In 15 Seconds
- A direct way to ask for measurements or dimensions.
- Used for clothing, food portions, and physical objects.
- Commonly heard in shops, restaurants, and during DIY projects.
Meaning
This is a short question used to ask for the specific dimensions or measurements of an object. You use it when you want to know if something is small, medium, large, or a specific number.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering coffee
I'll have a latte, please. - What size?
I'll have a latte, please. - What size?
Buying a t-shirt
I like this shirt. What size do you have in stock?
I like this shirt. What size do you have in stock?
Texting a friend about a gift
Buying you a hoodie! What size?
Buying you a hoodie! What size?
Cultural Background
Portion sizes in the US are often larger than in Europe. A 'Small' soda in the US might be a 'Large' in many other countries. Clothing sizes differ from the US. A woman's size 8 in the US is a size 12 in the UK. Always clarify which country's sizing you are using. Many stores use 'Free Size' (F) for clothing that is meant to fit most people. It is often equivalent to a US Small or Medium. Luxury brands in these countries often use very small sizing compared to 'vanity sizing' in the US. A 'Large' might feel like a 'Small'.
Check the Chart
When shopping online, always look for a 'size chart' because 'What size?' has different answers for different brands.
People vs. Things
Never ask a person 'What size are you?' unless you are clearly talking about clothes. It can be seen as a comment on their weight.
In 15 Seconds
- A direct way to ask for measurements or dimensions.
- Used for clothing, food portions, and physical objects.
- Commonly heard in shops, restaurants, and during DIY projects.
What It Means
What size? is the ultimate shortcut for asking about measurements. It is simple, direct, and very common. You are asking for a specific category like Small or a number like Size 10. It works for clothes, food, and even furniture. It is one of the most useful phrases in English.
How To Use It
You can use it as a full sentence or part of a longer one. If a friend says they bought a new shirt, just ask What size?. If you are at a coffee shop, the barista might ask you this first. You can also say What size is it? or What size do you need?. It is very flexible and hard to get wrong. Just remember to have an answer ready!
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are shopping for something that varies. This includes buying shoes, ordering a pizza, or picking out a gift. It is perfect for fast-paced environments like busy cafes. Use it when you need to be quick and efficient. It is also great for clarifying details during a DIY project.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it when asking about a person's weight or height directly. That can feel a bit rude or robotic. Instead of What size are you?, try How tall are you?. Avoid using it for things that do not have standard sizes. For example, do not ask What size? about a feeling or an abstract idea. It is strictly for physical objects you can measure.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking countries, sizes are often a bit confusing. The US, UK, and Europe all use different numbering systems. Because of this, What size? is a very frequent conversation starter. People are constantly comparing their local size to international ones. It is a shared struggle we all face while shopping online. Being direct about size is seen as practical, not intrusive, in a retail setting.
Common Variations
You might hear What's your size? or What size are we looking for?. In a restaurant, they might ask Small, medium, or large?. If you are at a shoe store, they often ask What size do you wear?. All of these mean the exact same thing. They just add a few extra words for politeness or specific detail.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any setting. Just be careful with your tone—keep it friendly so it doesn't sound like a demand.
Check the Chart
When shopping online, always look for a 'size chart' because 'What size?' has different answers for different brands.
People vs. Things
Never ask a person 'What size are you?' unless you are clearly talking about clothes. It can be seen as a comment on their weight.
The 'Take' Verb
Use 'What size do you take?' to sound more like a native speaker when helping someone shop.
Starbucks Sizing
In Starbucks, 'What size?' is answered with 'Tall', 'Grande', or 'Venti' instead of 'Small', 'Medium', or 'Large'.
Examples
6I'll have a latte, please. - What size?
I'll have a latte, please. - What size?
Standard response from a barista to determine the cup size.
I like this shirt. What size do you have in stock?
I like this shirt. What size do you have in stock?
Asking a shop assistant for available inventory.
Buying you a hoodie! What size?
Buying you a hoodie! What size?
Short and efficient for text messaging.
We are getting pizza. What size should we get? Large?
We are getting pizza. What size should we get? Large?
Deciding on food portions for a group.
I bought a giant TV! - What size? Does it even fit in your car?
I bought a giant TV! - What size? Does it even fit in your car?
Expressing shock at a large purchase.
I know you lost your favorite boots. What size? I'll find new ones.
I know you lost your favorite boots. What size? I'll find new ones.
Showing care by offering to replace a lost item.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
I like this jacket. ______ ______ is it?
We use 'What size' to ask about the specific measurement of clothing.
Choose the most natural response.
Barista: 'I'll get you that latte. What size?'
When asked 'What size?' for a drink, you should respond with a size category like small, medium, or large.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Customer: 'I'd like to try these boots on.' Shop Assistant: '________________' Customer: 'I'm a size 8.'
The customer's answer 'I'm a size 8' indicates they were asked for their size.
Match the question to the situation.
1. What size is the screen? 2. What size do you wear? 3. What size is the pizza?
Screens are measured by size, shirts are worn, and pizzas are ordered by size.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Size Categories
Clothing
- • Small (S)
- • Medium (M)
- • Large (L)
- • Extra Large (XL)
Drinks
- • Small
- • Regular
- • Large
- • Extra Large
Shoes
- • US 9
- • UK 8
- • EU 42
What Size? vs. How Big?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI like this jacket. ______ ______ is it?
We use 'What size' to ask about the specific measurement of clothing.
Barista: 'I'll get you that latte. What size?'
When asked 'What size?' for a drink, you should respond with a size category like small, medium, or large.
Customer: 'I'd like to try these boots on.' Shop Assistant: '________________' Customer: 'I'm a size 8.'
The customer's answer 'I'm a size 8' indicates they were asked for their size.
1. What size is the screen? 2. What size do you wear? 3. What size is the pizza?
Screens are measured by size, shirts are worn, and pizzas are ordered by size.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite and standard in retail and food service.
In a very busy environment like a fast-food counter, yes. In a clothing store, it's better to say 'What size?'.
'Size' is general (Small/Large), while 'dimensions' usually refers to exact measurements (10cm x 20cm).
Shoe sizes are based on historical units of measurement like the 'barleycorn' in the UK/US system.
You can ask, 'Do you have this in a different size?'
Yes, you can ask 'What size is the file?' to know how many megabytes it is.
Both are correct. 'What size' is more common, while 'Which size' is used when choosing from a specific set of options.
It means the item is designed to be much larger than the standard size.
Say 'I'm a size [number/category]' or 'I wear a [category]'.
It's when brands label clothes with smaller sizes than they actually are to make customers feel better.
Related Phrases
How big?
similarAsking about the general dimensions of something.
What's your size?
similarAsking for a person's specific measurements.
One size fits all
builds onAn item designed to fit everyone.
True to size
builds onAn item that fits exactly as the label suggests.
Size up / Size down
specialized formTo choose a larger or smaller size than usual.
