Sock Size Calculator
By Mohit Patel, Marketing Specialist, Tailor Size Guide
Socks are sized by the shoe sizes they fit, not by a measurement of their own. Enter your US shoe size and the sock size calculator tells you which sock size to buy, and the US and EU shoe range that size covers. For most men, a US 8 to 10½ shoe is a Medium sock and an 11 to 13 is a Large. For most women, a US 6½ to 9 shoe is a Medium.
Don't know your US shoe size? Convert it first with the shoe size conversion tool, then come back.
Find your sock size
Enter your US shoe size to see your sock size.
Men's sock size chart
The calculator uses these ranges, matching our men's sock size chart:
| Sock size | US shoe | UK shoe | EU shoe | Approx. foot length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 6 to 7½ | 5½ to 7 | 39 to 40 | 9½ in |
| M | 8 to 10½ | 7½ to 10 | 41 to 43 | 10½ in |
| L | 11 to 13 | 10½ to 12½ | 44 to 46 | 11½ in |
| XL | 13½ to 15 | 13 to 14½ | 47 to 49 | 12½ in |
| 2XL | 15½ to 17 | 15 to 16½ | 50 to 52 | 13½ in |
Women's sock size chart
| Sock size | US shoe | UK shoe | EU shoe | Approx. foot length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 4 to 6 | 2 to 4 | 35 to 37 | 8½ in |
| M | 6½ to 9 | 4½ to 6½ | 37 to 40 | 9½ in |
| L | 9½ to 12 | 7 to 9½ | 40 to 43 | 10½ in |
| XL | 12½ to 14 | 10 to 11½ | 43 to 45 | 11½ in |
These match our women's sock size chart. Ranges overlap slightly between brands, so if a brand lists its own ranges, use them.
Why socks are sized by shoe size
Socks stretch, so a single size can fit a range of feet. Instead of a separate sock measurement, most brands simply print the shoe sizes each sock fits on the packet, such as "fits shoe size 8 to 12." Letter sizes (S, M, L) are a shorthand for those ranges.
Older US packaging sometimes uses a numeric sock size instead, which is roughly the length of the sock's foot in inches. It's less common now, and the shoe-size range on the packet is the easier number to use.
What happens if your socks are the wrong size
Too small: - The heel cup sits under your foot instead of on your heel. - The toe seam pulls across your toes. - The sock slides down inside your shoe because it's stretched too thin. - Holes wear through quickly at the heel and toe.
Too big: - Extra fabric bunches at the toes or under the arch, causing rubbing and blisters. - The heel cup sits above your heel at the back of the ankle. - Socks twist around your foot.
Well-fitting socks matter most in running, hiking and work boots, where a wrinkle can cause blisters within an hour.
Between two sock sizes?
If your shoe size falls on the edge of two ranges, for example a men's US 10½ or 11:
- Thin dress socks and stretchy everyday socks: the smaller size usually fits well.
- Thick hiking, ski and wool socks: the larger size avoids pressure on the toes.
- Compression socks: don't guess. They're sized by ankle and calf measurements, not shoe size. See our compression sock size chart.
Socks by type
| Sock type | Sizing note |
|---|---|
| Dress socks | Thin and stretchy; standard shoe-size ranges work well |
| Athletic and running socks | Often have left/right shapes and arch support; fit matters more |
| Hiking and wool socks | Thicker; consider sizing up if you're between sizes |
| Ski socks | Long and thin, sized to the boot; see ski boot sizing |
| Compression socks | Sized by ankle and calf circumference |
| No-show and liner socks | Must fit closely or they slip off the heel |
| Kids' socks | Sized by shoe size or age; children grow fast, so recheck often |
Converting sock sizes between countries
Because sock sizes are tied to shoe sizes, converting a sock size really means converting a shoe size. The tables above show US, UK and EU shoe ranges side by side. If you know your EU shoe size, find it in the EU column and read across. A European men's 42 shoe, for example, falls in the Medium sock range. For other systems, use the shoe size conversion tool, then the sock calculator.
Our sock size conversion from US to EU has the full detail.
Socks for wide or narrow feet
Sock sizes cover length, not width, but stretchy socks adapt to most widths. If you have very wide feet, look for socks with a roomier toe box or a non-binding top so they don't dig in. For very narrow feet, socks with arch bands help them stay in place. Our guide to what D width means in shoes covers shoe widths.
Socks and shoe fit
Thick socks take up space in a shoe. If you're buying winter boots or hiking boots, try them on with the socks you'll wear, or allow for the extra thickness when you choose a shoe size. Running shoes are often bought half a size up for a similar reason. See how to measure for running shoes.
Worked examples
- A men's US 10½ shoe. That's the top of the men's Medium range (8 to 10½), so a Medium fits. For thick hiking socks, a Large gives more room at the toes.
- A women's US 9 shoe. That's the top of the women's Medium range (6½ to 9), so a Medium sock.
