Snowboard Size Calculator!

Use our handy snowboard size calculator to find the perfect dimensions for your snowboard. It’s quick, easy and much more accurate than the old-fashioned sizing charts. I’ll also direct you to some great snowboard options!

How To Use The Snowboard Size Calculator

The calculator will workout your recommended snowboard width and length. I tried to make it as quick and user-friendly as possible. All you need is:

✔ Your Height
✔ Your Weight
✔ Your Shoe Size
✔ Your Ability Level (check this here)
✔ Riding Preference (if you’re unsure, choose All-Mountain)

Don’t worry, the sizing calculator works for Men’s, Women’s and children’s snowboards.

Is the calculator 100% accurate?

Nope, I’m afraid that would be impossible. There is a huge amount of personal preference in snowboarding. Some rider’s will choose snowboards far shorter than recommended and still manage to shred. However, if you’re just starting out then it’s best to choose a size in your recommended range. It’s also worth double checking your size against the charts and details below.

What Size Snowboard Should I Get?

Choosing the right width and length of snowboard is extremely important. Much more so than the graphics, brand or anything else. Unfortunately, working out your size can take a little trial and error.

Snowboard size concerns are by far the most common question I’m asked. This is probably because the advice you’ll find online can be pretty lousy!

"Choose a snowboard that sits between your chin and your nose when standing upright"

You’ll hear this (outdated) advice everywhere. Whilst this might be the quickest way to size up your board, it can be horribly inaccurate.

This method fails to take into account your ability, riding preference and even your weight. Should a 6ft tall guy weighing 250lbs ride the same board as a 6ft tall guy weighing half as much? Hell no!!

That’s why I built this snowboard size calculator in the first place. Anyway, I’ve written a quick guide below.

How To Calculate Your Snowboard Length

As we’ve already discussed, choosing a snowboard size isn’t easy. It’s especially hard for beginner and intermediate riders. Don’t worry though, after a season or two you’ll know your preference. But until then, what size snowboard should I get?

There are many factors involved in determining your snowboard size. The most important considerations are your height, weight, shoe size, riding preference and riding ability. A snowboard that is too short will struggle to hold an edge, whereas an oversized board will be slow to turn.

The quickest method to determine snowboard size is to simply check the manufacturer recommendations (or use our snowboard sizing tool). However to fully understand your dimensions, let’s take a look at the key factors…

Factors Affecting Snowboard Size:

1. Height

The importance of height is a little exaggerated. But it stands to reason that taller riders will generally need a longer board.

2. Weight

Super important. A heavier rider will need a longer snowboard. This provides enough rideable edge to reliably hold their weight. A lighter rider wouldn’t need the same length (and they’d find it more difficult to turn).

3. Ability

Beginners should generally aim for the shorter end of their recommended range (2-3cm shorter). This makes the board easier to turn and control.

It’s often said that more advanced riders will prefer a longer board, due to the increased stability at speed. Whilst this might be true of freeride snowboarders (focused on speed and carving), it’s certainly not true of most freestyle riders. Which brings me onto riding preference…

4. Riding Preference

There are many different types of snowboarding. Freestyle riders (jumps and tricks) usually opt for a shorter, more nimble snowboard. Freeride snowboarders are usually the opposite.

If you’re just starting out and don’t know your preference yet, opt for an all-mountain board. This can take you anywhere and sits right in the middle of the length range.

Snowboard Size Charts

The old-school amongst us (myself included) will probably want to double check their results on a snowboard size chart. I’ve included a couple of charts below. Let me know if they match your results on the snowboard size calculator.

1. Snowboard Length Size Chart

Height (ft)	Weight (lbs)	Snowboard Length
4’10”	110 -120	128-136
5′	115-130	133-141
5’2”	125-135	139-147
5’4”	135-145	144-152
5’6”	140-155	149-157
5’8”	150-165	154-162
5’10”	160-175	159-167
6’	170-185	160+
6’2”	180-195	157-165
>6’4”	>190+	160+

Remember what I said about the problem with size charts? They certainly don’t account for shorter riders such as myself who are perhaps a little (a lot) above the expected weight range.

2. Snowboard Width Charts

Width is another super important factor. Going too narrow can cause heel or toe drag. This is where your boots overhang the board, digging into the snow and causing wipeouts. However, if you go too wide, you’ll struggle to full engage your edge and your turns will be slower.

