Size Calculator Korea: How to Find Your Korean Size

This calculator converts your usual clothing or shoe size into the corresponding Korean size for tops, bottoms, dresses, and footwear. You enter your chest, waist, hip, height, or US/EU size, and you get the Korean size (KR) you should look for when shopping Korean brands. The calculator uses standard Korean sizing charts that are widely used by domestic and export clothing manufacturers.

Formula

The most common conversion for tops is: Korean size = (US size – 2) × 2 + 55. This maps a US size 6 to a Korean 55, US 8 to 66, US 10 to 77, and so on. For bottoms, the waist measurement in centimeters is often used directly: a 70 cm waist corresponds to a Korean size 66, and a 76 cm waist to 77. For height-based sizing, the rule is Korean size = (height in cm – 160) / 5 + 55, which gives 55 for 160 cm, 66 for 165 cm, and 77 for 170 cm.

Worked Example

Using the default values: US size 8, height 165 cm, waist 70 cm.

• Top conversion: (8 – 2) × 2 + 55 = 6 × 2 + 55 = 12 + 55 = 67, rounded to 66 (since 67 is not a standard size, we round to the nearest standard: 66).
• Height-based: (165 – 160) / 5 + 55 = 5 / 5 + 55 = 1 + 55 = 66.
• Waist-based: 70 cm waist fits a Korean 66 (the range for 66 is roughly 68–73 cm).

So the calculator returns 66 for both methods, which is the expected Korean size for a US 8. Note: the formula gives 67, but because Korean sizes come in steps of 55, 66, 77, 88, we round to the nearest step (66). The calculator applies this rounding automatically.

Understanding Korean Sizing

Korean clothing sizes are not the same as US, UK, or EU sizes. The Korean system uses numbers like 55, 66, 77, and 88, which are derived from the body measurements of the average Korean woman in the mid-20th century. These numbers roughly correspond to bust/waist/hip measurements in centimeters, but they are not standardized across all brands. Some brands use a simpler system: S, M, L, XL, which often run smaller than Western sizes. For example, a Korean M might fit like a US XS or S. The key is to always check the specific brand’s size chart, because a “66� from one brand might fit differently than a “66� from another.

How to Choose the Right Size

To get the most accurate Korean size, you need three measurements: bust, waist, and hip. Here’s how to measure each:

• Bust: measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal.
• Waist: measure around the narrowest part of your waist, usually just above the belly button.
• Hip: measure around the widest part of your hips/buttocks.

Once you have these, compare them to the brand’s size chart. If you are between sizes, size up for a looser fit or size down for a tighter fit. For shoes, Korean sizes are in millimeters (e.g., 240 = 240 mm = EU 38 = US 7.5). Always measure your foot length in centimeters and add 5–10 mm for comfort.

Common Problems and Mistakes

The biggest mistake is assuming Korean sizes are the same as Japanese or Chinese sizes. They are not. Japanese sizes are similar but often run slightly smaller. Chinese sizes use a different numbering (e.g., 160/84A) that is based on height and bust. Another mistake is relying on the “one size fits all� label – many Korean free-size garments are actually designed for a 55–66 body. Also, be aware that Korean sizing has shifted over the years; modern Korean women are taller and have different proportions than the 1970s average, so some brands have adjusted their charts. Always read the size chart on the product page, not just the tag.

Comparing Korean Sizes to US, UK, and EU

Here is a rough comparison for women’s tops and dresses:

• Korean 55 ≈ US 0–2, UK 4–6, EU 32–34
• Korean 66 ≈ US 4–6, UK 8–10, EU 36–38
• Korean 77 ≈ US 8–10, UK 12–14, EU 40–42
• Korean 88 ≈ US 12–14, UK 16–18, EU 44–46

For men’s clothing, Korean sizes often use a different system: 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, which correspond to chest circumference in centimeters. A Korean 95 is roughly a US M, 100 is L, 105 is XL, and so on. Shoes: Korean size 240 = EU 38 = US 7.5 (women) or US 6 (men). Always verify with the brand’s chart because there is no universal standard.

Costs and Where to Buy

Korean clothing is popular for its style and quality, and it is often cheaper than Western brands of similar quality. However, international shipping and customs fees can add significantly to the cost. If you buy from Korean online stores that ship internationally, you may pay $10–$30 for shipping and possibly import duties. To avoid the hassle, many people use Korean clothing proxy services that consolidate purchases and ship them overseas. These services charge a fee (usually 10–20% of the item price) plus shipping. Always factor in these costs when comparing prices.

Safety and Accuracy Tips

When buying clothes online, especially from overseas, there is a risk of receiving a product that does not fit. To minimize that risk:

• Always measure yourself in centimeters, not inches, to avoid conversion errors.
• Check the brand’s own size chart, not a generic one.
• Read customer reviews for fit notes (e.g., “runs smallâ€� or “true to sizeâ€�).
• If you are between sizes, order the larger size – you can always have it tailored.
• For shoes, measure your foot length in cm and add about 1 cm for wiggle room.

There is no health risk in using a size calculator, but remember that sizes are not a measure of health. Wear what fits and feels comfortable.

Alternatives to the Calculator

If you do not have a measuring tape, you can use a piece of string and a ruler. Or, you can use your existing clothes that fit well: lay a shirt flat and measure from armpit to armpit, then double it to get the chest circumference. Many Korean online stores provide a “size guide� with measurements for each size – use those instead of a generic calculator when available. Some stores also offer free returns, which can be a safer option if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Korean size 66 the same as a US size 6?

Not exactly. Korean 66 typically fits a US size 4–6, but it depends on the brand. A US size 6 often corresponds to a Korean 77 in tops, but for bottoms, a 66 may fit a US 6 if your waist is around 70 cm. Always check the specific measurements.

How do I convert my US shoe size to Korean?

Korean shoe sizes are in millimeters (e.g., 240 = 240 mm). A US women’s size 7 is about 240 mm, and a US men’s size 8 is about 260 mm. Measure your foot length in cm and multiply by 10 to get the Korean size, then add 5–10 mm for comfort.

Why do Korean clothes run small?

Korean sizing is based on the average body measurements of Korean women, who tend to be shorter and slimmer than Western averages. Also, many Korean brands use “free size� which is designed for a 55–66 body, so if you are larger than that, it will be tight. Always size up if you are between sizes.

What does “free size� mean in Korean clothing?

“Free size� (often written as “FREE� or “OS�) means one size fits all, but in practice it usually fits a Korean 55–66 (US 0–6). If you are larger than that, it may not fit. Check the measurements provided in the product description.

Can I use my height and weight to determine my Korean size?

Height and weight are a rough guide, but they are not reliable because body shape varies. Two people with the same height and weight can have very different waist and bust measurements. Use your actual bust, waist, and hip measurements for the best result.

Do Korean men’s sizes use the same system?

No. Men’s sizes are usually based on chest circumference (e.g., 95, 100, 105) or a letter system (S, M, L, XL). A Korean 100 corresponds to a US M or L, but again, check the brand’s chart.

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in t | Your US size (tops) | US | 8 | 0
in h | Your height | cm | 165 | 0
in w | Your waist | cm | 70 | 0
out kr | Estimated Korean size | KR | round( (t - 2) * 2 + 55, 0 ) | 0
out kr2 | Alternative Korean size (height-based) | KR | round( (h - 160) / 5 + 55, 0 ) | 0