Where do I measure for foot width?

Measure the circumference around the widest part of your foot—the ball, the joint behind your toes. Do not measure at the toes or instep. Stand with weight even on both feet.

Can I use a string instead of a tape measure?

Yes. Wrap string around the ball of your foot, mark where it overlaps, then measure the string length with a ruler. Convert to cm (inches × 2.54) and enter with your foot length into our Foot Width Calculator.

Why do I need both length and width for shoe size?

Length gives you the numeric size (US 9, EU 42) from our Shoe Size Converter. Width tells you whether you need standard (D/B), wide (2E), or narrow fit. Both are needed for a good fit.

How to Measure Foot Width at Home

Foot width affects fit as much as length. To know if you need narrow, standard, or wide shoes, you need the circumference around the widest part of your foot—usually the ball (the joint behind your toes). This page explains how to measure foot width at home with a tape or string, and how to use the result with our Foot Width Calculator and Shoe Size Converter. Fit can vary by brand; use this as a guide and check the brand’s size chart for the specific shoe.

Where to measure: the ball of the foot

The widest part of the foot is usually across the ball—the joint where your toes meet the rest of your foot. That is the point used for width in US sizing (D, 2E, etc.). Do not measure at the toes or the instep; the ball gives the circumference that correlates with width codes. Stand with your weight evenly on both feet so the foot is in a natural, slightly spread position when you measure.

Step-by-step: tape measure method

Stand on a hard floor with weight even on both feet.
Wrap a flexible tape measure around one foot at the widest part (the ball). Keep the tape snug but not tight—it should rest against the skin without compressing.
Read the circumference in centimeters. If your tape shows inches, multiply by 2.54 for cm, or use our tools that accept inches where noted.
Repeat for the other foot. Use the larger value if they differ.
Measure length as well (heel to longest toe) if you don’t already know it—you need both for the Foot Width Calculator. See How to Measure Your Feet for length.

String and ruler method

If you don’t have a flexible tape: wrap a piece of string around the widest part of your foot (the ball), mark where it overlaps, then measure the length of string between the marks with a ruler. Convert to centimeters (inches × 2.54 = cm). Use that circumference together with your foot length in the Foot Width Calculator to get a width recommendation (narrow, standard, or wide) and the corresponding US width letter.

Using your width with converters and brands

Length gives you a numeric size (e.g. US 9, EU 42) from our Shoe Size Converter or Foot Measurement Calculator. Width tells you whether you need a standard (D/B), wide (2E), or narrow (B/C in men’s) fit. Use both when shopping: filter by width when the brand offers it, and check the brand’s size chart. Our Shoe Width Guide, Wide vs Regular Shoes, and Understanding Shoe Width explain how width fits into conversion and brand fit. The Measurement Tools page lists all tools; the Brand Sizing Guides hub links to brand-specific pages for fit tendencies.

Tools and related guides

Foot Width Calculator — enter length and ball circumference for width recommendation
Foot Width Guide — where to measure, narrow vs wide
Shoe Size Converter — length-based conversion
How to Measure Your Feet — foot length measurement
Shoe Width Guide — D, EE, EEE and regional differences
Measurement Tools — all measurement and conversion tools

Hubs, converters & measurement tools

Authority hubs: Shoe Size Guides · Clothing Size Guides · Brand Sizing Guides · Measurement Guides

Main converters: Shoe Size Converter · Clothing Size Converter · CM to US Shoe Size · US to EU Size · UK to US Size

Measurement tools: Foot Measurement Calculator · Foot Width Calculator · Measurement Assistant · Measurement Tools