If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about what size socks you wear. But if you’ve ever had a pair of socks that were too small or too big, you know that it can make a big difference in your comfort level. So how do you find the perfect sock size?
How do you Determine Sock Size?
There are a few different ways to determine your sock size. One way is to measure your foot and compare it to a sock size chart. Another way is to try on a pair of socks and see how they fit.
Today, we’ll look at US sock sizes since that’s the most common sizing system in the US. However, we’ll provide you with a conversion chart if you’re shopping for socks with a different sizing system.
Sock size is how long your foot is in inches.
To find your sock size, measure the length of your foot (from heel to toe), then measure the circumference of your foot at its widest point with a ruler or tape measure. Once you have these measurements, you can use them to look up your size on a chart or try different sizes until you find one that fits well.
When shopping for socks, you’ll see they are often labeled medium – 6″ to 8.5″, large – 8.5″ to 10.5″, or extra-large – 10.5″ and up. This will vary from one brand to the next, so always refer to their size chart when choosing socks.
For US sock sizes, the smallest size is typically 4-5, and the largest size is usually 14-15. The most common sizes are 6-8.5 and 9-12, with children’s socks ranging from 2-4 to 13-3.
Sock Sizing for Women, Men, and Children
Here’s a brief overview of determining your sock size for women, men, and children.
Women’s Sock Sizes
Most women’s socks will range from size 4 to 12. If you are between sizes, you may want to choose the larger size or try a higher sock length that will add an extra half-inch of length.
If you cannot measure your feet with a ruler, you can look up your size by comparing it to your shoe size. However, this is not the most accurate way to determine your sock size.
Should you be larger than 12.5, you may need to try men’s socks.
Men’s Sock Sizes
Most men’s socks will range from size 5 to 16. If you are between sizes, you may want to choose the larger size or try a different style that will add an extra half-inch of length.
If you cannot measure your feet with a ruler, you can look up your size by comparing it to your shoe size. However, this is not the most accurate way to determine your sock size.
Children’s Sock Sizes
Kids’ socks are a bit tougher to determine as they are divided into several sub-categories. For example, baby socks range (9 months and younger) from size 0 to 3, toddler socks range (usually for kids between the ages of 9 months and 4 years) from size 3.5 to 10, and little kid socks (4 years and up) from size 10.5 to 3.
Lastly, you’ll have big kid socks (for kids seven years and up) start at size 3.5 and go up to size 12.
Size Chart for Women’s, Men’s, and Children’s Socks
If you’re having trouble measuring your foot with a ruler or finding the right size based on your shoe size, you can use this sock size chart to find the perfect fit.
Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Here is the shoe size conversion chart to international sizes and foot length for women’s shoes:
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot Size (Inches) | Foot Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 35 | 8.20 | 20.80 |
| 4.5 | 3 | 35 | 8.30 | 21.30 |
| 5 | 3 | 35 or 36 | 8.50 | 21.60 |
| 5.5 | 4 | 36 | 8.80 | 22.20 |
| 6 | 4 | 36 or 37 | 8.90 | 22.50 |
| 6.5 | 5 | 37 | 9.10 | 23.00 |
| 7 | 5 | 37 or 38 | 9.30 | 23.50 |
| 7.5 | 6 | 38 | 9.40 | 23.80 |
| 8 | 6 | 38 or 39 | 9.50 | 24.10 |
| 8.5 | 7 | 39 | 9.70 | 24.60 |
| 9 | 7 | 39 or 40 | 9.90 | 25.10 |
| 9.5 | 8 | 40 | 10.00 | 25.40 |
| 10 | 8 | 40 or 41 | 10.20 | 25.90 |
| 10.5 | 9 | 41 | 10.30 | 26.20 |
| 11 | 9 | 41 or 42 | 10.50 | 26.70 |
| 11.5 | 10 | 42 | 10.70 | 27.10 |
| 12 | 10 | 42 or 43 | 10.90 | 27.60 |
Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Here is the shoe size conversion chart to international sizes and foot length for men’s shoes:
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot Size (Inches) | Foot Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 39 | 9.3 | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39 | 9.5 | 24.1 |
| 7 | 6.5 | 40 | 9.6 | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 7 | 40 or 41 | 9.8 | 24.8 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 41 | 9.9 | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 8 | 41 or 42 | 10.1 | 25.7 |
| 9 | 8.5 | 42 | 10.3 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 9 | 42 or 43 | 10.4 | 26.7 |
| 10 | 9.5 | 43 | 10.6 | 27 |
| 10.5 | 10 | 43 or 44 | 10.8 | 27.3 |
| 11 | 10.5 | 44 | 10.9 | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 11 | 44 or 45 | 11.1 | 28.3 |
| 12 | 11.5 | 45 | 11.3 | 28.6 |
| 13 | 12.5 | 46 | 11.6 | 29.4 |
| 14 | 13.5 | 47 | 11.9 | 30.2 |
| 15 | 14.5 | 48 | 12.2 | 31 |
| 16 | 15.5 | 49 | 12.5 | 31.8 |
Children’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart
Given that children’s sizes are often based on age rather than shoe size, we recommend using the shoe size conversion charts below:
Infants (Typically 9 months and younger)
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot Size (Inches) | Foot Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 15 | 3.1 | 7.9 |
| 1 | 0.5 | 16 | 3.5 | 8.9 |
| 1.5 | 1 | 17 | 3.6 | 9.2 |
