Shorter skis turn easily and suit beginners; longer skis are more stable at speed and float in powder. Most adults ride skis somewhere between chin and the top of the head.
How to use the Ski Size Calculator
- Height
- Weight
- Ability
- Style
- Type of skiing
Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.
How it works
Enter your height and weight, and choose your ability, style and the skiing you do most.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Height | Units: cm, m, ft, in |
| Weight | Units: kg, lb |
| Ability | Choose one: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced / expert |
| Style | Choose one: Cautious, Normal, Aggressive |
| Type of skiing | Choose one: All-mountain, Carving / piste, Powder / freeride, Touring … |
What each result means
- Build adjustment = max(-5, min(5, [Weight]÷[Height]^2 – 22))
- Recommended ski length = [Height]×100 – [Ability] + [Style] + [Type of skiing] + [Build adjustment]
- Range from = [Height]×100 – [Ability] + [Style] + [Type of skiing] + [Build adjustment] – 3
- Range to = [Height]×100 – [Ability] + [Style] + [Type of skiing] + [Build adjustment] + 3
Example values
How the main result changes when Height changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Height (cm) | Recommended ski length (cm) |
|---|---|
| 87.5 | 82 |
| 131.25 | 125 |
| 175 | 166 |
| 218.75 | 203 |
| 262.5 | 247 |
| 350 | 334 |
Formula
Length (cm) = height − ability (beginner 17, intermediate 13, advanced 9) + style (−2, 0, +2) + use (park −3.5 … racing +7.5) + build ((BMI − 22) cm, max ±5)
Worked example
Inputs — Height: 175 cm; Weight: 75 kg; Ability: Intermediate; Style: Normal; Type of skiing: All-mountain.
Results — Build adjustment = 2.5 cm; Recommended ski length = 166 cm; Range from = 163 cm; Range to = 169 cm.
Key terms
- Rocker
- Ski tip/tail that rises early, making the ski feel shorter.
Frequently asked questions
How long should beginner skis be?
Roughly chin height.
Do heavier skiers need longer skis?
Slightly – longer skis spread the load and are more stable.
Are rocker skis different?
Rockered skis ski shorter, so you can go 5 cm longer.
What about kids?
Children's skis are usually chest to nose height.