This guide will teach you how to choose the right bike size using bike size charts and other methods. It covers the most popular bike types, including hybrids/city, mountain, and road bikes.
Use this interactive calculator that recommends a bike size based on your inseam length and bike type. Alternatively, choose the bike size based on one of the three methods explained below.
Bike Size Calculator
Choose the Bike Type
How to choose a bike?
MTBCross-Country, Trail,
and Enduro Bikes
HYBRIDTrekking, Commuter,
and City Bikes
ROADRoad, Gravel,
and CX Bikes
Enter Your Inseam Length
How to measure your inseam?
inchcm
DISCLAIMER: Please remember that the calculator does not consider your height, which may affect your bike size.
Table of Contents
- Bike Size Calculator
- What Bike Size Do I Need?
- Method #1: Bike Size Based on Your Height (The Easiest Method)
- Method #2: Bike Size Based on Your Inseam Length and Bike Size Chart
- Method #3: Calculating the Bike Size
- How to Measure the Inseam Length?
- Conclusion
- Choosing a Bike Size FAQ
What Bike Size Do I Need?
To determine which bike size you need, use one of the following methods, sorted from the simplest to the most complex. Remember that simpler methods are less precise, while more complex methods offer greater accuracy.
Method #1: Bike Size Based on Your Height (The Easiest Method)
This is the easiest and quickest method to select a bike size. All you have to do is compare your height with the general bike sizing chart below.
| Your Height | Bike Size | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feet | cm | Inches | cm |
| 4’11” – 5’3″ | 125 –162 | 13 –15 | 33 –38 |
| 5’3″ – 5’7″ | 162 –174 | 15 –16 | 38 –41 |
| 5’7″ – 5’11” | 174 –183 | 16 –17 | 41 –43 |
| 6’0″ – 6’2″ | 183 –189 | 17 –19 | 43 –48 |
| 6’2″ – 6’4″ | 189 –195 | 19 –21 | 48 –53 |
| 6’4″+ | 195+ | 21+ | 53+ |
Bike size chart based on your height.
However, this method doesn’t consider the type of bike, so it may not be as accurate as the methods below. As a result, the bicycle may not fit you perfectly.
Method #2: Bike Size Based on Your Inseam Length and Bike Size Chart
This is probably the best bike sizing method for most people. It is based on measuring your inseam length at home and comparing it with a bike size chart.
Once you measure the inseam length, use it to select the bike size. Most bicycle manufacturers use seat tube length and other details, including the standover height, in their bike size charts.
The standover height is the distance from the ground to the top of the top tube.
If your inseam length is shorter than the standover height, the bike is too big for you.
The clearance, which is the difference between your inseam length and the standover height, should be around 1 to 2 inches.
This clearance is essential to prevent injuries caused by sudden or emergency stops.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The inseam length for choosing a bike size is measured differently from that used for buying pants. Learn more
- To choose the most accurate bike size, always compare your measurements with the manufacturer’s bike size chart for your bike type.
Hybrid Bike Size Chart
Depending on the manufacturer, hybrid bikes usually come in descriptive sizes (XS-XL) and heights. However, you may still encounter all three types of size designations – in, cm, and descriptive sizes.
| Your Height | Your Inseam | Hybrid Bike Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10”-5’1″ 147-155 cm | 27″-29″ 69-73 cm | XS |
| 5’1″-5’5″ 155-165 cm | 28″-31″ 72-78 cm | S |
| 5’5″-5’9″ 165-175 cm | 30″-33″ 77-83 cm | M |
| 5’9″-6’1″ 175-186 cm | 32″-35″ 82-88 cm | L |
| 6’1″-6’6″ 186-197 cm | 34″-37″ 87-93 cm | XL |
This table shows the simplified hybrid bike sizes. Measure your inseam and then compare it with the sizes in this table. Remember, the sizing of manufacturers can differ.
Data source: Trek
And here is a helpful infographic:
Mountain Bike Size Chart
The size of mountain bikes is typically measured in inches (13″, 19″, etc.) or descriptive sizes (XS-XL).