But what do I mean by width? The snowboard width (the waist) is the thinnest point of the board, usually right between the bindings. Measuring from edge to edge will give you a measurement in millimeters.

Boards are then classified as one of the below:

✔ Narrow
✔ Regular
✔ Mid-wide
✔ Wide

Men with a size 10 (US) and above might need a mid-wide or wide board. The snowboard size calculator will have already given you a recommended range… But you can cross-check it on the snowboard width charts below.

Men's Snowboard Width Chart

	Width (mm)	Men’s Boot Size (US)
Narrow	240-245	5-7.5
Regular	246-255	7-10.5
Mid-wide	255-259	9.5-11.5
Wide	260+	10.5+

Women's Snowboard Width Chart

	Board Waist Width (mm)	Boot Size (US)
Narrow / Women's	225-235	Up to 6.0
Narrow / Women's	236-245	6.0 - 8.5
Regular	246-250	8.0 - 10.5
Mid-wide to Wide	251-260	10+

Final Thoughts

Finding the right snowboard can be pretty tricky. Especially if you’re not 100% sure on your size.

Don’t worry….

As long as you’re in the right ballpark, you’ll be fine!

Check the snowboard sizing calculator, choose a board, then go ride. Your exact preferred snowboard size will evolve over time. You might think that you’re a freestyle rider now… but you’ll soon discover the joys of backcountry powder. Enjoy the ride!

If I can offer one piece of advice, avoid the temptation to go super short.

For some reason, we all imagine that choosing the shortest board will make us ride like a pro. In reality, going too short is more likely to limit your progression.

So what’s next?

Well, I’ve answered a few of your most frequently asked questions below. But drop me a comment if you have any others.

Happy riding!

FAQ's

Your most frequently asked questions - answered!

What If My Snowboard Is Too Big?

Oversized snowboards tend to be less nimble. You’ll struggle to turn the board as quickly or predictably as a shorter board. This is particularly true if your weight is too low – you’ll essentially be fighting against the board (and the board will win).

What If My Snowboard Is Too Small?

Shorter snowboards can be tempting due to their reduced weight and shorter turning radius. Unfortunately if you go too short, you’ll start to notice instability at speed. You’ll probably also struggle to hold your edge, leading to falls.

Is Height Or Weight More Important For Snowboard Length?

Weight is much more important than height when determining snowboard length. You will need enough snowboard edge to hold your weight at speed and through carves. Heavier riders will also need more surface area under-foot when venturing into powder.

How Does The Snowboard Size Calculator Work?

We know from surveys that most people ride a snowboard that’s 88-92% of their height. A simplified snowboard size formula is therefore: Height (inches) x 2.54 x 0.88. However, once again this doesn’t cater to individual preference or factor in your weight.

We therefore used as many snowboard size charts as possible to calculate the average size range used by most manufacturers. By factoring this into the formula, we were able to provide suggestions that work for most people, with most snowboard brands.

Test out our newest snowboard size calculator!

Can The Snowboard Sizing Calculator Be Wrong?

Yes – particularly when your weight or height are at either end of the extreme. Use the results as more of a guide and alongside the other resources above.

Should A Snowboard Go To Your Chin?

This is probably the most widely spread myth in snowboarding. Whilst this will work for those who fit the “conventional height to weight ratio”, it will be extremely inaccurate for most riders. Using a snowboard size chart or our snowboard size calculator will be more accurate.

Why Do Rental Shops Measure Snowboards Between Your Chin and Your Nose?

Honestly… because it’s quicker. Rental shops can just hold up a board and then move on to the next customer. Because most riders can ride a range of sizes, this works okay for the average beginner. However, as we’ve discussed – considering your height, weight and ability is much more accurate.

What If I'm Inbetween Snowboard Sizes?

This is where personal preference comes in. Beginners and freestyle riders are usually better at the shorter end of their range. More advanced riders or those heading into the backcountry will usually go longer.

Does 2-3cm Make Much Difference In A Snowboard?

You probably won’t notice all that much difference from a 2cm variation in length, at least when you start out.

But remember, it’s not just the length that changes when you come down by 2cm. You’ll likely also have a narrower board, with less surface area and a lighter flex (compared to your weight).

Are Longer Snowboards Faster?

Longer snowboards can be faster as they’re more able to absorb bumps. They also provide a longer edge which adds stability during high-speed turns. The trade-off is that they have a wider turn radius and are usually less suited to freestyle snowboarding.