Kids' size chart:
Which size for which age?

From newborn to teen — how to decode EU, US, UK, and Asian children's clothing sizes without losing your mind.

A personal story: When my niece turned three, I ordered her an adorable dress from a French boutique. The label said "3 ans" — which I confidently assumed meant "size 3T" in US terms. The dress arrived and looked like it was made for a doll. Turns out, a French "3 ans" corresponds to a US 2T–3T but runs much smaller in cut. She wore it exactly once (for a photo) before outgrowing it. That's when I realized: kids' sizing is a whole different universe. And it changes by country, brand, and even century.

If you've ever bought clothes for a child from an international brand, you know the confusion. A European 92, a UK 2–3 years, a US 3T — they're all roughly the same size, but the actual measurements can vary wildly. And when you're shopping online for a growing toddler, getting it wrong means returns, wasted time, and a disappointed kid. This guide breaks down exactly how to match age, height, and size across all major systems. Plus, I'll show you a free tool that does all the conversion instantly.

🧸 The three ways kids' sizes are labeled

Children's clothing sizes typically fall into one of three systems — and they rarely align perfectly. Understanding each will save you hours of frustration.

1. By age (e.g., 3–6 months, 2–3 years)

This is the most intuitive — and the most misleading. A "2–3 years" label means the garment should fit an average child of that age. But children grow at different rates, and brands interpret "average" differently. European brands often run slimmer and shorter than American ones. A UK "2–3 years" is roughly a US 2T, but an EU 92 is closer to a US 3T in some labels.

2. By height in centimeters (EU system)

In most of Europe, kids' sizes are based on the child's height in centimeters. For example, size 92 is designed for a child around 92 cm tall (approx. 2–3 years). This system is more consistent than age labels, but it still varies by brand's cut. A 92 from a Scandinavian brand might be roomier than one from an Italian label.

3. By "T" (toddler) or numeric (US/UK)

In the US, you'll see sizes like 2T, 3T, 4T for toddlers, then switch to 4, 5, 6 for older kids. The "T" indicates a diaper-friendly cut (roomier in the seat and shorter in length). Once you move to regular kids' sizes (4, 5, 6), the fit becomes slimmer and taller. Confusingly, a 4T and a regular 4 are not the same — the 4 is longer and narrower.

📊 Kids' size conversion table (approx. age & height)

Age (approx.)	Height (cm)	US	UK	EU	JP/CN
Newborn	50–56	NB / 0-3M	Newborn	50–56	50–60
3–6 months	62–68	3-6M	3-6M	62–68	70
6–9 months	74–80	6-9M	6-9M	74–80	80
12 months	80–86	12M	12M	80–86	90
18 months	86–92	18M	18M	86–92	90–100
2 years	92–98	2T	2-3 Y	92	100
3 years	98–104	3T	3-4 Y	98	110
4 years	104–110	4T / 4	4-5 Y	104	110–120
5 years	110–116	5	5-6 Y	110	120
6 years	116–122	6	6-7 Y	116	130
7 years	122–128	7	7-8 Y	122	130–140
8 years	128–134	8	8-9 Y	128	140
9–10 years	134–140	10	9-10 Y	134	150
11–12 years	146–152	12	11-12 Y	146	160
13–14 years	158–164	14	13-14 Y	158	170

This table gives a general guideline. For precise conversion based on exact measurements, use Global Size Converter — it accounts for brand variations.

How to use the converter for kids' clothing

1️⃣ Go to Global Size Converter
2️⃣ Select "Kids & Baby" category
3️⃣ Enter the child's height or known size (e.g., EU 104)
4️⃣ Instantly see US, UK, AU, JP, and CN equivalents — plus age recommendations.

Try it for free

Works for newborns through teens.

🌏 Asian kids' sizes (Japan, China, Korea)

If you're shopping from Japanese or Chinese brands, you'll often see sizes like 100, 110, 120 — these correspond roughly to the child's height in centimeters. However, Asian sizing tends to run smaller in width and shorter in torso length compared to Western brands. A Japanese size 120 might fit a slim 5–6 year old, whereas a US size 6 is roomier. Always check the specific measurements, or let the converter handle the regional nuances.

📏 Measuring your child correctly

For the most accurate fit, measure your child's height and chest:

Height: Have them stand straight against a wall, heels together. Mark the top of the head and measure from floor to mark.
Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
Waist: Measure around the natural waistline (above the belly button).

Once you have these numbers, you can cross‑reference them with brand size charts — or simply input them into Global Size Converter for a tailored recommendation.

Frequently asked questions about kids' sizes

What's the difference between 4T and regular 4?

"T" stands for toddler. 4T is designed with extra room in the seat for diapers and is slightly shorter in length. Regular 4 is meant for potty‑trained kids — it's slimmer and longer. If your child is tall and slim, a regular 4 may fit better than a 4T.

My child is between two sizes — should I size up or down?

For kids, it's almost always better to size up. They grow fast, and a slightly roomy garment can be worn longer. Exceptions: if the item is very stretchy or if you're buying a special occasion outfit that needs to fit perfectly right now. When in doubt, check the brand's return policy and consider ordering both sizes.

How do EU sizes (92, 98, 104) compare to US/UK?

EU sizes are based on height in centimeters. As a rough rule: subtract 6 from the EU size to get the approximate US size (e.g., EU 110 ≈ US 5). But this varies. A more reliable method is to use a conversion tool like Global Size Converter that accounts for brand and region differences.

Are Asian kids' sizes really that much smaller?

Yes, typically by one full size. A Japanese size 120 is roughly equivalent to a US 5–6 or EU 110–116. Width is also narrower. If your child is on the taller or broader side for their age, consider sizing up at least one size when ordering from Asian brands.

👕 Never buy the wrong kids' size again

Bookmark Global Size Converter — it's free, accurate, and covers every children's size system.

Convert kids' sizes

For the full kids' and baby size conversion tool, visit global-size-converter.vercel.app — simple, fast, and parent‑approved.

— because they grow too fast to guess.

Kids' size chart: Which size for which age?

Convert kids' sizes in seconds with Global Size Converter