UK 18 in EU
Updated: 14 July 2026
UK 18 is European size 46 and US 14, or XXL in letter sizes. The rule of thumb for women's clothing is EU equals UK plus 28. UK 18 plus 28 gives EU 46.
UK 18 in the conversion chart
| EU / DE | International | UK | US | FR | IT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | XL | 14 | 10 | 44 | 48 |
| 44 | XXL | 16 | 12 | 46 | 50 |
| 46 | XXL | 18 | 14 | 48 | 52 |
| 48 | 3XL | 20 | 16 | 50 | 54 |
| 50 | 3XL | 22 | 18 | 52 | 56 |
Why UK and US numbers differ
British and American numbering look alike but mean different things. For the same body the UK number sits 4 above the US number: UK 18 is US 14.
The European size sits above both, at UK plus 28. The numbers differ, the garment is the same size.
The measurements behind UK 18
| EU / DE | International | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | XL | 96 cm / 37.8 in | 80 cm / 31.5 in | 104 cm / 40.9 in |
| 44 | XXL | 100 cm / 39.4 in | 84 cm / 33.1 in | 108 cm / 42.5 in |
| 46 | XXL | 104 cm / 40.9 in | 88 cm / 34.6 in | 112 cm / 44.1 in |
| 48 | 3XL | 110 cm / 43.3 in | 94 cm / 37 in | 118 cm / 46.5 in |
| 50 | 3XL | 116 cm / 45.7 in | 100 cm / 39.4 in | 124 cm / 48.8 in |
Guide values: 104 cm (40.9 in) bust, 88 cm (34.6 in) waist and 112 cm (44.1 in) hips. British labels cut differently, so check the size chart of the brand if you are unsure.
How to measure yourself
Measure in your underwear with a soft tape. Three measurements are enough:
- Bust: around the fullest part, with the tape level across your back.
- Waist: around the narrowest part, usually a hand width above your navel.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your seat.
Keep the tape snug but not tight. The values in the chart are guide values, not a promise. If you fall between two sizes, go by your bust for tops and by your hips for trousers and skirts.
The sizes either side
UK 16 is EU 44, UK 20 is EU 48. Both scales run in steps of two, so one size up in the UK is one size up in the EU as well.
Common questions
What is UK 18 in European sizes?
European size 46. Germany and most of the EU use the same numbering.
Is UK 18 the same as US 18?
No. UK 18 is US 14. For women's clothing the UK number sits 4 above the US number.
What measurements sit behind UK 18?
As guide values 104 cm (40.9 in) bust, 88 cm (34.6 in) waist and 112 cm (44.1 in) hips.