Ski Size Calculator
Skiers use this tool every day to dial in the perfect length.
Most skiers get their size right on the first try. Works with every major ski brand.
Still Not Sure?
Hey – I’m Michael, the skier behind this tool. Former shop tech, part-time ski instructor and full-time gear nerd.
If you’re stuck between sizes, unsure about width, or just want a second opinion, reach out. I’ve helped hundreds of skiers find the right setup. I’d be happy to help you too!
Why Does Size Matter?
Ski size matters more than most people think. Back when I was fitting skis in the shop, I lost count of how many skiers blamed themselves for struggling when it was really their skis causing the problem. Too short and they get twitchy, washing out when you’re trying to hold a carve. Too long and they feel like they’re in charge, not you.
The right length makes skiing feel smoother, more stable and far more predictable. You’ll turn easier, hold an edge when you need it and actually enjoy the conditions instead of battling them.
That’s why I built this ski size calculator. It uses your weight, height, ability and terrain preference to match you with skis that feel right from the first run. Sure, your skills and the odd lesson help too, but starting with the right size is a huge head start.
Ski Size Guide
1. Ski Size Chart
Weight is one of the biggest things to think about when you’re choosing ski length. It affects how much the skis flex, how stable they feel, and how they behave on snow.
The chart below will give you a ballpark length based on your body weight. From there you can nudge it up or down depending on your ability, the terrain you like and the kind of skiing you want to do. I’ll cover that in a minute. Just keep in mind this is only a guide. The ski size calculator above will give you a way more dialed recommendation.
| Skier Weight (lbs) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 110 | 145-155 cm |
| 110-130 | 150-160 cm |
| 130-150 | 155-165 cm |
| 150-170 | 160-172 cm |
| 170-190 | 165-178 cm |
| 190-210 | 170-185 cm |
| 210-230 | 175-190 cm |
| 230+ | 180-195+ cm |
| Skier Weight (kg) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | 145-155 cm |
| 50-59 | 150-160 cm |
| 59-68 | 155-165 cm |
| 68-77 | 160-172 cm |
| 77-86 | 165-178 cm |
| 86-95 | 170-185 cm |
| 95-104 | 175-190 cm |
| 104+ | 180-195+ cm |
| Skier Weight (lbs) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 90 | 140-150 cm |
| 90-110 | 145-155 cm |
| 110-130 | 150-160 cm |
| 130-150 | 155-168 cm |
| 150-170 | 160-172 cm |
| 170-190 | 165-175 cm |
| 190+ | 170-183+ cm |
| Skier Weight (kg) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 41 | 140-150 cm |
| 41-50 | 145-155 cm |
| 50-59 | 150-160 cm |
| 59-68 | 155-168 cm |
| 68-77 | 160-172 cm |
| 77-86 | 165-175 cm |
| 86+ | 170-183+ cm |
2. How Skiing Style Affects Sizing
You and another skier might weigh the same but end up on totally different lengths. That’s down to terrain and how you actually ski. If you spend most of your time cruising mellow groomers or making quick turns, a slightly shorter ski will feel easier and more playful. If you like going fast, carving clean arcs, or chasing powder, a bit more length gives you extra edge hold, stability and float.
There’s no single magic number. There’s a range and your sweet spot lives somewhere in it. Start with the weight chart or the ski size calculator, then tweak from there based on what you love doing most on the hill.
| Skiing Style | Length Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Cruising groomers | -2 to -4 cm |
| Park / freestyle | -3 to -6 cm |
| All-mountain | Chart length |
| Carving / high speed | +2 to +6 cm |
| Powder / big mountain | +5 to +10 cm |
3. What About Ability?
Your ability level plays a big role in ski length. Beginners usually do better on slightly shorter skis because they’re easier to turn and less demanding. As you get more confident and start skiing faster or in trickier terrain, adding a little length gives you more stability and control.
Think of it as fine-tuning from the weight chart or ski size calculator. Start shorter if you’re still learning the basics. Stick close to the chart if you’re comfortable on most runs. Go a bit longer if you’re advanced or expert and want every bit of grip and stability you can get.
| Ability Level | Length Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Beginner | -4 to -6 cm |
| Intermediate | -2 to 0 cm |
| Advanced | +2 to +4 cm |
| Expert | +4 to +6 cm |
4. Height Chart
Some people still like the old “chin to nose/head” trick for ski sizing. Ancient wisdom preached that if you stand a ski next to you, the tip should be somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. Go shorter in that range for easier handling, longer for more stability and speed.
