Mountain Bike Size Chart & Calculator

Riding a correctly sized mountain bike is essential to ensure better balance, control, and power transfer.

There are three primary styles of mountain bikes: rigid, hardtail, and full suspension. They are all sized the same—using a rider’s height and leg length to determine the ideal mountain bike frame size.

The mountain bike size chart and calculator on this page will recommend a bike size based on your measurements. It’s the simplest method that allows you to find your perfect frame size in seconds.

What Size Mountain Bike Do I Need?

Choosing the right mountain bike size is crucial for stability and performance on the trail. You’ll have little benefit from riding an expensive MTB if it’s the wrong size.

To determine the right size, you should consider both your height and leg length. Mountain bikes are typically measured in inches or categorized as small, medium, large, etc., though this method is not as precise.

Once you have your precise height and leg length, you should cross-reference it with a mountain bike frame size chart or use a calculator to get a recommendation.

We recommend starting with our detailed size chart below!

1. Mountain Bike Size Chart

The mountain bike frame size chart below will help you pinpoint the perfect size based on your height and leg inseam. We’ve included measurements in feet/inches and centimeters, and shown mountain bike sizes in inches and with size categories.

Keep in mind that size categories like XS, S, M, L, and XL differ from one brand to the other, so using inches to refer to mountain bike frame sizes is more precise.

Rider height		Leg inseam		Suggested Frame Size
Feet/Inches	Centimeters	Inches	Centimeters	Inches	Size
4’10” – 5’1″	148-158 cm	24″-29″	61-73 cm	< 14″	XS
5’1″ – 5’5″	158-168 cm	25″-30″	63-76 cm	15″ / 16″	S
5’5″ – 5’9″	168-178 cm	26″-31″	66-78 cm	16″ / 17″	M
5’9″ – 6’0″	178-185 cm	27″-32″	68-81 cm	17″ / 18″	L
6’0″ – 6’3″	185-193 cm	28″-33″	71-83 cm	18″ / 19″	XL
6’1″ – 6’6″	193-198 cm	29″-34″	73-86 cm	19″ +	XXL

2. Mountain Bike Size Calculator

An alternative way to narrow down the right mountain bike frame size for you is to use a calculator, like the one you see on this page.

Start by measuring your height and inseam length and entering them in the form below. Once you click on “Calculate,” you’ll be taken to another page that will show you the recommended frame size and crank length, as well as alternative sizes to consider.

The page can be easily printed, so you can bring this size sheet with you to a bike shop.

Rider Information

Rider:

Height (in): Required

Leg Length (in):

Reset Form

inches | centimeters

Mountain Bike

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size mountain bike do I need for my height?

To determine the right mountain bike size for your height, you should cross-reference it with a mountain bike size chart or enter it into a mountain bike size calculator. However, it's best to use your inseam length in addition to your height to get the most precise fit.

2. What height is a 27.5" bike for?

Mountain bikes are sized according to seat tube length rather than according to wheel size. Therefore, a mountain bike with a 27.5" wheel size is suitable for any adult rider, assuming the frame size is chosen correctly based on the rider's height and inseam length.

3. What height is a 26" bike for?

Some modern 26" wheeled mountain bikes are made to fit shorter riders better, with a height of around 5' to 5'5", but this also depends on the size of the frame. Most older mountain bikes come with 26" wheels as a standard, so it's important to choose the frame size based on your height and leg length.

4. What does 29er mean in mountain bikes?

The term "29er" refers to a mountain bike with 29" wheels, which is a common wheel size on modern mountain bikes. It doesn't refer to the size of the bike and should not be used to size a mountain bike to a rider. Both short and tall riders can ride a 29er if the frame size is correct.

5. How to size a mountain bike?

A mountain bike size is determined the same way as any other type of bike, based on the bike's seat tube length. To determine the right mountain bike frame size, you should know your height and leg length and then cross-reference it with a mountain bike size chart or an online calculator.

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