Generally, smaller mountain bikes usually come with 27.5″ wheels, while larger ones have 29″ wheels.
| Your Height | Your Inseam | Mountain Bike Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4’9″-5’1″ 145-155 cm | 27″-29″ 69-73 cm | XS |
| 5’1″-5’5″ 155-165 cm | 29″-31″ 74-78 cm | S |
| 5’5″-5’9″ 165-176 cm | 31″-33″ 79-83 cm | M |
| 5’8″-5’11” 173-180 cm | 32″-34″ 81-86 cm | M/L |
| 5’10”-6’2″ 177-188 cm | 33″-35″ 84-89 cm | L |
| 6’2″-6’5″ 188-195 cm | 35″-36″ 89-91 cm | XL |
| 6’5″-6’8″ 195-203 cm | 36″-38″ 91-97 cm | 2XL |
This table shows the simplified mountain bike sizes. Measure your inseam and then compare it with the sizes in this table. Remember, the sizing of manufacturers can differ.
Data source: Trek
And here are the sizes in the picture:
Road Bike Size Chart
Road bike sizes are usually given in centimeters or descriptive sizes.
You should take extra care when choosing the size of your road bike. Road cycling is a discipline in which you spend long hours in the saddle, so selecting the right bike size is crucial.
It’s also essential to choose the right type of geometry. For instance, endurance geometry road bikes (where you sit more upright) are suitable for beginners, while aggressive (sporty/performance) geometry requires a certain amount of flexibility.
The following road bike size chart also applies to cyclocross and gravel bikes.
| Your Height | Your Inseam | Road Bike Size |
|---|---|---|
| 5’0″-5’2″ 152-158 cm | 28″-30″ 71-75 cm | 48 |
| 5’2″-5’4″ 158-163 cm | 29″-30″ 74-77 cm | 50 |
| 5’4″-5’6″ 163-168 cm | 30″-31″ 76-79 cm | 52 |
| 5’6″-5’9″ 168-174 cm | 31″-32″ 78-82 cm | 54 |
| 5’9″-5’11” 174-180 cm | 32″-33″ 81-85 cm | 56 |
| 5’11”-6’1″ 180-185 cm | 33″-34″ 84-87 cm | 58 |
| 6’1″-6’3″ 185-190 cm | 34″-35″ 86-90 cm | 60 |
| 6’3″-6’5″ 190-195 cm | 35″-36″ 89-92 cm | 62 |
This table shows the simplified road bike sizes. Measure your inseam and then compare it with the sizes in this table. Remember, the sizing of manufacturers can differ.
Data source: Trek
And again, an infographic:
Method #3: Calculating the Bike Size
As we know from Method #2, bike size is determined by the length of the seat tube. To effectively use this method, you must know the length of your inseam (learn how to measure it correctly).
To calculate the size of your next bike, use the following formulas depending on the type of bike you want to buy.
To calculate the size of your next bike, use the following formulas depending on the type of bike you want to buy. (Source)
- Inseam Length (cm) × 0.685 = Hybrid Bike Size (cm)
- Inseam Length (cm) × 0.225 = MTB Bike Size (inches)
- Inseam Length (cm) × 0.665 = Road Bike Size (cm)
1 in = 2.54 cm
1 cm = 0.39 in
After you receive the result, round it up to the nearest whole number. This will match the bike size charts above with a slight deviation.
Example of calculating the MTB Bike Size:
Your inseam length is 33 inches, and you want to buy a new mountain bike. Let’s do the math:
Convert cm to inches: 33 inches × 2.54 = 83.8 cm
Calculate the bike size: 83.8 cm × 0.225 = 18.8 ≐ 19 inches
The size of your new mountain bike should be 19 inches.
Example of Calculating the Road Bike Size:
Your inseam length is 70 cm, and you want to buy a new road bike:
70 cm × 0.665 = 46.55 cm ≐ 47 cm
As you can see, your new road bike size should be 47 cm.
How to Measure the Inseam Length?
To measure your inseam length, follow these five simple steps or watch the video below:
- Prepare a 0.75 to 1-inch (1.9-2.5cm) thick book and a tape measure.
- Take off your shoes and stand with your back to the wall.
- Put the book in your inseam, firmly pull it up, and hold it with your tights. Make sure the book is pressed against the wall on one side.
- Measure the length from the top of the book to the floor.
- Take the measurement.
NOTE: The inseam for choosing the right bike size is different (a few inches longer) from the inseam used to choose the pants’ size. Remember that inaccurate inseam length may affect the recommended bike size.
