You have a tape measure in one hand and a product page open on your screen. This guide helps you compare your measurements with the product chart, step by step.
When should you measure for compression socks?
Measure when your legs are not swollen.
The Mayo Clinic Store says that for most people, that means early in the morning, just after getting out of bed.
If you can't measure under those conditions, or you're not sure measuring at home is right for you, get help rather than waiting for a "good" day. Cleveland Clinic says that if you're not comfortable taking your own measurements, a pharmacist or medical supply store specialist can help.
Get ready to measure
You'll need a soft measuring tape and something to write with.
The Mayo Clinic Store also describes how to set up: measure on bare legs, with your feet flat on the floor.
Step by step: ankle, calf and length
These steps follow our fit guide. Do them on one leg, then repeat on the other.
- Ankle. Find the narrowest point just above your ankle bone. Wrap the tape around it, keep it level, and don't pull it into the skin.
- Calf. Find the widest point of your calf and wrap the tape around it. Our suggestion: keep the tape level here too, without pulling it tight.
- Length, only if the chart asks. Follow the chart's method, and use the start and end points it names only when that product's chart requires length.
- Write each number down with its unit before you move on.
Measuring for compression socks at home
1. Timing
Measure when your legs are not swollen.
2. Set up
Bare legs, a soft tape, feet flat on the floor.
3. Ankle
Measure at the narrowest point above the ankle bone. Keep the tape level.
4. Calf
Measure at the widest point of the calf, on both legs.
5. The chart
Write it all down. Use that product's own chart, not shoe size alone.
Measuring at home, based on the Mayo Clinic Store and our fit guide.
View the original illustrated guide and sources
If you're using a different brand's chart, follow that chart's own method.
Measure both legs and write the numbers down
Two legs can need different measurements. Our fit guide asks you to measure both legs separately and write down the numbers for each leg before you open a chart.
Keep both legs' numbers as they are. The chart for your exact product decides how to use them.
Copy this card into your notes or onto paper:
| Measurement | Left leg | Right leg |
|---|---|---|
| Product and style | ||
| Chart version (or a screenshot) | ||
| Ankle (narrowest point), with unit | ||
| Calf (widest point), with unit | ||
| Length (only if the chart asks), with unit | ||
| Shoe size and system (US/EU), if the chart asks | ||
| Date measured |
Your measurement card
Record the details
Product and style; chart version; ankle at the narrowest point; calf at the widest point; length only if the chart asks; shoe size and system; date measured.
Keep both legs
Write the unit next to each number. Keep separate numbers for the left and right leg.
Your measurement card. Fill in both legs before you open a size chart.
View the original illustrated guide and sources
How do you use a compression sock size chart?
Your numbers only mean something next to the right chart.
The Mayo Clinic Store notes that most compression packaging has its own sizing chart to use once you have your measurements. Our fit guide says to match the exact product, and not to reuse another brand's size or assume all of our styles share a range. Size names and construction ranges vary between products and brands.
Use only the fields that chart lists. If a chart doesn't list an ankle range, for example, don't go looking for one. Shoe size on its own isn't enough either: shoe size alone cannot confirm calf fit.
What if your measurements point to different sizes?
This is where guessing goes wrong, so follow the rule for the exact product. These are ways to think it through, not a size chart.
| What happens | What to do | What not to assume |
|---|---|---|
| Your two legs fall into different sizes | Follow that product's rule for two different legs. | That any chart works the same way |
| Two of your measurements fall into different sizes | Take both legs' numbers and the chart to the seller before ordering. | That you can ignore one of the measurements |
| Your calf fits a size, but your foot doesn't | Ask before ordering. | That the next size up will fit better |
| Your number sits where two size ranges overlap | Follow that product's rule for overlapping ranges. If it has none, ask. | That every brand handles overlaps the same way |
For our wide-calf compression socks, the product page sets these rules: measure both calves at the widest point and use the larger measurement, then match your calf range and check the listed shoe-size limit. Where two calf ranges overlap, choose the larger size. If your shoe size exceeds the limit for your calf-matched size, contact us before ordering. Don't size up beyond your calf range.
When you contact a seller, these details help them answer:
When should you measure again?
Measure again if your weight changes.
Healthline says that if you gain or lose weight, you should get fitted again so you're wearing the correct size. It also lists getting your compression socks fitted properly by a professional among its best practices for wearing them safely.
Our fit guide adds: if compression was prescribed or you are unsure whether it is appropriate for you, ask a qualified professional.
Once your socks arrive, our guide on how tight compression socks should be can help you check the fit.
The bottom line
Measure bare legs when they aren't swollen, record the ankle and calf for each leg with units, and add length only if the chart asks. Then use only the chart for that exact product. If the numbers don't line up with one size, ask before you order.
Start with our fit guide for our styles and how to choose between them, then compare your numbers with the size chart on our wide-calf compression socks page.
Frequently asked questions
What if my ankle and calf measurements fall into different sizes?
Don't ignore one of them. Follow the rule for that exact product's chart. If the chart doesn't say what to do, contact the seller with both legs' measurements and the chart you used before ordering. For our wide-calf socks, contact us before ordering if your calf and foot fit don't match.
Should I size up if I'm between sizes?
Not by default. Follow the rule for the exact product's chart. For our wide-calf compression socks, the product page says that where two calf ranges overlap, choose the larger size, but don't size up beyond your calf range. If your shoe size exceeds the limit for your calf-matched size, contact us before ordering.
Can I use my shoe size to choose compression socks?
Not on its own. Our fit guide says shoe size alone cannot confirm calf fit. Measure your ankle and calf on both legs, and compare the numbers with the chart for the exact product. Some charts, including our wide-calf page, also list a shoe-size limit to check.
Can I use my size from another brand?
No. Our fit guide says not to reuse another brand's size, and not to assume all of our styles share a range. Size names and construction ranges vary between products and brands, so compare your own numbers with the chart for the exact product you plan to buy.
Should I have someone measure me for compression socks?
You can. Healthline lists getting your compression socks fitted properly by a professional among its best practices. Cleveland Clinic says that if you're not comfortable taking your own measurements, a pharmacist or medical supply store specialist can help.