# Shoelace Length Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/everyday-life/shoelace-length/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The shoelace length calculator works out how long your shoelaces need to be for criss-cross, over-under, straight bar or train-track lacing from the number of eyelet pairs, eyelet spacing and the length of free end you like.

## Inputs

- Lacing pattern
- Eyelet pairs
- Width between eyelet rows (cm, in, mm, m)
- Spacing between eyelet pairs (cm, in, mm, m)
- Free end on each side (cm, in, mm, m)

## Results

- Diagonal segment
- Shoelace length
- Nearest standard length to buy

## Formula

```
Diagonal d = √(width² + spacing²)
Criss-cross / over-under: L = width + 2(n − 1) × d + 2 × free end
Straight bar / train track: L ≈ n × width + 2(n − 1) × spacing + 2 × free end
```

## Explanation

Lace length depends on the number of eyelet pairs, how far apart the two rows are and the lacing pattern. Criss-cross lacing uses diagonals, while straight (bar) lacing runs straight across and hides vertical runs inside the shoe. Add enough at each end to tie the bow comfortably – about 15 cm (6 in) for most people.

### How to use the Shoelace Length Calculator

- **Lacing pattern**
- **Eyelet pairs**
- **Width between eyelet rows**
- **Spacing between eyelet pairs**
- **Free end on each side**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Choose the lacing pattern, the number of eyelet pairs, the horizontal distance between the two rows of eyelets, the vertical distance between pairs and the free-end length.

### Typical lace lengths

Eyelet pairsCriss-cross length490 cm (36 in)5100–110 cm (40–45 in)6120 cm (48 in)7137 cm (54 in)8150 cm (60 in)9180 cm (72 in)

### Tips

- Measure over thin clothing with a soft tape held snug but not tight, and keep the tape level all the way round.
- Take each measurement twice; if you are between sizes, the larger size is usually the safer choice.
- Size charts vary by brand and country – check the maker's own chart when it is available.
- For sewing projects, pre-wash fabric before cutting and buy 10% extra for shrinkage, pattern matching and mistakes.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Mixing inches and centimetres between the tape and the size chart.
- Forgetting seam and hem allowances when cutting fabric.
- Measuring an old, stretched garment instead of your body.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterLacing patternChoose one: Criss-cross, Over-under, Straight bar (European), Train trackEyelet pairsChoose one: 3 pairs, 4 pairs, 5 pairs, 6 pairs …Width between eyelet rowsUnits: cm, in, mm, mSpacing between eyelet pairsUnits: cm, in, mm, mFree end on each sideUnits: cm, in, mm, m

### What each result means

- **Diagonal segment** = sqrt([Width between eyelet rows]^2 + [Spacing between eyelet pairs]^2)
- **Nearest standard length to buy** = clamp(ceil([Shoelace length]÷0.01÷15 - 0.000001)×15, 60, 200)

## Worked example

Inputs — Lacing pattern: Criss-cross; Eyelet pairs: 6 pairs; Width between eyelet rows: 6 cm; Spacing between eyelet pairs: 2.2 cm; Free end on each side: 20 cm.

Results — Diagonal segment = 6.4 cm; **Shoelace length = 110 cm**; Nearest standard length to buy = 120 cm.

## FAQ

**What length shoelaces for 6 eyelets?**
About 120 cm (45–48 in) for criss-cross lacing on typical trainers.

**What length for boots?**
8–9 eyelet boots usually need 150–180 cm laces.

**Do straight-laced shoes need longer laces?**
Usually slightly shorter or similar, because the lace runs straight across instead of diagonally.

**What formula does the Shoelace Length Calculator use?**
Diagonal d = √(width² + spacing²).


## Sources

- [Ian's Shoelace Site – Shoelace length](https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/lacelengths.htm)