ski / ski length
Ski Length Calculator
Find the proper length of skis for your height, weight, skill level, skiing style, and the type of terrain you'll be skiing on.
What size skis do I need? For a 170 cm (5'7") intermediate skier weighing 70 kg: ski length 160 to 165 cm. General rule: skis should reach between your chin and the top of your head. Shorter skis (chin height) for beginners and park skiing. Longer skis (forehead to above head) for advanced and freeride. Weight matters too: heavier skiers need longer skis for stability. Enter your height, weight, ability and skiing style below for a precise recommendation.
Unlike generic "skis should reach your chin" advice, this calculator factors in weight (heavier skiers need longer skis), skiing style (park shorter, freeride longer), and ability level. A 175 cm beginner and a 175 cm expert need very different ski lengths.
RECOMMENDATION: A ski size calculator's suggestion is simply a starting point. You should make the final choice depending on what you like and what feels comfortable and stable to you. When deciding on the size of your skis, you also need to think about other things that can affect their performance, like the width of the ski, the way it bends, and the shape of the tip and tail. Also consider ski insurance before your trip.
Calculate your DIN binding setting for safe skiing. Find the right ski boot flex for your ability.
Source: Professional Ski Fitter Methodology
What does ski length mean and why is it important?
The length of a ski is the distance from the tip to the tail in centimeters. This is the most critical factor that affects how a ski behaves on snow. Shorter skis, which are usually about the height of your chin to your nose, are easier to turn and control. They are great for beginners and intermediate skiers on groomed pistes. Longer skis (from eye level to above the head) are more stable at greater speeds and float better in deep powder, therefore they are the best choice for advanced and expert skiers.
There is no one-size-fits-all length for skis. A 180 cm skier who weighs 90 kg and skis hard in powder needs a different length than a 180 cm beginner who skis on groomed slopes. This calculator takes into account all five important factors: height, weight, skill level, skiing style, and type of ski.
The formula uses changes that professional ski fitters apply all around the world. Height and weight set a base value. Ability level changes by −7 to −17 cm, skiing style changes by ±2 cm, and ski type changes by −3 to +7 cm, depending on the discipline.
Who needs a ski length calculator?
First-time ski buyers who have never picked out skis before and need a place to start, intermediate skiers who are upgrading from rental skis to their first personal pair, advanced skiers who are switching disciplines (like from all-mountain to powder or carving), parents buying skis for kids or teens who are growing, and ski rental shops that need to quickly assign the right length to customers all use this calculator.
How to figure out the length of a ski
- Base length based on height and weight: To use the formula, you need to know your height in centimeters. If your weight is less than 102 kg, deduct (102 − weight) / 10 cm from the base. If the weight is more than 102 kg, add (weight − 102) / 10 cm.
- Adjusting the level of ability: Beginners take 17 cm off. Intermediate: −13 cm. Advanced: −9 cm. Expert: −7 cm.
- Change in skiing style: Easy-going −2 cm. Average: no change. Aggressive +2 cm.
- Adjusting the type of ski: All-mountain +2 cm, powder +3 cm, touring +3 cm, racing +7 cm, groomers/carving −2 cm, and terrain park −3 cm.
- Final result: Rounded to the closest cm and shown with a range of ±3 cm.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a beginner's skis be if they are 175 cm tall?
If you are a novice who is 175 cm tall and weighs about 75 kg, you should start with skis that are 155 to 162 cm long. The calculation starts with 172 cm and takes away 17 cm for novice level, which gets you about 158 cm. When you are learning how to ski, it is really important to be able to control and turn your skis easily.
Should I get longer skis for powder?
Yes. When skiing in deep powder, make your skis 3 to 5 cm longer than they usually are for all-mountain skiing. Longer skis have more surface area and stay on top of the snow. Some skiers go 10 cm or more longer than their groomer length for particularly deep snow or tree skiing. The calculator automatically adds 3 cm for the Powder ski type.
How does body weight affect ski length?
Heavier skiers need longer skis to properly use the flex and edge grip of the skis. A skier who weighs 100 kg needs a longer ski than one who weighs 80 kg. Lighter skiers can go shorter to make turning easier. The formula changes the base length by ±(deviation from 102 kg) / 10 cm.
