Sock Size Chart: Sock Sizes, Shoe Sizes and Sock Heights
Sock labels use three different schemes: an old inch-based sock number, letter sizes, and shoe-size ranges. Here is how they map to your shoe size, how the sock heights compare, and how compression socks are sized.
A standard men's sock size 10-13 fits US shoe sizes 6-12 (UK 5-11, EU 38-46), and a women's sock size 9-11 fits US women's shoe sizes 4-10 (UK 2-8, EU 34.5-42). Larger men's socks, sold as sock size 13-15 or "big and tall", fit shoe sizes 12-15. The sock number is a length in inches, a little longer than the foot.
- Men's sock 10-13
- US shoe 6-12
- Women's sock 9-11
- US shoe 4-10
- Big & tall 13-15
- US shoe 12-15
- Crew sock cuff
- about 7-9 in high
On this page
Sock size chart by shoe size
Find your shoe size, then read across to the sock label you are likely to see. Ranges overlap at the edges because knit socks stretch; if you sit at the top of one range, the next one up usually fits better.
| Sock label | US shoe size | UK shoe size | EU shoe size | Foot length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's 9-11 | Women's 4-10 | 2-8 | 34.5-42 | 8.3-10.3 in (21-26 cm) |
| Men's 10-13 | Men's 6-12 | 5-11 | 38-46 | 9.3-11.3 in (24-29 cm) |
| Men's 13-15 (big and tall) | Men's 12-15 | 11-14 | 45.5-49.5 | 11.3-12.3 in (29-31 cm) |
The sock number is a length in inches. It describes the sock's foot laid flat, which is why it runs about ½-1 in above the foot length it fits. Shoe-size conversions follow the shoe size chart.
Sock letter sizes: S, M, L, XL
Athletic, hiking and wool socks are usually sold in four letter sizes, each covering about 2.5 to 3 shoe sizes. The split below is common; check the brand's chart, because some shift each letter by half a size.
| Letter | US men's shoe | US women's shoe | EU (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 4-6.5 | 5-7.5 | 35.5-38.5 |
| M | 7-9.5 | 8-10.5 | 39.5-42.5 |
| L | 10-12.5 | 11-13.5 | 43-46.5 |
| XL | 13-15 | - | 47-49.5 |
A sock that is too long bunches under the toes and causes blisters in running shoes and boots. One that is too short pulls the heel pocket under the heel. For technical socks, fit matters more than for everyday cotton socks.
UK and EU sock sizes
European socks are usually labeled with a band of EU shoe sizes, such as 39-42 or 43-46. UK socks use UK shoe sizes, such as 4-8 for women and 6-11 for men. Bands of three or four EU sizes cover about 2-2.7 cm of foot length.
| EU band | UK shoe | US women's shoe | US men's shoe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-38 | 2.5-5 | 4.5-7 | 3.5-6 |
| 39-42 | 5.5-8 | 7.5-10 | 6.5-9 |
| 43-46 | 9-11 | 11-13 | 10-12 |
| 47-50 | 12-14.5 | - | 13-15.5 |
Sock heights: no-show to over-the-knee
Heights below are where the cuff typically ends on an adult wearing a medium size, measured from the floor. Larger sizes come up a little higher.
| Style | Cuff height (in) | Cuff height (cm) | Ends at |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-show / liner | below shoe line | below shoe line | Hidden inside the shoe |
| Low-cut / ankle | 2-3 | 5-8 | Just below the ankle bone |
| Quarter | 4-5 | 10-13 | Just above the ankle bone |
| Crew | 7-9 | 18-23 | Lower shin |
| Mid-calf | 10-12 | 25-30 | Below the widest part of the calf |
| Over-the-calf / knee-high | 15-18 | 38-46 | Just below the knee |
| Over-the-knee | 20-24 | 51-61 | Lower thigh |
Match the sock to the footwear. A sock should end at least 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) above the top of a boot to stop the shaft rubbing the skin: crew socks suit low hikers and 6-inch boots, while 8-inch work boots and western boots need mid-calf or over-the-calf socks. The boot height guide lists shaft heights by style. Dress socks for suits are usually mid-calf or over-the-calf so no skin shows when seated.
Compression socks: sizing and pressure classes
Compression socks are graduated: tightest at the ankle and looser toward the knee. They are sized by leg measurements and labeled by pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
| Pressure | Level | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 8-15 mmHg | Mild | Travel, long periods of standing or sitting |
| 15-20 mmHg | Moderate | Flights, pregnancy, tired or mildly swollen legs; generally sold without a prescription |
| 20-30 mmHg | Firm | Varicose veins and swelling; use on medical advice |
| 30-40 mmHg | Extra firm | Medical conditions; prescribed and fitted |
- Measure in the morning, before the legs swell.
- Ankle: the circumference at the narrowest point just above the ankle bone. This is the main sizing number.
- Calf: the circumference at the widest point.
- Length: for knee-high socks, the distance from the floor to the bend of the knee while seated with the foot flat.
- Match both circumferences to one size on the maker's chart. If they fall in different sizes, ask a fitter or choose a brand with wide-calf options; shoe size is only a secondary check.
Pressures of 20 mmHg and above can harm people with poor arterial circulation. Ask a clinician before using firm or extra-firm compression, and stop if the socks cause pain, numbness or skin marks.
Kids' sock sizes
Children's socks are labeled by age, shoe-size range or both. Because the two do not always agree, use the child's shoe size: a sock range should place it in the middle. Typical pairs are toddler shoe sizes 4-7 (about ages 1-2), 7-10 (ages 2-4), little kid 10-13 (ages 4-6) and big kid 13C-4Y and 4Y-7Y. The kids' shoe size chart gives foot lengths for every size. Babies who are not walking need socks with non-slip soles only once they start to stand.
Why socks change your shoe fit
- Thick wool hiking socks can take up about half a shoe size compared with thin dress socks. Fit boots in the socks you will wear.
- Cotton holds sweat and stretches when wet; synthetic and merino blends keep their shape better for long walks.
- Seams across the toe rub in snug shoes. Flat-knit or hand-linked toes are worth having in running and work socks.
Matching undergarment sizes are in the underwear size chart, and house socks for indoor wear pair well with the ranges in the slipper size guide.
Frequently asked questions
What sock size am I if I wear a size 10 shoe?
A men's US 10 shoe takes men's sock size 10-13, or size L in brands that split socks into four letter sizes. A women's US 10 shoe is at the top of women's sock size 9-11; if socks feel short, try a men's 10-13.
What does sock size 10-13 mean?
It is the old US sock numbering, which measures the sock's foot length in inches. A sock size 10-13 stretches to fit feet from roughly 9.3 to 11.3 in long, which covers US men's shoe sizes 6-12.
What size socks for a size 13 shoe?
A men's US 13 is above the standard 10-13 sock range. Choose socks labeled 13-15, XL, or "big and tall". Standard socks will stretch over the foot but the heel pocket ends up on the back of the ankle.
How tall is a crew sock compared with a quarter sock?
A quarter sock ends just above the ankle bone, about 4-5 in (10-13 cm) from the floor. A crew sock reaches the lower shin, about 7-9 in (18-23 cm) from the floor on an adult.
What size compression socks do I need?
Compression socks are sized by ankle and calf circumference, not shoe size. Measure the narrowest point above the ankle bone and the widest part of the calf in the morning, then match both numbers to the brand's chart.