For a 5′10″, 170 lb beginner on all-mountain skis that is 163 cm, with 158–168 cm as the range. Rental shops will often go a little shorter still for your first days.
How the ski size calculator works
SkiSizeCalc converts your height to centimetres and starts from it. For alpine skis it subtracts 15 cm for beginners (skis to about the chin), 8 cm for intermediates (about the nose), 3 cm for advanced skiers and adds 2 cm for experts. Carving skis are 5 cm shorter, park skis 3 cm shorter and freeride or powder skis 5 cm longer than all-mountain. If you are at least 10 kg (22 lb) lighter or heavier than a typical weight for your height, the length moves 5 cm. Cross-country classic skis are height + 20 cm and skate skis height + 10 cm. Poles are height × 0.68 for alpine, × 0.84 for classic and × 0.89 for skate, rounded to the nearest 5 cm.
Alpine ski size chart (all-mountain, typical weight)
| Height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4′0″ (122 cm) | 107 | 114 | 119 | 124 | 85 |
| 4′4″ (132 cm) | 117 | 124 | 129 | 134 | 90 |
| 4′8″ (142 cm) | 127 | 134 | 139 | 144 | 95 |
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 137 | 144 | 149 | 154 | 105 |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 142 | 149 | 154 | 159 | 105 |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 148 | 155 | 160 | 165 | 110 |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 153 | 160 | 165 | 170 | 115 |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 158 | 165 | 170 | 175 | 115 |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 163 | 170 | 175 | 180 | 120 |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 168 | 175 | 180 | 185 | 125 |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 173 | 180 | 185 | 190 | 130 |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 178 | 185 | 190 | 195 | 130 |
Cross-country ski and pole lengths
| Height | Classic skis | Classic poles | Skate skis | Skate poles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm (4′11″) | 170 cm | 125 cm | 160 cm | 135 cm |
| 160 cm (5′3″) | 180 cm | 135 cm | 170 cm | 140 cm |
| 170 cm (5′7″) | 190 cm | 145 cm | 180 cm | 150 cm |
| 180 cm (5′11″) | 200 cm | 150 cm | 190 cm | 160 cm |
| 190 cm (6′3″) | 210 cm | 160 cm | 200 cm | 170 cm |
Lengths are a starting point. Ski shape (rocker, sidecut, waist width), the maker’s size chart and your terrain all matter; a ski shop or demo day is the best final check. Bindings must be adjusted (DIN setting) by a qualified technician.
Frequently asked questions
How long should skis be for a beginner?
Around chin height, roughly 15 cm shorter than you are tall.
When should I move to longer skis?
Once you link parallel turns comfortably on blue runs, nose height or slightly longer will feel more stable.
Should beginners rent or buy skis?
Rent at first. Your ideal length and ski type will change quickly as you improve.
Is SkiSizeCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads, and your numbers stay in your browser.
Are the results exact?
No. They are a starting point. Check the maker’s size chart and, if you can, demo skis before you buy.