Snowboard Size Calculator
What Size Snowboard Should I Get
Snowboard length depends on several factors, including height, weight, ability level, and intended use. The old rule of thumb that snowboards should reach just above your chin to fit properly is no longer relevant if you want to achieve true performance. It is critical to remember all these factors when choosing a snowboard size, as the correct size can make all the difference between a good ride and a great one!
And if you are looking to buy a new snowboard after knowing what size you need, check out our guides for best snowboards for beginners and best all-mountain snowboards. It will help you pick the best snowboard for your needs.
For example, the board in this picture is higher than the nose, but it is more appropriate for an aggressive fast style.
Snowboard Size Chart
| HEIGHT (IN) | HEIGHT (CM) | WEIGHT (LB) | WEIGHT (KG) | SNOWBOARD SIZE (CM) |
| 4'10" | 147 | 110 - 120 | 50 - 54 | 128 - 136 |
| 5' | 152 | 115 - 130 | 52 - 59 | 133 - 141 |
| 5'2" | 158 | 125 - 135 | 57 - 61 | 139 - 147 |
| 5'4" | 163 | 135 - 145 | 61 - 66 | 144 - 152 |
| 5'6" | 168 | 140- 155 | 64 - 70 | 149 - 157 |
| 5'8" | 173 | 150 - 165 | 68 - 75 | 153 - 160 |
| 5'10" | 178 | 160 - 175 | 73 - 79 | 157 - 165 |
| 6' | 183 | 170 - 185 | 77 - 84 | 160+ |
| 6'2" | 188 | 180 - 195 | 82 - 88 | 160+ |
| 6'4" | 193 | 190 - 205 | 86 - 93 | 160+ |
- Freeriding requires a longer and stiffer board for greater stability and speed, so opt for a slightly longer one.
- The best snowboard for freestyle use is likely to be a smaller size and softer as it is easier to maneuver and spin through a terrain park or half-pipe.
- It is better to choose a longer model if you are going to be snowboarding in the powder.
- Those who weigh more than average for their height should consider a longer snowboard.
- For easier maneuverability, beginners should stick to shorter boards within their size range.
The best outcome on the slopes depends on matching the correct board size and shape to your specific needs.
How Wide Should My Snowboard Be?
What is the best way to select the right width for your snowboard? You can move and turn quickly as your boots hang just a bit over the edge of your snowboard and won't touch the snow when you turn. When the width is too small, your boots will likely drag on the surface, leading to losing control and balance and falling. You can use the chart below to determine the right width.
Snowboard Width & Boot Size Chart
| Snowboard Width | Narrow / Women's | Narrow / Women's | Regular | Regular | Wide | Wide |
| Boot Size (US Men’s) | -- | 5.0 - 7.5 | 7.0 - 9.5 | 8.5 - 10.5 | 9.5 - 11.5 | 10.5 > |
| Boot Size (EU Men’s) | -- | 35 - 40 | 39 - 42.5 | 41.5 - 44 | 42.5 - 45 | 44 > |
| Boot Size (US Women's) | > 6.0 | 6.0 - 8.5 | 8.0 - 10.5 | 10+ | -- | -- |
| Boot Size (EU Women's) | > 37 | 37 - 40 | 39.5 - 42.5 | 42+ | -- | -- |
| Board Waist Width (mm) | 225 - 235 | 236 - 245 | 246 - 250 | 251 - 254 | 255 - 259 | 260 > |
Snowboard Size by Ability Level
Ability level is also an important factor to consider. For beginners, shorter boards are recommended as they are more maneuverable and easier to control. It allows for better balance and stability, which are essential for learning basic snowboarding techniques. As you progress to an intermediate level, longer boards are recommended as they provide better stability at higher speeds and perform better in different snow conditions. Expert snowboarders typically use longer boards as they offer more control and stability, allowing for more aggressive turns and greater speed.
Snowboard Size by Riding Style and Terrain
Different riding styles require different board lengths, widths, and flex patterns. Freestyle snowboarding, which involves performing tricks and jumps in the terrain park, typically requires shorter and more flexible boards. This allows for better maneuverability, making it easier to perform spins, grabs, and flips. On the other hand, freeride snowboarding, which involves riding on steep terrain and deep powder, requires longer and stiffer boards. This allows for better stability and control, making it easier to ride at higher speeds and navigate through variable snow conditions.
