Ski pole size chart
By the Sizemaven team. Checked against its sources October 14, 2026.
Most adults ski on alpine poles from 110 to 130 cm. On evo's chart, a skier 5'7" to 5'9" uses 48 in (120 cm) poles, and a skier 5'10" to 6'0" uses 50 in (125 cm). To check a pole, turn it upside down and grip it just under the basket. Your forearm should be level, with the elbow bent to about 90 degrees.
- 5'4" to 5'6"
- 46 in (115 cm)
- 5'7" to 5'9"
- 48 in (120 cm)
- 5'10" to 6'0"
- 50 in (125 cm)
- Between two sizes
- Go shorter
Ski pole size chart by height
This chart is for alpine (downhill) poles. Find your height without shoes and read across to the pole length.
| Skier height | Pole length (in) | Pole length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3'9" to 4'0" | 36 | 90 |
| 4'1" to 4'5" | 38 | 95 |
| 4'6" to 4'8" | 40 | 100 |
| 4'9" to 5'0" | 42 | 105 |
| 5'1" to 5'3" | 44 | 110 |
| 5'4" to 5'6" | 46 | 115 |
| 5'7" to 5'9" | 48 | 120 |
| 5'10" to 6'0" | 50 | 125 |
| 6'1" to 6'3" | 52 | 130 |
| 6'4" to 6'6" | 54 | 135 |
| 6'7" and taller | 56 | 140 |
Swix publishes the same rule in centimeters. Its chart gives 115-120 cm poles at 170 cm tall, 120-125 cm at 175 cm, and 125-130 cm at 180 cm, measured without ski boots. Swix stops at 135 cm for every skier 190 cm and taller. Its lengths step by 5 cm, and when you fall between two of them, Swix says to take the shorter one.
How to check pole length with the 90-degree test
- 1Turn the pole upside downStand on a flat floor and set the grip on the floor, with the tip pointing at the ceiling.
- 2Hold it just under the basketWrap your hand around the shaft right below the basket, the disc near the tip.
- 3Look at your elbowWith your upper arm hanging by your side, your forearm should be level and your elbow bent to about 90 degrees. A hand above the elbow means the pole is long, and a hand below it means the pole is short.
Without a pole to try, measure it on yourself. Swix says to stand straight with your arms at your sides, raise your forearm until the elbow is at 90 degrees, and measure from the floor to your hand. evo adds about 2 inches to that number for the part of the pole that sinks into the snow.
How touring and cross-country poles differ
Touring and backcountry poles
Backcountry skiers usually carry adjustable poles. evo says they lengthen them for climbs and traverses, where a longer pole gives more push, and shorten them for the descent. Alpenglow Sports puts the uphill length about 5-10 cm longer than your downhill length, so a skier who uses 120 cm resort poles would look for an adjustable pole that covers about 115-135 cm. LEKI notes that your length should fall inside the model's adjustment range.
Cross-country poles
Cross-country poles are much longer than alpine poles. Swix sizes classic poles 35 cm shorter than your height and skate poles 22.5 cm shorter, with height measured in ski boots. Alpenglow Sports gives the same idea as a share of height: about 0.83 times your height for classic and 0.89 times for skate.
| Height in boots | Classic pole | Skate pole |
|---|---|---|
| 152.5 cm | 117.5 cm | 130 cm |
| 170 cm | 135 cm | 147.5 cm |
| 185 cm | 150 cm | 162.5 cm |
Brands measure cross-country poles in different ways, so check the chart of the brand you buy.
Kids' pole length
Children use the same 90-degree check, and evo's chart runs down to 90 cm poles for a child 3'9" to 4'0". evo suggests adjustable poles for young kids who grow quickly, because one pair can lengthen as they grow. For the skis themselves, see the kids' ski size chart.
Once poles are sorted, the ski length calculator gives your ski length from your height, ability and where you ski.
Questions
What size ski poles do I need if I am 5'10"?
evo's chart gives 50 in (125 cm) poles for skiers 5'10" to 6'0". Swix gives 125-130 cm at 180 cm tall. Confirm with the upside-down check: your forearm should be level when you hold the pole under the basket.
Should I go longer or shorter if I am between two pole sizes?
Go shorter. Swix says to choose the shorter of two lengths when you fall between them.
Are cross-country poles the same length as downhill poles?
No. Cross-country poles are much longer. Swix sizes classic poles 35 cm shorter than your height and skate poles 22.5 cm shorter, while alpine poles come up to about your elbow.
Do I need adjustable ski poles?
Only for some uses. evo says adjustable poles are most common in the backcountry, where you lengthen them to climb and shorten them to ski down. They also suit young kids who grow quickly.
Sources
The numbers on this page come from the pages below. Brands differ, so check the size chart on the product page before you buy. Read our method