Ski Size Chart & Ski Length Calculator
Your ideal ski length depends on height, weight, ability, and where you ski. Use the ski size calculator for a personalized number, or jump to the ski length chart below.
What size skis do I need? The short answer
For most adults, the right ski is somewhere between your chin and the top of your head — roughly your height in centimeters minus 15 cm for beginners, minus 10 cm for intermediates, and minus 5 cm to your full height for advanced and expert skiers. Heavier skiers and powder skiers size up a few centimeters; lighter skiers and park skiers size down. Kids should be on skis that reach between the chin and the nose.
Ski size calculator
Target around 165 cm. Sizes within a few cm ride nearly the same — pick the exact length available in the ski you want.
Ski length chart by height (adults and kids)
Recommended ski lengths (cm) by rider height and ability. Adjust up for heavier riders, powder days, and stability; down for lighter riders, park, and quicker turns. Youth rows cover kids from about 3'3" up — junior skis should reach somewhere between the child's chin and nose.
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced / Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3'3" (100 cm)Youth | 80–90 cm | 85–95 cm | 90–100 cm |
| 3'7" (110 cm)Youth | 90–100 cm | 95–105 cm | 100–110 cm |
| 3'11" (120 cm)Youth | 100–110 cm | 105–115 cm | 110–120 cm |
| 4'3" (130 cm)Youth | 110–120 cm | 115–125 cm | 120–130 cm |
| 4'7" (140 cm)Youth | 120–130 cm | 125–135 cm | 130–140 cm |
| 4'9" (145 cm)Youth | 128–135 cm | 133–140 cm | 138–145 cm |
| 4'11" (150 cm) | 135–140 cm | 140–145 cm | 145–150 cm |
| 5'1" (155 cm) | 140–145 cm | 145–150 cm | 150–155 cm |
| 5'3" (160 cm) | 145–150 cm | 150–155 cm | 155–162 cm |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 150–155 cm | 155–160 cm | 160–168 cm |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 155–160 cm | 160–165 cm | 165–172 cm |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 160–165 cm | 165–170 cm | 170–178 cm |
| 5'11" (180 cm) | 165–170 cm | 170–175 cm | 175–183 cm |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 170–175 cm | 175–180 cm | 180–188 cm |
| 6'3" (190 cm) | 175–180 cm | 180–185 cm | 185–192 cm |
| 6'5" (195 cm) | 180–185 cm | 185–190 cm | 190–195+ cm |
How ski length actually works
The old rule — "ski your height" — is a decent starting point, but modern skis are shaped differently than the straight skis that rule was written for. A more useful way to think about it:
- Start with your chin-to-forehead range. For most all-mountain skiers, a ski between chin height and just above the top of your head is right.
- Ability moves you inside that range. Beginners size shorter for easier turn initiation; experts size longer for stability at speed.
- Weight matters more than most charts admit. A 5'10" skier at 200 lb should size up 3–5 cm from a 5'10" skier at 150 lb.
- Terrain fine-tunes it. Powder and big-mountain skis ride short — add 3–5 cm. Park skis ride short too — subtract 3–5 cm for spins and switch landings. Carving skis and race skis run true to size.
When two lengths are both "correct" for you, pick the shorter one if you want playfulness and quicker turns, and the longer one if you want stability and float. Everything else — width, rocker profile, flex — matters more than a 3 cm length difference.
Common ski sizing questions
What size skis do I need for my height?
Find your height in the chart above and read across to your ability column. A 5'9" intermediate lands around 165–170 cm; a 5'9" beginner is better on 160–165 cm.
Is it better to have skis too long or too short?
Slightly short is the safer mistake while you're learning — shorter skis turn easier and are more forgiving. Once you're skiing fast on firm snow, a ski that's too short gets chattery and unstable, and that's when length pays off.
Do women size skis differently?
The length math is the same, but women's skis are generally lighter and softer, and many women's models mount slightly forward. If you're between sizes and ski smooth, medium-speed turns, take the shorter option.
What size skis for a kid?
Junior skis should reach somewhere between the child's chin and nose. Beginners get chin height for control; kids who already rip can go up to nose height. Don't buy extra length for them to "grow into" — it makes learning much harder.
Does ski width change the length I need?
Yes. Wide powder skis (100 mm+ underfoot) usually have more rocker, so they ski shorter than the number on the tail — size up 3–5 cm compared to a narrow carving ski.
Next up: size your boots with the ski boot size chart and calculator, or check your DIN setting.
Ready to find your ski?
Take the 60-second quiz and we'll match you to skis available in your recommended length, then show live prices from Amazon.