What Are Socks?
Socks are a clothing item that you put on your feet to make shoes more comfortable to wear and to help keep your feet warm in cold weather. As we know them today, machine-knitted socks were first produced in the late 16th century, though a pair of hand-knitted socks from 300–500 AD was found in Egypt. Another function of socks is to absorb sweat, which allows it to reach the air and evaporate.
💡 The word sock comes from the Old English word socc, which means "light slipper". Socc comes from the Latin word soccus, meaning a "light, low-heeled shoe", which in turn comes from the ancient Greek word sykchos.
How to Use This Sock Size Calculator
Using this sock size calculator to find out "what size of socks do I wear?" is really simple. First, select whether you're looking to size socks for an adult or a child.
For Adults:
- Select whether the socks are for a man or a woman. In the US, there is a slight difference in the shoe size system for each gender.
- Choose your input method: enter your shoe size or your foot length.
- If using shoe size, select the size system: US, UK/AU, or EU.
- We will then display your sock size result in US sock size and general sock size (Small, Medium, or Large).
For Children:
- Choose whether you want to use the age or shoe size of the child.
- To size socks by age, enter their age in either months or years (up to 11 years old).
- For shoe size, enter their shoe size in the US, UK/AU, or EU system.
- We will display the child's sock size category and approximate foot length.
US Sock Sizes — What Size of Socks Do I Wear?
US sock sizes must not be confused with US shoe sizes. Sock sizes in the US are based entirely on the length of the foot in inches, while US shoe size is defined as three times the foot's length in inches, minus 22 for men and 21 for women.
So, if you're in the US, simply measure your foot length to the nearest inch (go up to the next inch) to get your US sock size. This method works for men, women, and children alike.
Socks in the US are generally offered in three size ranges:
- 9–11 US sock size — Small (S)
- 10–13 US sock size — Medium (M)
- 14+ US sock size — Large (L)
Note that sizes 10 and 11 fall in both Small and Medium ranges — socks in these sizes are typically stretchy enough to fit both ranges comfortably.
Men's Sock Sizes
For men, the US sock size equals the foot length in inches (rounded up). Most men's socks are sold in the 10–13 (Medium) range, which fits a US men's shoe size of approximately 8–12.
| US Shoe Size (Men) | UK Shoe Size | EU Shoe Size | US Sock Size | General Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–7 | 5.5–6.5 | 39–40 | 9–10 | S (9–11) |
| 7.5–9 | 7–8.5 | 40.5–42 | 10–11 | S (9–11) / M (10–13) |
| 9.5–12 | 9–11.5 | 42.5–45 | 11–12 | M (10–13) |
| 12.5–14 | 12–13.5 | 45.5–47 | 12–13 | M (10–13) |
| 14.5+ | 14+ | 47.5+ | 14+ | L (14+) |
Women's Sock Sizes
Women's shoe sizes use a different offset from men's: US shoe size = 3 × foot length (in inches) − 21. So a woman with a 9.5-inch foot would wear a US size 7.5 shoe and a size 10 sock.
| US Shoe Size (Women) | UK Shoe Size | EU Shoe Size | US Sock Size | General Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4–5.5 | 2–3.5 | 34–35.5 | 9 | S (9–11) |
| 6–7.5 | 4–5.5 | 36–37.5 | 9–10 | S (9–11) |
| 8–9.5 | 6–7.5 | 38–39.5 | 10–11 | S (9–11) / M (10–13) |
| 10–11.5 | 8–9.5 | 40–41.5 | 11–12 | M (10–13) |
| 12+ | 10+ | 42+ | 12+ | M (10–13) |
Kids Sock Sizes — Children's Sock Sizes by Age
If you are not sure what size socks your child needs, you can use either their age or their shoe size to find the right fit. Children's sock sizes are typically described by age range or foot length in inches.
| Age | US Shoe Size (Children) | EU Shoe Size | Approx. Foot Length | Sock Size Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 0–1C | 15–17 | ~2.5" | Newborn |
| 3–6 months | 1–2C | 17–18 | ~3" | Infant (3–6 months) |
| 6–12 months | 2–4C | 18–20 | ~3.5" | Baby (6–12 months) |
| 1–2 years | 4–6C | 20–22 | ~4.5" | Toddler (1–2 years) |
| 2–3 years | 6–8C | 22–24 | ~5" | Toddler (2–3 years) |
| 3–5 years | 8–11C | 24–27 | ~6" | Small Kids (3–5 years) |
| 6–8 years | 11C–1Y | 27–33 | ~7" | Medium Kids (6–8 years) |
| 9–11 years | 2Y–4Y | 33–36 | ~8" | Large Kids (9–11 years) |
Measuring System Notes
This sock size calculator supports both the American (imperial) and metric measurement systems:
- American: US shoe sizes, foot length in inches
- Metric: EU shoe sizes, foot length in centimeters
- UK/AU: British and Australian shoe sizing (different offset from US for men and women)
All conversions are handled automatically — just enter your preferred measurement and the calculator will do the rest!
Tips for Getting the Right Sock Size
- When in doubt, go up a size — socks are generally stretchy and a slightly larger sock is more comfortable than one that's too tight.
- Measure your foot at the end of the day when it is at its largest.
- Stand while measuring your foot for the most accurate result.
- Specialist socks (compression socks, sports socks, thermal socks) may be offered in exact sizes rather than ranges.
- Children's feet grow quickly — check their sock size every 2–3 months for toddlers.