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Enter your height, weight, ability, and the terrain you ski, and the calculator gives you a ski length range in centimeters. Prefer a table? The ski size chart by height is just below.
Ski Size Calculator
Find the right ski length for your height, weight, ability, and the terrain you ski.
Recommended ski length
— cm
This is a general guideline based on height, weight, ability, and ski type. Personal preference, specific ski models, and shop advice can shift the ideal length. When in doubt, ask a certified ski technician.
This chart assumes an average build and all-mountain skis, the most common type for beginners. If you're lighter or heavier than average, or ski mostly groomers or powder, the calculator above will adjust for it.
| Your height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4'6" (137 cm) | 117–125 | 122–130 | 126–134 |
| 4'8" (142 cm) | 121–129 | 127–135 | 131–139 |
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 126–134 | 132–140 | 136–144 |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 130–138 | 136–144 | 141–149 |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 135–143 | 141–149 | 146–154 |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 139–147 | 146–154 | 150–158 |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 144–152 | 150–158 | 155–163 |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 148–156 | 155–163 | 160–168 |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 152–160 | 160–168 | 165–173 |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 157–165 | 164–172 | 170–178 |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 161–169 | 169–177 | 175–183 |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 166–174 | 174–182 | 179–187 |
| 6'6" (198 cm) | 170–178 | 178–186 | 184–192 |
Ski lengths in cm. Skis are sold in centimeters in the US too, usually in steps of 5 to 8 cm, so pick the listed size closest to the middle of your range.
The quick rule ski shops use: stand the ski on its tail next to you. A beginner ski should come up somewhere between your chin and your nose. Intermediate skiers usually go to about nose height, and advanced skiers to the forehead or a little taller.
Shorter skis turn more easily and are easier to control at low speed, which is exactly what you want in your first days. Longer skis are more stable at speed and float better in soft snow, but they take more effort to turn.
The same rule works for children, with one adjustment: young beginners are better off on the short side, somewhere between chest and chin height. Kids grow fast, but skis bought too long "to grow into" make learning harder and less fun.
Once you know your length, see our picks for the best beginner skis, or read whether to rent or buy skis for your first season. Boots matter even more than skis, so check your size with our ski boot size chart. Then our DIN calculator estimates the binding release setting a shop will start from.
Most beginners do best with skis that reach somewhere between the chin and nose when stood on end. For a 5'9" adult of average build, that's roughly 150 to 158 cm.
Yes. Shorter skis are easier to turn and stop, which builds confidence in the first few days. You can move up in length as your speed and terrain grow.
Go shorter if you're a beginner or ski mostly groomed runs. Go longer if you're heavier than average, ski fast, or ski a lot of powder.
Length comes from height, weight, and ability, not gender. Women's skis tend to be lighter and softer, but the same sizing rules apply.
