How to convert pants sizes
Pants size conversion chart
Letter sizes (XS–XXL) mapped to waist and inseam measurements for trousers and jeans. Jeans are also often sold in the US style waist×inseam in inches.
| Size | Waist (cm) | Waist (in) | Inseam (cm) | Inseam (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 66–71 | 26–28 | 74–77 | 29–30 |
| S | 71–76 | 28–30 | 76–79 | 30–31 |
| M | 76–81 | 30–32 | 78–81 | 31–32 |
| L | 81–86 | 32–34 | 80–82 | 31.5–32.5 |
| XL | 86–91 | 34–36 | 80–82 | 31.5–32.5 |
| XXL | 91–97 | 36–38 | 81–83 | 32–33 |
Ranges are typical; the same letter can fit differently across cuts (regular, slim, relaxed), so use the waist measurement as your primary guide.
Why pants need two measurements
Unlike a top, a pair of pants has to fit in two directions: the waist around your middle and the inseam along the leg. A single letter cannot tell you both, so useful pants sizing always pairs a waist measurement with a length — and this converter keeps the two together.
How to use this pants size converter
Choose “letter size” to see the waist and inseam range that go with it, or type your own waist (cm or inches) and the converter returns the closest letter. Entering an inseam matches you by length instead, which is handy for tall or petite fits.
How to measure waist and inseam
Measure your waist at the point where you normally wear your pants, keeping the tape snug. For the inseam, measure from the top of the inside of the leg down to the floor, or measure a well-fitting pair of pants from crotch seam to hem.
Tips for buying pants online
Jeans are frequently labelled in the US format “waist × inseam” in inches — for example 32×32. If your letter size is borderline, follow the waist number, since taking a waist in is harder than hemming a leg.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my pants letter size?
Measure your waist where you wear your pants and find the letter whose waist range contains it. Remember the same waist can be labelled differently by different brands, so confirm against the garment’s own chart when possible.
What does waist × inseam mean on jeans?
It is the US sizing convention: the first number is the waist in inches and the second is the inseam in inches. “32 × 32” means a 32-inch waist with a 32-inch inseam, so it already contains both the measurements you need.
Why do my pants fit in the waist but are too long?
The inseam is independent of the waist — you can match the waist letter and still need a shorter or longer leg. Convert your inseam to check whether a “short”, “regular” or “long” length is right for you.
Do the ranges change between men’s and women’s pants?
Yes — men’s and women’s waist bands are graded differently, and women’s sizing in particular varies a lot by label. Treat this chart as a general guide and prefer the brand’s gender-specific table for a final check.
What if my measurement is between two sizes?
Choose the size whose waist range sits above your measurement if you prefer comfort or will wear a belt, or the tighter one for a slim fit. Between sizes, it is usually easier to take a waistband in than to let it out.