Ski size calculator
Pick downhill, classic or skate skis, enter your height and weight and, for downhill, your level. The calculator gives the length range the usual rules of thumb suggest, a length inside it that suits your build, and a pole length. Ski shape, terrain and the maker's own chart matter too, so treat the result as the place to start.
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How to use
- Choose downhill, classic or skate skis.
- For downhill skis, choose your level.
- Pick cm and kg or in and lb, then enter your height and weight.
- Read the suggested length, the range around it and the pole length.
How it works
The length range is your height plus an offset, a common rule of thumb rather than any maker’s chart:
| Skis |
Range |
| Downhill, beginner |
height − 20 to − 10 cm |
| Downhill, intermediate |
height − 15 to − 5 cm |
| Downhill, advanced |
height − 5 to + 5 cm |
| Classic cross-country |
height + 20 to + 30 cm |
| Skate cross-country |
height + 10 to + 15 cm |
Inside the range, the suggestion follows your build: BMI = kg ÷ m². At a BMI of 20 or less it is the shortest length, at 25 or more the longest, and in between it moves proportionally. Poles are height × 0.7 (downhill), × 0.83 (classic) or × 0.89 (skate). Ski lengths are given in centimeters, as skis are sold that way everywhere.
Example
An intermediate skier 69 in tall weighing 165 lb looks at downhill skis. 69 in is 175.3 cm and 165 lb is 74.8 kg:
- range: 175.3 − 15 to 175.3 − 5, so 160 to 170 cm;
- BMI 74.8 ÷ 1.753² = 24.4, which is 0.87 of the way from 20 to 25, so the suggestion is 160.3 + 0.87 × 10 = 169 cm;
- poles: 175.3 × 0.7 = 122.7 cm, about 48 in.
Tips
- Between two lengths, go shorter for groomed slopes and learning, longer for speed and powder.
- Rocker skis ski shorter than their length, so many skiers pick them a little longer than a traditional camber ski.
- Ski boots and the binding must be set for your weight and level by a ski shop; this calculator does not cover the release setting.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my downhill skis be?
A common rule: beginners take skis 10 to 20 cm shorter than their height, intermediate skiers 5 to 15 cm shorter, advanced skiers from 5 cm shorter to 5 cm longer. Shorter skis turn more easily, longer ones are steadier at speed and float better in deep snow.
Why does weight change the suggested length?
Skis flex under the skier. A light skier bends a long ski less and finds it harder to turn, a heavy skier can overpower a short one. The calculator moves toward the short end of the range for a slim build (BMI 20 or less) and toward the long end for a heavy one (BMI 25 or more).
How long should cross-country skis be?
The usual rule is height plus 20 to 30 cm for classic skis and height plus 10 to 15 cm for skate skis. For classic skis the right stiffness for your weight matters as much as the length, so check the maker's weight range too.
How long should ski poles be?
Common rules are height × 0.7 for downhill poles, about where your forearm is level when you hold the pole upside down under the basket; height × 0.83 for classic poles, reaching about the armpit; and height × 0.89 for skate poles, reaching between the shoulder and the chin.