Introducing Snowledge Q&A Series

Jump to Snowboard Sizing Explained – Snowboard Size Chart

The athletic abilities, location and experience levels of our Snowledge app users are quite literally all over the map. Since our launch, we have been steadily receiving questions from our community that range from expert level skiing techniques, favorite places to ride backcountry, how to get sponsored, to basic size and equipment selection questions. So, true to the meaning of the word and our brand, Snowledge, we’re launching this new article series, Snowledge Q&A, tackling one question at a time and pulling insights from an expert in our network. Our aim with this series is to provide useful and actionable information for our community, to have your best day on the mountain, always.

This is the first installment, in direct response to a question we received over and over again: “What size snowboard do I need or should I get?” Read through and offer up any other advice we may have missed on the subject in the comments below. Plus, feel free to submit a related or new question we’ll consider answering in a follow up piece!

Simple Snowboard Sizing Explained

When deciding on which size snowboard to get, you will first need to consider your height and weight. Snowboard lengths are measured in centimeters (not inches) from tip to tail. You can get a general idea of the length you will need for snowboard sizing, by standing a board up vertically, and comparing the height to your chin.

If the board length is in between your chin and nose, then typically, that board is within your size range. This approach worked for many years when most snowboards had the same profile and shape. Nowadays, your body weight plays a bigger factor, because of all the different shape variations and base profile options snowboards have.

Also, your boot size will determine if you need a wider board, or not. Snowboards come in different widths, and if you have a large foot, you will need a wider board. A person with a size 11 or bigger, typically needs a wide board. Snowboard widths are measured at the narrowest point, in between the bindings.

Most brands will measure this in millimeters. If a board measures more than 255mm at its waist, then it’s considered a wide board. You also need to factor in what type of riding you enjoy, because that plays a huge role in choosing the right snowboard. If you enjoy carving, freeriding, or powder, you’re generally going to want a larger board. If you’re a beginner, or into freestyle and park, you might want to consider getting a board on the shorter side.

The following image is a basic snowboard sizing chart you can use to help find the size that fits you best. Happy riding!

Snowboard Size Chart

Rider Height (in) Rider Height (cm) Rider Weight (lb) Rider Weight (kg) Snowboard Size (cm) 5’0 152 100 – 130 45 – 59 139 – 145 5’1″ 155 100 – 140 45 – 64 139-147 5’2″ 157 110 – 150 50 – 68 142 – 150 5’3″ 160 110 – 150 50 – 68 143 – 151 5’4″ 163 110 – 160 50 – 73 144 – 154 5’5″ 165 120 – 170 54 – 77 146 – 155 5’6″ 168 120 – 170 54 – 77 147 – 156 5’7″ 170 120 – 180 54 – 82 148 – 157 5’8″ 173 130 – 180 59 – 82 151 – 158 5’9″ 175 130 – 190 59 – 86 151 – 159 5’10” 178 130 – 190 59 – 86 152 – 160 5’11” 180 140 – 200 64 – 91 155 – 162 6’0″ 183 140 – 210 64 – 95 156 – 163 6’1″ 185 150 – 210 68 – 95 158 – 164 6’2″ 188 150 – 220 68 – 100 159 – 165 6’3 191 160 – 220 72 – 100 162 – 166 6’4″ 193 160 – 230 72 – 100 163 – 168

Snowledge brought to you courtesy of Adam Ryan, snowboarding local and pro shop expert out of Squaw Valley, California.