How to Measure Your Feet in CM

Measuring your foot length in centimeters gives you a reliable baseline for shoe size conversion. This guide explains how to measure correctly and how to use our converters and tools to find your size in US, UK, EU, Japan, and other regions.

Why measure in centimeters?

Shoe sizes are not standardized globally. A US 9 is not the same length as a UK 9 or an EU 42; the numbers overlap but refer to different scales. Foot length in centimeters is a single, physical measurement that can be converted to any regional system. Once you know your length in cm, you can use our Shoe Size Converter, our CM to US Shoe Size page, or our Measurement Assistant tool to get your equivalent size in US, UK, EU, and Japan. Our How Shoe Sizing Works and Why EU and US Sizes Differ guides explain the regional systems in more detail.

Step-by-step: measuring foot length

You need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a wall, a pen or pencil, and a ruler or tape measure in centimeters. Place the paper on a hard, flat floor with one short end flush against the wall. Stand on the paper with your heel touching the wall and your weight on that foot. Mark the paper at the tip of your longest toe (often the big toe, but use whichever is longest). Step off and measure from the wall (or the heel edge of the paper) to the mark in centimeters. Repeat for the other foot and use the larger of the two measurements. Measuring in the evening can give a slightly larger reading, which helps avoid shoes that are too tight. We offer a Printable Foot Measuring Sheet with instructions; you can also use our measurement-to-size pages (e.g. 26 cm to US) to see how a given length converts.

Converting your measurement to shoe size

Once you have your foot length in cm, use our Shoe Size Converter and enter the measurement or select your regional equivalent. The converter shows sizes in US, UK, EU, and other regions. For direct cm-to-size pages, see our CM to US hub and the Shoe Size Pages index. The Measurement Assistant includes a foot-length input and gives size recommendations. Keep in mind that conversion charts assume a standard toe allowance; some brands run small or large, so always check the brand's size chart when possible. Our Brands That Run Small and Common Shoe Sizing Mistakes guides cover common fit issues.

Tips for accuracy

Measure on a hard surface, not carpet. Stand with your full weight on the foot being measured. Use the larger foot if they differ. If you are between two sizes, consider sizing up for comfort or for brands that run small. For more guidance on regional differences and fit, see our How UK Shoe Sizes Differ, How Japanese Shoe Sizes Work, and Common Sizing Problems. The Measurement Tools hub and Shoe Sizing Guides hub list all our converters, tools, and guides in one place.

Summary

Measuring your feet in centimeters gives you a single, reliable number that can be converted to any regional shoe size. Use a wall, paper, and a ruler; measure both feet and use the larger value. Then use our Shoe Size Converter, CM to US pages, or Measurement Assistant to get your size in US, UK, EU, and Japan. Always check the brand's size chart for the specific shoe. Our Shoe Size Pages, Measurement Tools, and Printable Foot Measuring Sheet are linked from the hubs above.

Converters

Tools & guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure my foot length in cm?

Place a piece of paper against a wall on a hard floor. Stand with your heel touching the wall and mark the tip of your longest toe. Measure from the wall to the mark in centimeters. Repeat for both feet and use the larger measurement.

Why use cm for shoe size?

Foot length in cm is a physical measurement that can be converted to any regional shoe size (US, UK, EU, Japan). It avoids confusion between different numbering systems.

Where can I convert my foot measurement to shoe size?

Use our Shoe Size Converter or measurement pages (e.g. 26 cm to US) and the Measurement Assistant tool. Always check the brand's size chart for the specific shoe.

GlobalSizeChart.com is an independent utility for size conversion. Our content is educational and our sizing data is compiled from public standards.

  • Independent Utility Tool — Free converters and charts, not affiliated with any retailer or brand.
  • Educational content — Guides are for information only; always check the brand's size chart when possible.
  • Sizing data from public standards — Conversions are based on widely published international standards; individual brands may differ.