Once you measure your inseam length (and eventually also your height), you can compare it with the bike size chart of the specific bike type. Based on it, you can choose the correct size.
JUMP BACK TO THE CALCULATOR
Conclusion
Choosing the correct bike size is easy when you know how to do it. You can use the bike size calculator that recommends a size based on your inseam length and bike type, or try one of the three methods I explain:
- The first method is simple but not very accurate. You only need to know your height and compare it with the universal bike size chart.
- The second method is the most accurate. First, measure your inseam length and decide what bike type you want. Then, compare your inseam length with the hybrid, MTB, or road bike size chart, and you’ll have the right size to buy.
- The third method requires some math but is more accurate than the first. You need to know your inseam length and use special formulas to calculate the size of your next hybrid, mountain, or road bike.
If you’re still unsure about what size bike to choose, please ask in the comments below or email me.
Choosing a Bike Size FAQ
What frame size do I need if I’m in between sizes?
I remember trying to choose the size for my first road bike. I asked a cycling forum for advice because I was stuck between two sizes. The forum members gave me some tips, but most were too complicated for a beginner like me. They suggested that I check the bike’s geometry, but I had no idea how to do that or compare it to my body measurements.
So I asked my friend, who has been selling bikes for over 10 years at a local bike shop. He gave me the following advice:
“It depends on what kind of rider you are. If you’re a recreational rider, go for a bigger frame. It’s more comfortable because you won’t have to raise the saddle as high as you would with a smaller frame. This will give you a more upright position, which is more comfortable.
However, if you’re serious about cycling and want to race, a smaller frame will give you a more aerodynamic and aggressive position. Smaller frames are also more agile and lighter.”
What bike size do I need?
There are several ways to choose the right size bike, but in this guide, I’ll explain three methods:
1. The first method is based on your height and a universal bike size chart. It’s the simplest but not the most accurate method.
2. The second method uses your inseam length and specific bike size charts for hybrid, mountain, and road bikes. It’s the most accurate method for most people.
3. The third method involves calculating the bike size using your inseam length and a unique coefficient that varies based on the bike type. It’s more accurate than the first method but not as accurate as the second.
You can also use an interactive calculator that recommends bike size based on your inseam length.
I recommend reading the entire article to better understand each method and decide which one works best for you.
Why is the correct bike size important?
Choosing the right bike size is crucial, not only for your comfort but also for preventing health problems. If your bike doesn’t fit you properly, you may experience pain in various body parts, such as your lower back, neck, and hands.(Source)
According to Physio-pedia.com, there are four essential components of a good bike fit: correct foot position, saddle height, stem length, and handlebar position. However, remember that if your bike is two sizes too small or too big, you won’t be able to achieve a proper bike fit. Therefore, learning how to choose the correct bike size is important.
You can avoid discomfort and potential health issues by selecting the right bike size. So, take the time to find the perfect fit for you.
What to do if your bike is the wrong size?
If you have ordered a new bike the wrong size, I recommend returning it as soon as possible. Most online retailers allow returns.
If you ride the wrong size bike, you risk injuring yourself (e.g., overloading certain muscles) or not being comfortable in the saddle.
It also happens that even experienced cyclists ride the wrong size bike, so they often fail to adjust it to their liking.
Does your age influence the bike size you should get?
It’s a bit complicated. The answer is mostly no, but there are some exceptions. Let me explain.
Many people ask this question. But it is a wrongly asked question because bike size doesn’t depend on age.
Our heights vary greatly, so a 19-inch bike may suit someone even if they’re not the “correct age” for it.
The correct question is: “What height and inseam length is a 19-inch bike for?” With this information and the bike chart for the specific bike, you can determine who the bike is suitable for.
Read the entire guide on choosing the right bike size for more information.
What does a 26-inch bike mean? Is it good for adults?
A 26-inch bike refers to a bicycle that uses 26-inch wheels. These wheels are commonly found on kids’ bikes, but some adult (mountain) bikes also use them.
Nowadays, 27.5-inch and 29-inch mountain bikes are becoming more popular because they offer better comfort and speed.
If you’re shorter than 5’0″ (150 cm), a 26-inch bike may be a good choice. However, if you’re taller, I recommend choosing a bike with at least 27.5-inch wheels.
Check out this guide to learn more about selecting the right bike size.
