How this calculator works
The base is your height in centimetres. Beginners are moved down by about 10 cm for easier turning, intermediates by 5 cm, and advanced skiers stay at height. An easy-going style takes off 3 cm and an aggressive style adds 3 cm. The terrain changes the result again: racing and powder favour longer skis, touring and park favour shorter ones, and groomer skis sit slightly shorter. Weight is compared with a reference of 22 kg per square metre of height, and each kilogram above or below that reference shifts the length by about 0.5 cm, capped at 10 cm.
Formula
Recommended length (cm) = height (cm) + ability adjustment + style adjustment + use adjustment + weight adjustment. Weight adjustment = clamp((weight - 22 x height in metres squared) x 0.5, -10, 10). Ability: beginner -10, intermediate -5, advanced 0. Style: cautious -3, average 0, aggressive +3.
Worked example
A 175 cm, 75 kg intermediate who skis average all-mountain terrain: the reference weight is 22 x 1.75 squared = 67.4 kg, so the weight adjustment is (75 - 67.4) x 0.5 = 3.8 cm. The length is 175 - 5 + 0 + 0 + 3.8 = 173.8 cm, with a 171 to 177 cm range.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Should I size skis by height or weight?
Both matter. Height gives the starting point, but a heavier skier needs more support and a lighter skier may struggle to bend a long ski. The weight adjustment here is deliberately modest and capped.
How do rockered skis change the recommendation?
Rocker and early rise reduce the effective edge, so skis are often chosen longer for the same height. The page gives a general length and reminds you to check the manufacturer chart for the specific model.
What length for a child?
Children are usually sized by height with a smaller adjustment, and rental or shop advice should dominate. This page covers adult sizing; a child on a ski that is too long will have trouble turning.
Is a longer ski always faster?
Not on its own. A longer ski has more edge and stability at speed, but it needs more force to bend and turn. Racing skis are long because they are stiff and built for speed, not simply because length adds speed.