Ski size chart & calculator
Skis for an intermediate skier usually reach between the chin and nose: about your height in centimeters minus 5–10 cm. For someone 5'9" (175 cm), that's about 164–170 cm for all-mountain skiing. Beginners go shorter, experts and powder skiers go longer.
Ski length calculator
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Ski length chart by height
All-mountain ski lengths for an average build, plus pole length.
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4'10" (147 cm) | 129–135 cm | 136–142 cm | 142–148 cm | 100 cm |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 134–140 cm | 141–147 cm | 147–153 cm | 105 cm |
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 139–145 cm | 146–152 cm | 152–158 cm | 105 cm |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 145–151 cm | 152–158 cm | 158–164 cm | 110 cm |
| 5'6" (168 cm) | 150–156 cm | 157–163 cm | 163–169 cm | 115 cm |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 155–161 cm | 162–168 cm | 168–174 cm | 120 cm |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 160–166 cm | 167–173 cm | 173–179 cm | 120 cm |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 165–171 cm | 172–178 cm | 178–184 cm | 125 cm |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 170–176 cm | 177–183 cm | 183–189 cm | 130 cm |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 175–181 cm | 182–188 cm | 188–194 cm | 130 cm |
| 6'6" (198 cm) | 180–186 cm | 187–193 cm | 193–199 cm | 135 cm |
How to choose your ski length
1. Start with your height and ability
- Beginner: about chin height. Shorter skis turn and stop more easily.
- Intermediate: chin to nose.
- Advanced and expert: nose to the top of your head, or longer for speed and stability.
2. Adjust for weight
Heavier skiers bend a ski more and can go a bit longer; lighter skiers can go a bit shorter.
3. Adjust for terrain
- Groomers and carving: a few cm shorter for quick, tight turns.
- Powder and freeride: a few cm longer, often with more rocker, for float.
- Park: shorter for spins and rails.
4. Rocker changes the effective length
Skis with a lot of tip rocker ski shorter than their measured length because less edge touches the snow, so you can size up a little.
Next steps
See how to choose all-mountain skis and how to choose ski boots, or browse all-mountain skis and ski poles. Snowboarding instead? Use the snowboard size calculator.
Charts are general guidance. Manufacturer size charts for a specific ski take priority.
Ski sizing FAQ
What size skis do I need?
Skis for an intermediate skier usually reach between the chin and nose: about your height in centimeters minus 5–10 cm. For someone 5'9" (175 cm), that's about 164–170 cm for all-mountain skiing. Beginners go shorter, experts and powder skiers go longer.
Should beginners use shorter skis?
Yes. Beginner skis are typically chin height or a little shorter (height minus 10–20 cm) because they're easier to turn and stop.
What length ski poles do I need?
Ski poles are usually about 0.68 times your height. A quick check: flip the pole upside down and grip it under the basket; your elbow should be close to a right angle.
Do powder skis need to be longer?
Usually. Longer, wider skis float better in deep snow, so powder skis are often sized near or slightly above your height.