Ski Size Calculator
Find the right ski length from your height, weight, skiing ability and the kind of ski you want. You get a recommended range in cm and inches, where the tip should reach on your body, and a chart for every ability level.
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How to use the Ski Size Calculator
- Pick your units: cm and kg or feet, inches and pounds.
- Enter your height and weight.
- Choose your ability honestly: most people are beginner or intermediate.
- Choose the ski type you plan to buy or rent.
- Read your length range and use the table to compare other styles.
How ski length is worked out
The calculator starts from your height and applies a percentage band for your ability, then nudges the band for the ski type and your build:
- Base range: beginner 88–93% of height, intermediate 91.5–96.5%, advanced 95–100%, expert 98–103%.
- Ski type: carving, park and touring skis −3% of height; freeride and powder +3%; race / GS-style +1%; all-mountain no change.
- Build: BMI under 18.5 −2%; 25–30 +1.5%; 30 or more +3% (adults only).
Example: a 175 cm intermediate on all-mountain skis gets 175 × 0.915 = 160 cm to 175 × 0.965 = 169 cm.
Ski size chart by height
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) | 132–140 cm | 137–145 cm | 143–150 cm | 147–155 cm |
| 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) | 141–149 cm | 146–154 cm | 152–160 cm | 157–165 cm |
| 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) | 150–158 cm | 156–164 cm | 162–170 cm | 167–175 cm |
| 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | 158–167 cm | 165–174 cm | 171–180 cm | 176–185 cm |
| 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) | 167–177 cm | 174–183 cm | 181–190 cm | 186–196 cm |
All-mountain skis, average build. Skis are sold in steps of about 5–7 cm, so pick the model length that falls inside your range.
Tips for choosing between two lengths
- Go shorter if you ski mostly groomed runs at moderate speed, like moguls and trees, or are still building confidence.
- Go longer if you ski fast, are heavier than average, ski lots of powder, or the ski has a lot of tip and tail rocker (rocker shortens the effective edge).
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose ski length by height?
A common rule is that skis should reach somewhere between your chin and the top of your head when stood on their tails. Beginners use the short end (chin to nose), intermediates nose to forehead, and advanced or expert skiers about head height or a little more.
Should beginners use shorter skis?
Yes. Shorter skis are easier to turn, lighter and more forgiving at low speeds, which helps when learning. As your speed and confidence increase you can move to longer skis for more stability.
Does weight matter for ski length?
Yes. A heavier skier bends a ski more, so a slightly longer or stiffer ski gives more support, while a light skier can go a little shorter. This calculator adds up to about 3% of height for a heavy build and removes about 2% for a light one.
Why are powder skis longer and park skis shorter?
Longer, wider skis float better in deep snow and are more stable at speed, so freeride skis are often sized up. Park and freestyle twin tips are usually sized down slightly so they spin and land switch more easily. Carving skis are often shorter for quick, tight turns.
What size skis does a 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) person need?
Roughly 163–172 cm for an intermediate on all-mountain skis, about 169–178 cm for an advanced skier and around 174–183 cm for an expert, depending on weight and ski type.
What length skis should a child use?
Most children should ski on skis between chest and nose height. Beginners and younger kids are best near chest to chin height; confident kids can go up to the nose. Avoid buying skis much too long to grow into.
Is this ski size chart exact?
No sizing rule is exact. It gives a sensible starting range; ski rocker profile, stiffness and personal preference all matter, so check the manufacturer's chart and ask a ski shop if you are between sizes.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.