Ski pole size chart
Multiply your height by 0.7 and round to the nearest 5 cm: that is your pole length. Find yours below, then confirm it with the elbow test before you buy.
Pole length by height
Poles come in 5 cm steps. Each row is the height range that rounds to that pole size with the 0.7 rule. US shops label the same sizes in inches, in 2 inch steps.
| Height | Pole length | US label |
|---|---|---|
| 140-146 cm4'7" - 4'9" | 100 cm | 40 in |
| 147-153 cm4'10" - 5'0" | 105 cm | 42 in |
| 154-160 cm5'1" - 5'3" | 110 cm | 44 in |
| 161-167 cm5'4" - 5'5" | 115 cm | 46 in |
| 168-174 cm5'6" - 5'8" | 120 cm | 48 in |
| 175-182 cm5'9" - 5'11" | 125 cm | 50 in |
| 183-189 cm6'0" - 6'2" | 130 cm | 52 in |
| 190-196 cm6'3" - 6'5" | 135 cm | 54 in |
| 197-203 cm6'6" - 6'8" | 140 cm | 56 in |
| 204-210 cm6'9" - 6'10" | 145 cm | 58 in |
| 211-217 cm6'11" - 7'1" | 150 cm | 60 in |
Check it in the shop
The chart gets you to the right size. Thirty seconds with the pole in your hand confirms it.
- Turn the pole over
Stand it upside down, grip on the floor and basket at the top.
- Hold it under the basket
Wrap your hand around the shaft just below the basket, as if it were the grip.
- Look at your elbow
Stand straight with your upper arm by your side. The right length puts your elbow at about 90 degrees.
- Go up or down a size
Forearm pointing up: try 5 cm shorter. Pointing down: try 5 cm longer.
When to change the number
The 0.7 rule is for resort skiing. These cases move it, or change what kind of pole you need.
- Shorter
Park and freestyle
Shorter poles stay out of the way when you ski switch and on rails. Plenty of park skiers leave them at home.
- Adjustable
Touring and backcountry
Adjustable poles let you lengthen them on long climbs and traverses for more push, then shorten them for the descent.
- Same length
Powder
Deep snow does not change the length. It changes the basket: a wider one, up to about 10 cm, stops the pole from sinking.
- Under 140 cm
Kids
Young skiers outgrow poles fast. Adjustable kids' poles grow with them, and the elbow test works the same way.
Now the skis
Height, weight, ability, terrain. One ski length, with a shorter and a longer alternative.
Find my size or read the pole chart