Crutch and Walking Stick Size Chart: What Height Do I Need?
Getting the height right is the single most important thing when you set up crutches or a walking stick. Too long and your shoulder hunches; too short and you lean and lose balance. This crutch and walking stick size chart, plus a quick way to measure yourself, will help you get it right first time.
Fits 4ft 10in to 6ft 4in. All our adult crutches and walking sticks are height adjustable, with a silent clip that locks your setting in place. Shop crutches or shop walking sticks.
How to measure for a walking stick or crutch
- Put on the shoes you wear most often.
- Stand up straight with your arms relaxed by your sides.
- Ask someone to measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist.
- That measurement is the height you want from the floor to the top of the handle.
When you hold the handle, your elbow should have a slight bend. If your arm is straight, the stick or crutch is too short; if your shoulder lifts, it is too long.
Walking stick and crutch size chart
Most people's wrist crease sits at roughly half their height. Use this chart as a starting point, then check against the measuring steps above.
| Your height | Approx. handle height from the floor |
|---|---|
| 4ft 10in (149cm) | 75cm |
| 5ft 0in (152cm) | 77cm |
| 5ft 2in (157cm) | 80cm |
| 5ft 4in (163cm) | 83cm |
| 5ft 6in (168cm) | 85cm |
| 5ft 8in (173cm) | 88cm |
| 5ft 10in (178cm) | 91cm |
| 6ft 0in (183cm) | 93cm |
| 6ft 2in (188cm) | 96cm |
| 6ft 4in (193cm) | 98cm |
Cool Crutches sizes at a glance
| Fits user height | Handle height range | Max user weight | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult crutches | 4ft 10in to 6ft 4in (149 to 193cm) | 72.5 to 102cm | 150kg | 730g each |
| Walking sticks | 4ft 10in to 6ft 4in (149 to 193cm) | 73 to 101cm | 150kg | 432g |
| Folding walking sticks | 5ft 2in to 5ft 10in (159 to 178cm) | 80 to 92cm | 100kg | 376g |
| Children's crutches | 95 to 140cm (about age 4 to 10) | 45 to 69cm | 100kg | 610g each |
Full details are on our crutch specifications and walking stick specifications pages.
Setting the cuff on elbow crutches
On elbow crutches, the cuff should sit a few centimetres below your elbow, so it supports your forearm without pressing into the joint. Our crutches have a second clip between the handle and the cuff so you can adjust this too.
Frequently asked questions
What size walking stick do I need for my height?
Measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist while standing in your usual shoes. As a guide, someone 5ft 4in usually needs a handle height of around 83cm, and someone 5ft 10in around 91cm.
How do I know if my crutches are the right height?
Stand up straight holding the handles. The handles should be level with your wrist creases and your elbows slightly bent. If your shoulders lift, lower them; if your arms are straight, raise them.
Can I adjust Cool Crutches myself?
Yes. Release the clip, slide the inner pole to your height and push the clip back into the hole. Watch our how to videos for a demonstration.
What if I am taller than 6ft 4in?
Our adult crutches and walking sticks fit up to 6ft 4in. If you are taller, get in touch and we will help.
Read our full guide on how tall a walking stick should be, or take our mobility quiz to find the right fit for you.