Another riding style to consider when selecting a snowboard is all-mountain snowboarding. All-mountain snowboarding involves riding on different types of terrain, including groomers, powder, and the terrain park. A medium-length and medium-stiffness board is recommended for all-mountain riding. This allows for good stability and control on groomers while also providing enough flexibility for park riding and maneuverability in deep snow.
What Type of Snowboard Should I Get?
Camber snowboard
Camber snowboards are a type of snowboard that features an arched shape when laid flat on the ground, with the center of the board raised off the surface. This arching shape creates a slight bend or "camber" between the contact points of the snowboard, which are the points where the board makes contact with the snow. The camber shape results in a board that is responsive and provides good edge control, making it an excellent choice for carving and riding at higher speeds.
When a rider applies pressure to the center of a camber snowboard, the board flexes and flattens out, making the contact points of the board grip the snow more effectively. This results in increased edge hold and better control when carving, which is why camber snowboards are popular among more advanced riders who prioritize performance over ease of use.
Camber snowboards are often used for freeriding, where speed and control are critical, but they can also be used for other types of riding, such as park and pipe riding, as well as all-mountain riding. However, it is worth noting that camber snowboards may require more skill to ride and can be less forgiving than other types of snowboards.
By the way the camber snowboard design has been around for many decades, and it is one of the earliest snowboard designs.
Rocker snowboard
A rocker snowboard, also known as a reverse camber or banana board, is a type of snowboard that features an upturned shape at both the nose and tail of the board, while the center of the board is in contact with the snow. This design creates a reverse camber, which is the opposite of the traditional camber profile. The result is a board that is more flexible, easier to maneuver, and forgiving than camber snowboards.
Rocker snowboards are ideal for beginners and intermediate riders who are still developing their skills on the mountain. The upturned nose and tail of the board allow the rider to initiate turns more easily, making it easier to control the board in variable snow conditions. Rocker snowboards also excel in deep powder, as the upturned nose helps to keep the board on the surface of the snow.
Another benefit of rocker snowboards is that they are more forgiving than traditional camber boards. This means that mistakes or errors in technique are less likely to result in a fall or injury, making them an excellent choice for riders who are still learning the sport.
The rocker snowboard was first introduced in the early 2000s. The design quickly gained popularity among freestyle riders who appreciated the board's flexibility and maneuverability.
Camber vs Rocker
More advanced riders who prioritize speed, edge control, and stability may prefer camber, while beginners or those who prioritize flexibility, forgiveness, and maneuverability (freestylers for example) may prefer rocker.
Here is a short and clear video explanation from Whitelines
Hybrid camber snowboard
Hybrid snowboards combine the best of both camber and rocker profiles to offer riders the benefits of both designs.
The upturned tips and tails of a rocker snowboard are great for initiating turns and staying afloat in powder. Meanwhile, the camber profile underfoot provides stability, pop, speed, and increased edge-hold.
The length and intensity of the camber and rocker sections vary among different snowboards, resulting in a unique riding experience. Longer rocker sections or subtle camber in the camber sections are often recommended for beginners, as the camber offers stability while the rocker makes for a catch-free ride and easier turn initiation. However, hybrid rocker profiles that are mostly camber or highly pronounced in the camber sections are not as suitable for beginners.
Hybrid camber is the most popular type of snowboards these days.
Hybrid rocker snowboard
The camber at the tip and tail of the snowboard provides the same pop as a traditional camber, while the rocker between the feet gives a looser feel and better float in powder. This profile allows for easier turn initiation and performs well in the park and on the mountain, offering smooth butters and landings.
Compared to hybrid camber profiles, hybrid rocker profiles typically have a slightly looser feel due to the rocker being located between the feet. They also tend to be very quick edge-to-edge, all else being equal. Of course, there are variations in the length and intensity of the rocker and camber sections, which can affect the riding experience.
Snowboard Size Men vs Women
To begin, let's clear up any confusion between men's and women's snowboards. Essentially, the only difference lies in size and flex, so it's important to refer to the sizing and flex charts rather than the gender of the board.
Many snowboard companies now offer a variety of unisex models in different sizes, flexes, and riding styles. When choosing a snowboard, it's essential to consider your own body type, riding style, and desired experience to determine the best option for you. While women's-specific boards may feature more visually appealing designs and softer flex options, it's important to compare them with their unisex counterparts to ensure the ideal fit. Furthermore, most companies offer variations of each model, with some boards being slightly stiffer or softer than others.