Is it okay to ski on skis that are 5 cm longer than advised?
Yes, intermediate and experienced skiers can comfortably ride 5 cm longer than recommended, especially at high speeds for extra stability. Beginners should stick to the suggested range because longer skis are much harder to turn and make skiing on green and blue runs more tiresome.
What is the difference between ski length and ski size?
They are the same thing. When people talk about ski length and size, they mean the length from tip to tail in centimeters. Some manufacturers also include a running length, which is the length of the contact area without the tip and tail rocker. However, the size that is always offered when you buy skis is the whole length.
Does the width of the skis affect the length I should choose?
Wider skis (90 mm+ waist) have greater surface area and float better in powder, so you can sometimes go a little shorter than what is suggested. Narrow carving skis (less than 75 mm) are made for hardpack and work best with the usual length or a little longer to keep the edges stable and the power going.
How do I pick the right ski length for my child?
For kids aged 4 to 7, skis should be about chin height. For kids ages 8 to 12, from chin to nose. For teens, the adult formula works. When kids are just learning to ski, it is better for them to have shorter skis than longer ones. Control is more important than speed.
How long should carving skis be?
People usually ride carving skis that are 5 to 10 cm shorter than all-mountain skis because their deep sidecut radius makes turns happen more quickly. The calculator makes a −2 cm change for the Groomers/Carving type. Many serious carvers go even shorter to make tighter, faster arcs on groomed pistes.
What size skis do I need for my height and weight?
A 175 cm (5'9") skier weighing 75 kg needs skis between 165 and 175 cm depending on ability: beginners 158 to 165 cm, intermediate 165 to 170 cm, advanced 170 to 175 cm. Weight matters: if you are heavier than average for your height, go 5 cm longer. Use the calculator above for exact length based on all factors.
What size skis for a 5'9" woman?
160 to 170 cm depending on ability and weight. A beginner 5'9" (175 cm) woman weighing 65 kg: 158 to 163 cm. Intermediate: 163 to 170 cm. Advanced: 170 to 175 cm. Women's ski models are the same length as men's for the same height and weight. The difference is flex and mounting position, not length.
Should I size up or down in skis?
Size down (shorter) if you are a beginner, prefer short turns, ski park or freestyle, or are over 50. Size up (longer) if you are advanced, ski fast, prefer freeride or powder, or weigh more than average for your height. When in doubt between two sizes, beginners go shorter, advanced go longer.
How long should my skis be for carving on piste?
5 to 10 cm shorter than your all-mountain size. For a 175 cm intermediate skier: all-mountain 170 cm, carving 160 to 165 cm. Shorter carving skis transition edge to edge faster. Slalom-specific carving skis are even shorter (155 to 165 cm for adults per FIS regulations).
Are 160 cm skis right for me?
160 cm skis are ideal for a 165 to 175 cm tall intermediate skier, or a 175 to 183 cm beginner. If you are shorter than 160 cm or taller than 183 cm, 160 cm skis are likely not the right length. Use the calculator above or see the size chart below for your exact height and ability.
Ski Length Chart by Height, Weight and Ability
A 170 cm skier weighing 70 kg needs skis between 155 cm (beginner) and 172 cm (expert freeride), depending on ability and style. The chart below covers heights from 148 cm to 190 cm across four ability levels.
| Height | Weight | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert / Freeride |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148 cm / 4'10" | 40-50 kg | 128-133 cm | 133-140 cm | 140-148 cm | 148-155 cm |
| 155 cm / 5'1" | 45-55 kg | 135-140 cm | 140-148 cm | 148-155 cm | 155-160 cm |
| 160 cm / 5'3" | 50-60 kg | 140-148 cm | 148-155 cm | 155-160 cm | 160-168 cm |
| 165 cm / 5'5" | 55-65 kg | 148-153 cm | 153-160 cm | 160-165 cm | 165-172 cm |
| 170 cm / 5'7" | 60-75 kg | 153-160 cm | 160-165 cm | 165-170 cm | 170-177 cm |
| 175 cm / 5'9" | 65-80 kg | 158-165 cm | 165-170 cm | 170-175 cm | 175-182 cm |
| 180 cm / 5'11" | 70-85 kg | 165-170 cm | 170-175 cm | 175-180 cm | 180-187 cm |
| 185 cm / 6'1" | 75-90 kg | 170-175 cm | 175-180 cm | 180-185 cm | 185-191 cm |
| 190 cm / 6'3" | 80-95 kg | 175-180 cm | 180-185 cm | 185-190 cm | 190-195 cm |
- Beginners: shorter skis are easier to turn and more forgiving. Choose chin to nose height.