- A European men's 44 shoe. In the EU column, 44 falls in the men's Large range (44 to 46).
- A women's US 11 shoe buying men's socks. A women's 11 is about a men's 9.5, which is a men's Medium.
Sock heights
| Height | Where it ends | Best with |
|---|---|---|
| No-show | Below the shoe line | Loafers, low sneakers |
| Ankle (low-cut) | Just above the ankle bone | Trainers, gym |
| Quarter | Just over the ankle | Running, casual |
| Crew | Lower calf | Everyday, boots, dress |
| Mid-calf or over-the-calf | Upper calf or below the knee | Dress socks that stay up, boots |
| Knee-high | Just below the knee | Ski, compression, school uniforms |
Taller socks need the right calf fit as well as foot size. If tall socks dig in, look for wide-calf versions or a softer top band.
Sock materials
- Cotton: soft and breathable, but holds moisture, which can cause blisters on long walks.
- Merino wool: warm, cushioned and good at managing moisture and odour; popular for hiking.
- Synthetics (polyester, nylon, acrylic): durable and quick-drying; common in sports socks.
- Elastane: added in small amounts so socks hold their shape and stay up.
Blends are common, and they usually give the best fit and durability.
Socks for diabetes or circulation concerns
People with diabetes are often advised to wear socks that are seamless, non-binding at the top, moisture-wicking and well-fitting, to reduce the risk of rubbing and pressure on the feet. Size matters even more here: too small restricts, too big bunches. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, ask your clinician or podiatrist what to wear, and see our compression sock size chart if compression has been recommended.
Keeping socks the right size
Hot washes and tumble drying can shrink cotton and wool socks, especially at the foot. Wash at a moderate temperature and dry on low, or air-dry wool socks, to keep them fitting.
How socks should fit
- The heel cup sits on your heel, not under it or above it at the back of the ankle.
- The toe seam lies across the tips of your toes, not pulling across them or bunching beyond them.
- There's no loose fabric under the arch or at the toes once your shoe is on.
- The top stays up without digging into your leg or leaving a deep mark.
- The sock doesn't twist around your foot as you walk.
If the heel cup sits under your foot, the socks are too small. If it rides up the back of your ankle, they're too big.
Socks for running and hiking
For running, socks with a snug, arch-hugging fit and synthetic or merino fibres help prevent blisters, and many runners like left- and right-specific socks. For hiking, cushioning under the heel and ball of the foot matters, and merino wool helps with temperature and moisture. In both cases, try your shoes or boots on with the socks you'll use, because thicker socks change how the shoe fits. Our guide on how to measure for running shoes covers the shoe side, and the shoe size conversion tool helps if you're buying from another country.
If you sell socks online
Sock returns are rare, but sizing confusion still costs sales. On your product pages:
- Print the shoe size range for every sock size, in US, UK and EU.
- Use the same sizing across your range, so customers can reorder without checking.
- For compression and technical socks, give the measurements that matter, not just shoe size.
Tailor Size Guide can show a sock chart with all three shoe systems on every product.
Frequently asked questions
What sock size do I need for a size 10 shoe?
For men, a US 10 shoe is a Medium sock in most brands (Medium covers about US 8 to 10½). For women, a US 10 shoe is usually a Large sock.
Are sock sizes the same as shoe sizes?
No. Each sock size fits a range of shoe sizes, because socks stretch. The packet usually lists the shoe sizes each sock fits.
What size sock is a men's Large?
A men's Large usually fits US shoe sizes 11 to 13, UK 10½ to 12½, or EU 44 to 46.
Should I size up in socks?
Only for thick socks or if you're on the edge of two ranges. Socks that are too big bunch up and cause blisters.
How are compression socks sized?
By ankle and calf circumference, not shoe size. Measure both and use the maker's chart.
What does sock size 10 to 13 mean?
On older US packaging, a numeric sock size is roughly the length of the sock's foot in inches. The shoe-size range printed on the packet is the more reliable guide, so use that.
What sock size is a women's Medium?
A women's Medium usually fits US shoe sizes 6½ to 9, UK 4½ to 6½, or EU 37 to 40.
Can women wear men's socks?
Yes. Convert your shoe size first: a women's US size is about 1½ larger than the men's size for the same foot. A women's 9 is about a men's 7½, which is a men's Small to Medium sock.
Why do my socks keep slipping down?
They're usually too big, worn out at the top band, or too short for your calf. Try the next size down, a sock with more elastane, or a taller sock with a better grip at the top.
Do sock sizes differ between brands?
Slightly. Most brands use similar shoe-size ranges, but the boundaries can shift by half a size. If you're near the edge of a range, check the shoe sizes printed on that brand's packet.
Sources and standards
- Tailor Size Guide men's and women's sock size chartsThe shoe-size ranges the calculator uses.
- Hosiery labelling conventionsSocks are commonly labelled by the shoe-size range they fit; compression hosiery is sized by limb circumference.
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