| 2 | 1 | 17 | 3.8 | 9.5 |
| 2.5 | 1.5 | 18 | 4 | 10.2 |
| 3 | 2 | 18 | 4.1 | 10.5 |
Toddlers (Typically 9 months to 4 years old)
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot Size (Inches) | Foot Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 19 | 4.3 | 10.8 |
| 4 | 3 | 19 | 4.5 | 11.4 |
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 20 | 4.6 | 11.7 |
| 5 | 4 | 20 | 4.8 | 12.1 |
| 5.5 | 4.5 | 21 | 5 | 12.7 |
| 6 | 5 | 22 | 5.1 | 13 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 22 | 5.3 | 13.3 |
| 7 | 6 | 23 | 5.5 | 14 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 23 | 5.6 | 14.3 |
| 8 | 7 | 24 | 5.8 | 14.6 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 25 | 6 | 15.2 |
| 9 | 8 | 25 | 6.1 | 15.6 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 26 | 6.3 | 15.9 |
| 10 | 9 | 27 | 6.5 | 16.5 |
Little Kids (Typically 4 to 7 years old)
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot Size (Inches) | Foot Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 27 | 6.6 | 16.8 |
| 11 | 10 | 28 | 6.8 | 17.1 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 29 | 7 | 17.8 |
| 12 | 11 | 30 | 7.1 | 18.1 |
| 12.5 | 11.5 | 30 | 7.3 | 18.4 |
| 13 | 12 | 31 | 7.5 | 19.1 |
| 13.5 | 12.5 | 31 | 7.6 | 19.4 |
| 1 | 13 | 32 | 7.8 | 19.7 |
| 1.5 | 14 | 33 | 8 | 20.3 |
| 2 | 1 | 33 | 8.1 | 20.6 |
| 2.5 | 1.5 | 34 | 8.3 | 21 |
| 3 | 2 | 34 | 8.5 | 21.6 |
Big Kids (Typically 7 to 12 years old)
| US & Canada | UK | Europe | Foot Size (Inches) | Foot Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 35 | 8.6 | 21.9 |
| 4 | 3 | 36 | 8.8 | 22.2 |
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 36 | 9 | 22.9 |
| 5 | 4 | 37 | 9.1 | 23.2 |
| 5.5 | 4.5 | 37 | 9.3 | 23.5 |
| 6 | 5 | 38 | 9.5 | 24.1 |
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 38 | 9.6 | 24.4 |
| 7 | 6 | 39 | 9.8 | 24.8 |
Sock Length
When buying socks, you’ll find that they are available in different lengths. Here’s a summary of each:
- No-Show Socks Length: 2″
- Ankle Socks Length: 5″
- Quarter Socks Length: 6″
- Mini-Crew Socks Length: 7 to 8.5″
- Crew Socks Length: 8 to 10″
- Boot Socks Length: 11″
- Knee-High Socks Length: 15″
- Over-the-Calf Socks Length: 16 to 17″
- Thigh High Socks Length: 20″+
No-Show Socks
No-show socks sit low on the foot and ankle and are typically invisible when worn with shoes. In addition, no-show socks are perfect for pairing with loafers, boat shoes, and other low-cut shoes. Lastly, you’ll find that many of these socks feature moisture-wicking and anti-microbial technology, making them an excellent choice for exercise. These socks are about 2″ high.
Ankle Socks
Ankle socks are just what they sound like – socks that reach the ankle. They’re usually made of a cotton-acrylic blend and are great for wearing with sneakers or other low-cut shoes. In addition, you’ll often find that ankle socks have reinforced heels and toes for added durability. These socks are about 5″ high.
Quarter Socks
Quarter socks are mid-calf length and typically have a banded cuff for a secure fit. They’re great for wearing with sneakers, boots, and other shoes. Like ankle socks, quarter socks often feature moisture-wicking and anti-microbial technology, making them an excellent choice for working out. These can also be worn comfortably with pants. These socks are about 6″ high.
Related: Ankle Socks vs. Quarter Socks
Mini-Crew Socks
Mini-crew socks are a little longer than quarter socks yet don’t extend nearly as high as crew socks. They typically sit at mid-calf and are great for wearing sneakers, boots, and other shoes. Very few brands make mini-crew socks, but they can often be at specialty sock stores such as Feetures. These socks are about 7 to 8.5″ high.
Crew Socks
Crew socks are a popular sock length that rests higher up on the calf when compared to mini-crew socks. They’re typically made of a cotton or wool blend and are great for wearing with jeans, pants, and boots. In addition, you’ll often find that crew socks have reinforced heels and toes for added durability. These socks are about 8 to 10″ high.
Boot Socks
Boot socks typically reach just below the knee. They’re great for wearing with boots but can also be worn with jeans or other pants depending on your personal style. These socks are about 11″ high.
Knee-High Socks
Knee-high socks are what they sound like – socks that reach the knee. They’re often made of a cotton-acrylic blend and are great for wearing with skirts, dresses, and shorts. Some knee-high socks even have a fun pattern or design. Women most commonly wear this sock length. Knee-high socks are an excellent choice for adding a little personality to their outfit. These socks are about 15″ high.
Over-the-Calf Socks
If you’re looking to go a little higher still, over-the-calf socks may be your best bet. These socks extend above the knee, allowing for a secure and comfortable fit. This sock length is commonly found in men’s dress socks and can be worn with dress pants or jeans. Quality varies, with some being made of a cotton-acrylic blend while others are 100% wool. These socks are about 16 to 17″ high.
Thigh High Socks
This sock length is commonly found in women’s dress socks and can be worn with skirts, dresses, and shorts. Thigh-high socks are also worn as a style statement and can be found in various colors and patterns. As with over-the-knee socks, quality varies from one brand to another. These socks are about 20″ high.