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Pants Size Chart
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Compare Chinese, European, waist measurements in centimeters and inches, and more to quickly find your pants size.
Enter the height range corresponding to the pants you usually wear, which can be filled in separately.
It is recommended to fill in the clear waist; if the amount is the size of the trouser waist tile, please convert it to the circumference first.
Please enter height or waistline to see recommended trousers size
A pair of jeans labeled “size 30” typically has a waist of about 76 cm and corresponds to EU size 40. Pants sizes are not standardized worldwide: the three most common systems are Chinese sizing (centimeters or Chinese chi), international sizing (inches), and European numeric sizing. Chinese sizes are usually based on waist measurements in centimeters or Chinese chi—for example, 2.3 chi is a 76.7 cm waist. International sizes, common on jeans and casual pants, use inches, so size 30 means a waist of roughly 30 inches. European sizes use numbers such as 40 and 42 and are generally the inch size plus 10. Our chart puts all three systems side by side: enter any one measurement to see the equivalent sizes instantly.
Open the pants size chart to see a multi-column table. Starting from the left, you’ll find waist measurements in centimeters, Chinese chi, international sizes in inches, and EU sizes; some versions also include hip measurements and inseam length. First, measure your waist with a soft tape, wrapping it horizontally around your natural waist about 2 cm above the navel. Breathe normally and note the measurement in centimeters. Next, find the closest value in the “Waist (cm)” column. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger size for a more comfortable fit. Then read across to find the corresponding international size—for example, an 80 cm waist is about 31.5 inches, commonly sold as size 31 or 32, and EU size 42. If you already own pants with a labeled size, find that size and read back to check its centimeter and Chinese-chi equivalents. The table is based on Chinese national apparel sizing standards and is a useful reference for most average-built adults.
Here’s an example for men: Chen has an 84 cm waist and a medium-to-stocky build. In the chart, 84 cm corresponds to 2.5 Chinese chi, a 33-inch waist, and EU size 43. When shopping online, he can filter for size 33 or EU 43 and expect a good fit. For women, Wang has a 68 cm waist, which corresponds to 2.05 Chinese chi, a 27-inch waist, and EU size 37. She normally wears size 27 jeans, and the chart confirms that she should look for EU 37 when buying European-brand pants. If your measurement falls between sizes—for example, a 79 cm waist is about 31.1 inches—we recommend sizing up to 32, especially when you need room for base layers in winter.
Before buying pants online: Brand sizing can vary, but this chart gives you a reliable baseline for moving quickly between letter sizes such as S/M/L/XL and numeric sizes such as 28/29/30, helping reduce returns and exchanges.
For tailoring or alterations: A tailor may ask for your waist in Chinese chi. The chart converts centimeters directly, reducing measurement misunderstandings.
As a fitting-room reference: If the style you like is only available in size 30 but you usually wear 32, check the chart to see the waist measurement for size 30 and decide whether it may fit.
This chart follows Chinese national apparel sizing standards and assumes standard body proportions. Individual fit can still vary, so keep two things in mind: first, measure your waist at the correct position—measuring too high or low can change the result by 2–3 cm. Second, fit differs by brand and cut, including slim, straight, and wide-leg styles. Japanese brands often run a half to a full size smaller than many Western brands, while elastic waistbands make size labels less precise. For highly stretchy fabrics, the chart’s standard waist measurement may feel roomy, so you may prefer sizing down. This chart is not intended for infant clothing or specialty custom garments, which require separate sizing standards.
1. Confusing inches with Chinese cun: International sizes on this chart use inches. One inch is about 2.54 cm, while one Chinese cun is about 3.33 cm; mixing them up can create an error of more than 20%.
2. Choosing a size based only on height and weight: Waist and hip measurements determine how pants fit. Height and weight are only secondary references—people with the same height and weight can differ in waist size by more than 5 cm.
3. Ignoring brand differences: The same labeled size can fit very differently across fast-fashion and traditional tailoring brands. Use this chart as a baseline, not a replacement for a brand’s own size guide.
4. Looking only at the waist: For slim-fit pants and jeans, an unsuitable hip measurement can also make pants uncomfortable. Check hip measurements as well when available.
5. Measuring too tightly: Pulling the tape too tight can produce a waist measurement that is too small, leaving your new pants uncomfortably tight when sitting.
What pants size is a 78 cm waist?
According to the chart, a 78 cm waist is about 2.33 Chinese chi and 30.7 inches. Size 31 or 32 is usually the best choice, or EU size 41–42. Choose one size up if you prefer a relaxed fit.
How do I convert Chinese chi on a pants size chart?
One Chinese chi is approximately 33.33 cm. Our chart converts it automatically: simply find your waist measurement in centimeters and read the matching Chinese-chi value beside it.
Why is the chart size different from the pants I usually wear?
Brands may run large or small, and the pants you normally wear may contain stretch fabric. This chart maps standard body-waist measurements to sizes, so use it as a starting point and adjust based on your fit experience.
Are women’s and men’s pants size charts the same?
Waist-size conversions are broadly similar, but women’s pants use different hip and length proportions. Our chart uses waist as the main reference and works for all genders; when shopping for women’s pants, also check that the hip and length measurements suit you.
How can I measure my waist without a soft tape?
Use a string and a ruler or retractable tape: wrap the string around your waist, mark the overlap, then measure the string. Or lay flat a pair of pants that fits you well, measure the waistband, and multiply by two for an approximate waist measurement.
Use the chart above to enter your waist measurement or browse the table directly to find your matching size.
