Why Chinese Size Charts Can Feel Confusing on CNFans Spreadsheets

CNFans spreadsheet shopping is fast, efficient, and data-driven—until you hit the size chart. Many items linked through spreadsheets use Chinese sizing conventions, Chinese-language annotations, and measurement standards that don’t align neatly with US/UK/EU labels. The result is a common (and costly) pattern: shoppers choose a familiar letter size (M/L/XL), only to receive an item that fits one or two sizes smaller, or that matches in chest but fails in shoulders or length.

The good news: you can shop accurately without guessing. With a small set of tools—translation utilities, measurement converters, and spreadsheet-friendly workflows—you can read Chinese size charts like a local and select based on real dimensions rather than labels.

Start With the Golden Rule: Trust Measurements, Not Letter Sizes

In Chinese charts, letter sizes (S, M, L) are often only loosely standardized. Two sellers may label the same chest measurement differently. The most reliable method is to base your choice on centimeters and on the garment’s actual dimensions.

When browsing CNFans spreadsheets, treat the “size” column as a pointer—not a guarantee. Your goal is to extract:

• Chest (bust) measurement
• Shoulder width
• Sleeve length
• Garment length
• Waist/hip/thigh (for pants)

Tool #1: Translate the Chart Labels Correctly (Not Just the Page)

Auto-translation is useful, but fashion charts contain short labels that can be mistranslated. A better approach is to translate the key terms once and then reuse your glossary while you shop.

Common Chinese Size Chart Terms to Recognize

• 尺码 = size
• 胸围 = chest/bust
• 肩宽 = shoulder width
• 衣长 = garment length
• 袖长 = sleeve length
• 腰围 = waist
• 臀围 = hips
• 裤长 = pants length (outseam)
• 建议身高/体重 = suggested height/weight
• 误差 = measurement error tolerance

Use a translation tool (browser translate, mobile camera translate, or a dedicated translator) to confirm the labels on each listing, then compare them against this glossary to avoid mixing up length vs. sleeve or waist vs. hips.

Tool #2: Unit Converters (cm, inches, and the “Half-Chest” Trap)

Most Chinese charts are in centimeters. If you think in inches, use a converter—but keep your workflow consistent. Convert either your body measurements to cm or convert the chart to inches, but don’t switch back and forth mid-comparison.

Watch for “Flat Lay” Measurements

A major pitfall: some charts list flat measurements (measured across the front while the garment lies flat). This is common for chest and waist. For example, a “chest” listed as 52 cm might actually mean half-chest (front width). The real circumference would be roughly 104 cm.

Clues that the chart is using flat lay:

• Chest values look “too small” to be circumference for that size
• The listing shows a diagram with a line drawn straight across the garment
• The term 平铺 (flat lay) appears

If unsure, compare chest and length together. A hoodie with 52 cm chest and 70 cm length often indicates a flat measurement for chest.

Tool #3: Build a Personal “Reference Garment” Database

The most reliable sizing method is not your body measurements—it’s a garment you already own and love. Pick one t-shirt, one hoodie, one jacket, and one pair of pants that fit perfectly. Measure them and store the numbers.

How to Measure for Spreadsheet Shopping

• Chest (flat): armpit to armpit, then double it if needed
• Shoulders: seam to seam across the back
• Length: top of shoulder to hem
• Sleeve: shoulder seam to cuff
• Waist (flat): across waistband; note if elastic stretches

Then, when using CNFans spreadsheets, you’re matching “garment-to-garment,” which is far more accurate than trying to interpret how a brand’s “L” is supposed to fit your body type.

Tool #4: Spreadsheet Formulas to Reduce Mistakes

CNFans spreadsheet shopping shines when you add a tiny layer of calculation. If you’re copying size chart values into your own sheet, consider adding helper columns for conversions and comparisons.

Practical Spreadsheet Columns to Add

• cm to inches: inches = cm / 2.54
• Half-chest to circumference: circ = flat * 2
• Difference vs. reference garment: chart - reference

This turns sizing into a decision supported by numbers. If a jacket’s shoulders are +1.5 cm over your reference, it may fit relaxed; if it’s -1 cm, it may feel tight even if chest looks fine.

Tool #5: Image Tools for Charts Embedded as Photos

Many listings embed size charts as images rather than text. When you can’t copy values directly, use an image-to-text (OCR) tool or a camera translate tool to extract the measurements. After extraction, paste them into your spreadsheet and run your comparison formulas.

If OCR makes mistakes (for example, reading 68 as 88), cross-check by comparing sizes across the row. Most charts increase gradually by 2–4 cm per size. A sudden jump is often an OCR error.

Understanding “Suggested Height/Weight” Without Over-Trusting It

Many Chinese charts include recommendations like “170–175 cm, 60–70 kg.” These can be helpful, but they assume an average build and don’t account for shoulder width, chest depth, or preferred fit. Use these recommendations as a secondary check, not the main method.

When in doubt, prioritize shoulder and chest measurements for tops, and waist/hip/thigh for bottoms. Length matters too—especially if you’re tall or prefer oversized fits.

A Quick Accuracy Checklist Before You Buy

• Did you confirm whether chest/waist is flat lay or circumference?
• Did you convert units consistently (all cm or all inches)?
• Did you compare to a reference garment you measured yourself?
• Did you account for measurement tolerance (often 1–3 cm)?
• Did you sanity-check the chart for OCR or translation errors?

Final Thoughts: Turn CNFans Spreadsheet Sizing Into a Repeatable System

The best CNFans spreadsheet shoppers don’t “know their size”—they know their measurements and have a repeatable toolkit. Translation glossaries prevent label confusion, converters keep units consistent, spreadsheets reduce human error, and reference garments ground every decision in reality. Once you set up this workflow, Chinese size charts become less of a risk and more of a competitive advantage: you’ll buy more confidently, return less often, and build a wardrobe that fits the way you intended.