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Bike frame height calculator
Find your frame height with our frame calculator.
All you have to do is know your inseam length and select the desired type of bike.*
*Please note this calculator should be used as a general guide for sizing as many factors go into sizing - including height of the rider. If you have any questions regarding what size you need, please call BikeExchange or contact your local bike shop.
Finding the right frame size
Before you can find the right bike frame (and not the height), you'll need to determine your inseam
To determining the inseam length, follow these easy steps:
Required Materials:
- A yardstick or a measuring tape.
- A book, writing pad, cutting board or something similar.
Step 1
Stand on level ground with no shoes on. You can stand up against a wall for more accurate results.
Step 2
Take the book/block/pad/etc, put between legs and push it upwards as far as comfortably possible.
Step 3
Measure the distance from the top of the boom/block/pad to the floor using the yardstcik or measuring tape. The resulting number is your inseam length.
Size matters.
The tables below show the frame size that best suits your height. The deciding factor for the size of a bicycle is the frame - in particular, the seat post (the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat post). The sizes are measured in inches (MTB) or centimeters. You may find both units in the description of the bike.
Mountain Bike
Enter the inseam to find the perfect mountain bike size:
Go to frame calculatorThis table will help you if you do not have the inseam length on hand:
|
Height in cm |
Recommended frame size in cm / inches |
|---|---|
| 150 - 155 cm | 33 - 36 cm / 13" - 14" |
| 155 - 160 cm | 35 - 38 cm / 14" - 15" |
| 160 - 165 cm | 38 - 40 cm / 15" - 16" |
| 165 - 170 cm | 40 - 43 cm / 16" - 17" |
| 170 - 175 cm | 42 - 45 cm / 16.5" - 17.5" |
| 175 - 180 cm | 44 - 47 cm / 17.5" - 18.5" |
| 180 - 185 cm | 46 - 49 cm / 18" - 19" |
| 185 - 190 cm | 49 - 52 cm / 19" - 20.5" |
| 190 - 195 cm | 51 - 56 cm / 20.5" - 22" |
Road Bike
Enter the inseam to find the perfect road bike size:
Go to frame calculatorThis table will help you if you do not have the inseam length on hand:
|
Height in cm |
Frame Size (Performance / Racing) in cm |
Frame Size (Triathlon) in cm |
|---|---|---|
| 155 - 160 cm | 47 - 49 cm | 46 - 48 cm |
| 160 - 165 cm | 49 - 51 cm | 47 - 49 cm |
| 165 - 170 cm | 51 - 53 cm | 48 - 50 cm |
| 170 - 175 cm | 53 - 55 cm | 50 - 52 cm |
| 175 - 180 cm | 55 - 57 cm | 52 - 55 cm |
| 180 - 185 cm | 57 - 60 cm | 55 - 57 cm |
| 185 - 190 cm | 60 - 62 cm | 57 - 60 cm |
| 190 - 195 cm | 62 - 64 cm | 60 - 62 cm |
City Bikes
Enter the inseam to find the perfect city bike size:
Go to frame calculatorThis table will help you if you do not have the inseam length on hand:
|
Height in cm |
Recommended Frame Size in cm |
|---|---|
| 150 - 160 cm | 42 - 48 cm |
| 160 - 170 cm | 48 - 52 cm |
| 170 - 175 cm | 52 - 55 cm |
| 175 - 180 cm | 55 - 58 cm |
| 180 - 185 cm | 58 - 61 cm |
| 185 - 190 cm | 61 - 63 cm |
| 190 - 195 cm | 63 - 66 cm |
Touring Bikes
Enter your inseam length to find the perfect touring bike size:
Go to frame calculatorThis table will help you if you do not have the inseam length on hand:
|
Height in cm |
Recommended Frame Size in cm |
|---|---|
| 150 - 160 cm | 42 - 47 cm |
| 160 - 170 cm | 47 - 50 cm |
| 170 - 175 cm | 50 - 53 cm |
| 175 - 180 cm | 53 - 55 cm |
| 180 - 185 cm | 55 - 58 cm |
| 185 - 190 cm | 58 - 60 cm |
| 190 - 195 cm | 60 - 63 cm |
E-Bike
If you are looking to buy an e-bike, the size of an e-bike varies depending on the type of e-bike, such as: e-city bikes, e-touring bikes, e-mountain bikes, etc.
We can still help you find the right frame size
Select the bike category from our calculator and find the appropriate frame height in the table for the respective non-motorized bike type.
Go to frame calculator
Kid's Bikes
For adult bikes, the size of the bike is determined by the size of the frame. For kid's bikes, the sizes - which usually start at 10 inches - refer to the size of kid's bike. You'll find recommended sizing based on age in the descriptions of the bikes. However, it's important to remember height is a factor in sizing, so these ages should be used as rough guidelines.
A kid's bike is also reasonably flexible in size. You can adjust the saddle and the handlebars in height, so the bike can fit and grow as your child grows.
Important To Note
Because everyone is different, the values in our tables should only be used as a general guideline. For example, despite women and men having different body proportions, the frame sizes are the same for men's bikes and women's bikes. What differs is the frame geometry. In most cases, the length of the top tube is shorter for women's bikes (i.e. the distance from the saddle to the handlebar is smaller). This fits the female anatomy better, thus possibly making the women's bike more comfortable for women to ride. But the aspect ratio between arms, legs and torso is different for everyone. This means there are bikes for people with long arms, short arms, long legs but short upper body, etc. Additionally, the size of the wheels is a huge factor in bike sizing, because the bigger the wheels are, the higher the bike. Our tip: if you are reluctant to get on your bike and your old bike seems uncomfortable, measure the frame height and compare it with your body size.
Are You Between Two Bike Sizes?
If you are exactly between two sizes, no worries! Bikes vary in frame geometry - it depends on the type of bike and/or manufacturer. This allows you to find a bike with the best fitting frame size for you. Also, saddles and handlebars are also height adjustable for adult bikes, so you can customize your bike. Many bikes have an adjustable stem, so you can change the angle of the handlebars until the bike fits comfortably. Lastly, the frame size can influence the driving characteristics, so you can choose the smaller or larger frame depending on the driving style. A smaller frame is generally more maneuverable and agile. A larger frame distinguishes the bike through a quiet and stable road handling, perfect for long journeys. General rule of thumb: the more time you want to spend on your bike, the more accurate you'll want the fit. In addition, you have to pay attention to the fit. If you'll be riding off-road, a wrong bike could be a real health risk!
When in doubt, feel free to call!
At BikeExchange you are in good hands. We are not an anonymous internet machine, but a network of bike dealers who understand their craft. Any bike you buy through BikeExchange can either be picked up at the bike shop itself or you can get advice from the selling dealer via email or phone. Of course, this also applies to the selection of the frame size. If you're looking for a specific model, you can find out on BikeExchange which dealer in your area will give it for a test drive.
