US size 16 in EU
Updated: 14 July 2026
US 16 is European size 48, UK 20 and 3XL in letter sizes. The rule of thumb for women's clothing is EU equals US plus 32. US 16 plus 32 gives EU 48.
US 16 in the conversion chart
| EU / DE | International | UK | US | FR | IT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | XXL | 16 | 12 | 46 | 50 |
| 46 | XXL | 18 | 14 | 48 | 52 |
| 48 | 3XL | 20 | 16 | 50 | 54 |
| 50 | 3XL | 22 | 18 | 52 | 56 |
| 52 | 4XL | 24 | 20 | 54 | 58 |
Why the US number is so much smaller
The US scale starts at 0 and counts up in steps of two. The European scale starts at 32. The gap stays at 32 numbers, which is why US 16 is EU 48.
The British number sits between the two: UK is US plus 4, so UK 20.
The measurements behind US 16
| EU / DE | International | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 52 | 4XL | 122 cm / 48 in | 106 cm / 41.7 in | 130 cm / 51.2 in |
Guide values: 110 cm (43.3 in) bust, 94 cm (37 in) waist and 118 cm (46.5 in) hips. Brands can deviate from these, so check the size chart of the shop as well.
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
US 14 is EU 46, US 18 is EU 50. Both scales run in steps of two, so the gap of 32 numbers stays the same in every row.
Common questions
What is US 16 in European sizes?
European size 48. Add 32 to the US number.
What is US 16 in UK sizes?
UK 20. The British number sits 4 above the American one.
What measurements sit behind US 16?
As guide values 110 cm (43.3 in) bust, 94 cm (37 in) waist and 118 cm (46.5 in) hips.