fits a 27.0 cm footbed.
- Men's US 10 fits a 28.0 cm footbed.
- Men's US 11 fits a 29.0 cm footbed.
Why centimeters provide a consistent reference
US sizes use separate scales for men and women. An American women's size 8 is engineered for a 25.0 cm footbed, whereas an American men's size 8 is engineered for a 26.0 cm footbed.
Centimeter measurements rely on an absolute physical unit. A foot measuring 26.5 cm remains 26.5 cm worldwide. When you know your exact measurement in centimeters, you reduce sizing errors across different shoe makers.
Measuring your foot length in centimeters
For our complete step-by-step tracing tutorial and sizing formulas, read our guide on how to measure shoe size by foot length.
Adding toe clearance between insole length and foot length
On modern athletic footwear from brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Asics, the centimeter measurement on the tongue tag indicates the recommended bare foot length. Shoemakers add approximately 10 to 15 mm of clearance beyond that figure to accommodate foot movement during walking and running. If you measure a removable insole directly with a tape measure, the insole will measure 1.0 to 1.5 cm longer than the foot. Compare your measured foot length directly to the brand footbed recommendation.
Japanese sizing and Mondopoint equivalents
Japanese footwear sizing (JP) uses foot length in centimeters. A Japanese size marked JP 27.0 corresponds to a 27.0 cm footbed, equivalent to US Men's 9.0. Mondopoint, codified under ISO 9407:2019, measures foot length and foot width in millimeters. A marking of 270 denotes a 270 mm length. Checking the JP or Mondopoint metric on athletic shoes, ski boots, or international imports gives an exact translation.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about US shoe size to centimeter conversions.
How many centimeters correspond to each US shoe size?
In American shoe sizing, each full size step equals one-third of an inch (8.46 millimeters or approximately 0.85 cm), while each half size equals 4.23 mm (approximately 0.42 cm). In men's sizing, US 8 equals 26.0 cm, US 8.5 is 26.5 cm, US 9 is 27.0 cm, US 9.5 is 27.5 cm, and US 10 is 28.0 cm. In women's sizing, US 6 is 23.0 cm, US 7 is 24.0 cm, and US 8 is 25.0 cm.
How do I convert my US shoe size to centimeters?
To convert your US shoe size to centimeters, reference our conversion chart or use our calculator above. For men, foot length in centimeters is approximately (US Size × 0.85) + 19.3. For women, foot length in centimeters is approximately (US Size × 0.85) + 18.2. Checking your foot length in centimeters or Japanese (JP) size on the tongue tag of your running shoes provides the most reliable result.
Why is measuring foot size in centimeters more consistent than US shoe sizes?
Centimeters provide a standardized physical metric that does not vary between regional definitions. While an American size 9 can fit differently between Nike, Adidas, and Clarks due to varying manufacturing lasts and widths, 27.0 cm represents the exact anatomical length of the footbed.
Are centimeter measurements on shoe labels foot length or inner shoe length?
On international athletic footwear from brands including Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Asics, the CM/JP measurement printed on the box and tongue tag indicates the recommended bare foot length for that shoe, not the internal cavity length. Manufacturers include approximately 1.0 to 1.5 cm of toe clearance beyond the stated foot length.
How much toe room should I leave when choosing a shoe size in centimeters?
Allow approximately 1.0 to 1.5 centimeters (about a thumb width) of space between your longest toe and the front tip of the shoe. This space allows your foot to expand during walking and prevents toe impact when running or descending stairs.