- Freeride and powder: go 5 to 10 cm longer for float and stability at speed.
- Park and freestyle: go 5 cm shorter for easier tricks and spins.
- Weight override: if you weigh more than the range for your height, go one row down.
What Height Are My Skis For?
If you already own skis and want to check if they fit: 160 cm skis are ideal for a 165 to 175 cm tall intermediate skier. The reverse lookup below works for ski lengths from 130 to 180 cm.
| Ski Length | Beginner Height | Intermediate Height | Advanced Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130 cm | 148-155 cm (kids / short adults) | 140-148 cm | 135-140 cm |
| 140 cm | 155-163 cm | 148-158 cm | 143-150 cm |
| 150 cm | 163-170 cm | 158-165 cm | 150-160 cm |
| 155 cm | 168-175 cm | 163-170 cm | 155-165 cm |
| 160 cm | 173-180 cm | 168-175 cm | 160-170 cm |
| 165 cm | 178-185 cm | 173-180 cm | 165-175 cm |
| 170 cm | 183-190 cm | 178-185 cm | 170-180 cm |
| 175 cm | 188-195 cm | 183-190 cm | 175-185 cm |
| 180 cm | 190+ cm | 185-192 cm | 180-190 cm |
Ski Length by Skiing Style
Carving skis are 5 to 10 cm shorter than your all-mountain size; freeride skis are 5 to 10 cm longer. Adjust the calculator result based on your primary skiing discipline.
| Style | Length Adjustment | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Carving / piste | -5 to -10 cm | Shorter = quicker edge to edge, tighter turns |
| All-mountain | Reference size | Balanced for groomed and off-piste |
| Freeride / powder | +5 to +10 cm | Longer = more float, stability at speed |
| Park / freestyle | -5 cm | Shorter = easier spins, switch landing |
| Moguls | -10 to -15 cm | Very short for quick pivoting |
| Slalom racing | -10 to -15 cm (FIS) | Regulation plus quick turns |
| GS racing | +5 to +10 cm (FIS) | Regulation plus speed stability |
| Touring / ski touring | -5 to -10 cm | Lighter, easier to skin uphill |
Planning a touring setup? Touring skis are typically shorter and lighter than all-mountain. See our dedicated touring ski calculator for an exact recommendation, and check the matching ski pole length for your stance.
Ski Length for Women
Women's skis use the same length calculation as men's, but women's models are lighter and have a more forward mounting point for lower center of gravity. The length calculation is identical: a 165 cm woman weighing 60 kg needs the same ski length as a 165 cm man weighing 60 kg. The difference is in the ski construction (lighter core, softer flex, forward mounting), not in the length. Use the calculator above with your actual height and weight regardless of gender.
Ski Length for Kids
Children's skis should reach between the chest and chin when standing, not above the head. Kids need shorter skis relative to height than adults because they weigh less and ski slower. A child's skis should NOT be longer than their chin. For very young beginners (3 to 6 years): chest height. For intermediate kids (7 to 12): chin height. Do not buy skis "to grow into" because skis that are too long make learning harder and more dangerous.
Ski Length for Older Skiers
Skiers over 50 should go 5 to 10 cm shorter than the standard recommendation for easier turning and reduced knee strain. As we age, reaction time slows and joints become more susceptible to injury. Shorter skis require less force to turn and are more forgiving on the legs. If you are 60+, consider going 10 cm shorter than the calculator result. After choosing length, calculate your DIN binding setting for safe release.
Last updated: May 2026
How ski length is calculated