I’m not a fan of using height alone. It ignores weight, terrain, ability and ski design, which matter a lot more. Use height as a quick sense check only.
I strongly recommend against sizing your skis purely on height. However if you still want it, here’s my height-based ski size chart.
| Skier Height (ft/in) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 5'2" | 145-150 |
| 5'2" - 5'4" | 150-155 |
| 5'4" - 5'6" | 152-160 |
| 5'6" - 5'8" | 155-165 |
| 5'8" - 5'10" | 160-170 |
| 5'10" - 6'0" | 165-175 |
| 6'0" - 6'2" | 170-180 |
| 6'2"+ | 175-190+ |
| Skier Height (cm) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 157 | 145-150 |
| 157-163 | 150-155 |
| 163-168 | 152-160 |
| 168-173 | 155-165 |
| 173-178 | 160-170 |
| 178-183 | 165-175 |
| 183-188 | 170-180 |
| 188+ | 175-190+ |
| Skier Height (ft/in) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 4'10" | 135-145 |
| 4'10" - 5'0" | 140-150 |
| 5'0" - 5'2" | 145-155 |
| 5'2" - 5'4" | 150-160 |
| 5'4" - 5'6" | 155-165 |
| 5'6" - 5'8" | 160-170 |
| 5'8"+ | 165-178+ |
| Skier Height (cm) | Ski Length (cm) |
|---|---|
| Under 147 | 135-145 |
| 147-152 | 140-150 |
| 152-157 | 145-155 |
| 157-163 | 150-160 |
| 163-168 | 155-165 |
| 168-173 | 160-170 |
| 173+ | 165-178+ |
5. Ski Width
Everyone obsesses over length, but ski width matters too. The waist is the skinny bit under your boot.
Narrower skis feel lightning quick from edge to edge and carve like crazy on hardpack. Go wider and you’ll float way better in soft snow, but may feel a bit sluggish when you’re just cruising.
If you’re not sure, something in the middle is usually the safe bet. Width won’t totally change your length but it does change how that length feels under your feet.
6. Ski Flex & Stiffness
Flex is how bendy a ski feels. A stiff ski is more work but stays solid when you’re going fast. A soft ski is easier to bend and way more forgiving. Funny thing is, a short stiff ski can feel just as stable as a long soft ski. If you’re heavy or like skiing fast, stiffer skis will have your back. If you’re lighter or like to take it easy, soft skis feel a lot friendlier.
Ski Flex Chart
| Flex | Best For | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Beginners, park, playful all-mountain | Easy to bend, forgiving, turns with minimal effort |
| Medium | All-mountain, mixed conditions | Good balance of stability and forgiveness, works almost anywhere |
| Stiff | High speed carving, freeride, big lines | Stable at speed, powerful edge hold, needs more input to turn |
7. Twin Tip vs Directional Length
Twin tips are made for skiing both ways, which is ideal for freestyle skiing. This also means they have less contact length on the snow, so you can usually go a little longer without it feeling like too much ski.
Directional skis keep more of their edge on the snow so the chart length normally works just fine.
8. Rocker, Camber & Effective Edge
This part gets pretty nerdy. Don’t overthink it if you’re new to skiing!
Camber is the old school shape which grips super well on hard snow. Rocker lifts the tips (and sometimes tails) so the skis feel shorter and easier to pivot. More rocker usually means you can size up a little without it feeling like a plank. Full camber grips more, so you can stick close to the chart.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate, just pick a ski that suits where you ski most and worry about the finer points later.
9. When to Break the "Rules"
Once you know what you like, you can chuck the rules out the window. Chasing big powder days? Go longer. Spending all day in tight trees? Go shorter. Park rat? Pick whatever length feels right for your spins and jumps.
The size charts and calculator get you in the ballpark but the perfect ski length is the one that makes you grin like an idiot at the bottom.
Too Long, Didn’t Read?
Most of ski sizing comes down to your weight. That’s what controls how much flex and stability you get from a ski. After that, it’s all about your experience level and what you actually like doing on the mountain.
If you’re cruising groomers or still getting comfortable, go a little shorter for easier control. If you ski fast, carve hard or spend more time off-piste, a bit more length will feel smoother and more stable.
If you’re still unsure what ski length to choose, the ski size calculator works it out for you using weight, height, ability and style.