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 pairs | Criss-cross length |
|---|---|
| 4 | 90 cm (36 in) |
| 5 | 100–110 cm (40–45 in) |
| 6 | 120 cm (48 in) |
| 7 | 137 cm (54 in) |
| 8 | 150 cm (60 in) |
| 9 | 180 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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Lacing pattern | Choose one: Criss-cross, Over-under, Straight bar (European), Train track |
| Eyelet pairs | Choose one: 3 pairs, 4 pairs, 5 pairs, 6 pairs … |
| Width between eyelet rows | Units: cm, in, mm, m |
| Spacing between eyelet pairs | Units: cm, in, mm, m |
| Free end on each side | Units: 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)
Formula
Diagonal d = √(width² + spacing²)Criss-cross / over-under: L = width + 2(n − 1) × d + 2 × free endStraight bar / train track: L ≈ n × width + 2(n − 1) × spacing + 2 × free endWorked 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.
Frequently asked questions
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).