E is the most confusing letter on any bra tag. The same letter means three different cups depending on whether the brand sizes in UK, European or US letters. Get the system right and E is simple.
Three different E cups
| Tag says E, brand sizes in | Bust minus band | Same cup in US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK or Australian letters | about 6 in | DDD | E | F |
| European letters | about 5 in | DD | DD | E |
| US letters (often “DD/E”) | about 5 in | DD | DD | E |
The rest of this page uses the UK E, the 6-inch cup, because that is the E most specialist brands sell. If your E bra is European or American, read the DD cup page instead.
UK E cup measurements for every band
| Band | US size | Bust about | UK | EU | AU | Sister sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 28DDD | 34 in (86 cm) | 28E | 60F | 6E | 30DD |
| 30 | 30DDD | 36 in (91 cm) | 30E | 65F | 8E | 28G, 32DD |
| 32 | 32DDD | 38 in (97 cm) | 32E | 70F | 10E | 30G, 34DD |
| 34 | 34DDD | 40 in (102 cm) | 34E | 75F | 12E | 32G, 36DD |
| 36 | 36DDD | 42 in (107 cm) | 36E | 80F | 14E | 34G, 38DD |
| 38 | 38DDD | 44 in (112 cm) | 38E | 85F | 16E | 36G, 40DD |
| 40 | 40DDD | 46 in (117 cm) | 40E | 90F | 18E | 38G, 42DD |
| 42 | 42DDD | 48 in (122 cm) | 42E | 95F | 20E | 40G, 44DD |
| 44 | 44DDD | 50 in (127 cm) | 44E | 100F | 22E | 42G |
The size links go to the US label, DDD, because that is how the US size pages are named. The UK, EU and AU columns show the same cup in each system.
How to tell which E you have
- Look at the band number. A band in centimeters (70, 75, 80) means European sizing, so E is the UK DD. A band of 10, 12 or 14 means Australian sizing, which follows UK letters.
- Look for doubles on the brand’s chart. If the brand uses FF and GG, it sizes in UK letters, so its E is 6 inches.
- Look for DD/E or DDD/F on the tag. That is US sizing: the E is a DD.
When in doubt, put your measurements into the bra size calculator. It shows the answer in every system side by side.
Is an E cup big?
A UK E is a full bust on most bands, but again, it depends on the band. A 30E holds about the same volume as a 34D, while a 38E holds the same as a UK 34FF (US 34H). Above E the UK letters continue F, FF, G, GG, and the biggest bra size page shows how far they go.
Sister sizes for E
A UK 34E holds about the same as a 32F and a 36DD. In US letters that is 34DDD, 32G and 36DD. If the cups fit and the band rides up, go one band down and one cup up.
Buying an E cup
UK-sized specialist brands carry E in the widest range of bands and shapes, including small bands like 28 and 30. American department stores often stop at DDD, which is the same cup under a different name. For conversions in both directions, use the UK to US and European charts.
Smaller: DD cup.
Sources & method: sizing rules follow the standard band-and-cup system used by UK, US, AU and EU brands, checked against fitting guides from specialist retailers and fitting communities. How we work.