Getting the right size helmet is essential to ensure it protects you as much as possible. Measuring your head is an easy way to find the right size and help you get a proper fit.
I’ve been skiing for nearly my entire life. I’ve learned many good tricks and tips over the years, and one of these is how to measure my head to get a good ski helmet fit.
This post will show you how to measure your head to find a ski helmet that works best. It’s crucial information to know because every skier needs to wear a helmet, and having the right size is critical for getting the best safety and protection.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Things to Prepare
Measuring your head for a helmet is really easy, but you’ll need a few things to get it done accurately.
To measure your head, you’ll need:
- A soft measuring tape
Or
- A standard measuring tape and a piece of string
It’s also a good idea to have a pen and paper handy, so you can write down your measurement after you take it.
How to Measure Head for Ski Helmet Using Soft Measuring Tape
The easiest way to measure your head for a helmet is to use a soft measuring tape. All you need to do is wrap the measuring tape around your head about ½ to 1 inch above your ears.
Make sure to get a level wrap to have an accurate measurement of the entire circumference of your head.
Once you wrap the tape measure all the way around your head, pinch the point where the end of the circle is made. Take the tape measure away from your head while holding this point, and then wherever you are holding will be the measurement.
For purposes of measuring your head for a ski helmet, you’ll want to make sure to note the measurement in centimeters. So use a tape measure that has centimeter marks if you can.
Write down this measurement to help with helmet sizing.
How to Measure Head Using a String and Standard Tape Measure
If you don’t have a soft tape measure, you can still measure your head for a ski helmet using a piece of string and a standard tape measure.
For this method, wrap the piece of string around your head about ½ to 1 inch above your ears. Make sure that it is a level wrap.
Pinch the string when it completes a full circle around your head and take the string away while holding this point.
Then stretch the length of string alongside the tape measure to get the circumference of your head. Again, make sure to note this measurement in centimeters.
Ski Helmet Sizing
Once you have this measurement made, you can use it to determine what size of helmet you need. Below are the standard sizes with corresponding measurements in centimeters.
Note that different helmet manufacturers might have a slightly different scale than the one shown here. Always check their specs for exact sizing.
Ski Helmet Size Chart
| Head Measurement in cm | Helmet Size |
| 52 – 55.5 | Small |
| 55.5 – 59 | Medium |
| 59 – 62.5 | Large |
| 62.5 or higher | Extra Large |
Additional Thoughts
While getting the correct measurement is important for determining your ski helmet size, you also want to make sure that you have a proper fit. This makes it a good idea always to try on a helmet before you buy.
Once you have your helmet, you’ll want to put it on and fasten the buckle. Then you want to give your head a good shake to make sure that it stays on and doesn’t slip off easily. This will replicate the movement involved in skiing.
You also want the helmet to feel comfortable when you are wearing it. Even if you get the right measurement, specific models of helmets might not fit or feel the same as others. Take your time to find the right fit that provides comfort and stability.
Conclusion
You can measure your head for a ski helmet using a soft tape measure or a piece of string and a standard tape measure. Be sure to note this measurement in centimeters and then match that according to the sizing specs of the helmet you want to buy.
