How to Measure for a Cane

Getting the right cane length helps you stand naturally and use your walking cane comfortably. A cane that is too long can be awkward to lift and move, while a cane that is too short may cause you to lean to one side.

The best way to determine your cane length is to measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist while standing naturally. If that is not possible, you can measure a cane that already fits you well or use your height to estimate a starting length.

Use our walking cane size calculator for a quick recommendation, or follow the step-by-step measuring instructions below.

Walking Cane Size Calculator

Enter your wrist-to-floor measurement for our preferred sizing method, or enter your height for an estimated cane length.

Recommended method: Stand naturally in the shoes you normally wear. Let your arm hang comfortably at your side and have another person measure from the floor to the crease at the bottom of your wrist.

Enter your height for an estimated starting cane length. Because arm length and body proportions vary, confirm the result with a wrist-to-floor measurement whenever possible.

Height-based sizing is an estimate. Wrist-to-floor measurement is preferred whenever possible.

Your recommended cane length is:

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For best accuracy: Measure from the floor to your wrist crease while wearing the shoes you normally walk in. Height-based sizing should only be used as an estimate.

The Best Way to Measure for a Walking Cane

For most people, we recommend measuring from the floor to the wrist crease. This method accounts for differences in arm length and body proportions that a height-only calculation cannot.

Published research supports wrist-to-floor measurement as a practical method of determining cane length. One study comparing different measuring methods found that measuring from the floor to the distal wrist crease resulted in the targeted 20–30 degree elbow angle in 49 of 52 participants.

Current Mayo Clinic guidance also recommends checking wrist height when fitting a cane. With your arm hanging naturally at your side, the top of the cane should line up with the crease of your wrist. When holding a properly fitted cane, your elbow should have a comfortable slight bend.

How to measure walking cane height from the wrist to the floor

3 Ways to Find Your Correct Cane Length

1. Measure From Your Wrist to the Floor — Recommended

If possible, use this method when ordering a custom-length walking cane.

  1. Put on your normal walking shoes. Wear the shoes you expect to wear most often while using your cane.
  2. Stand naturally. Stand upright in a comfortable position without stretching upward or deliberately changing your posture.
  3. Relax your arms. Allow your arms to hang naturally at your sides.
  4. Measure to your wrist crease. Have another person measure from the floor straight up to the crease at the bottom of your wrist.
  5. Round the measurement up to the next half inch. For example, a measurement of 35¼ inches would become a 35½-inch cane.

Having another person take the measurement is important because bending over to read the measuring tape can change your natural posture and affect the result.

2. Measure a Cane That Already Fits You

If you already own a walking cane that feels comfortable and fits you correctly, you can use it as your reference.

Stand the cane upright and measure from the floor at the bottom of the cane tip to the part of the handle where your hand rests. Do not measure to the highest point of a decorative handle if that is not where your palm actually rests.

Round the measurement up to the next half inch when selecting your custom cane length.

3. Estimate Cane Length From Your Height

Use the height method only when you cannot measure the person or a properly fitted existing cane. People of the same height can have different arm lengths and body proportions, so this method is an estimate rather than a precise fitting measurement.

To calculate the estimated length:

  1. Convert your height to inches.
  2. Divide your height by two.
  3. Round up to the next whole inch.
  4. Add ½ inch.

Example: A person who is 6'3" tall is 75 inches tall. Half of 75 is 37.5 inches. Round that up to 38 inches and add ½ inch, giving an estimated cane length of 38½ inches.

Whenever possible, confirm this estimate using the wrist-to-floor method before ordering a custom-length cane.

Correct walking cane height compared with a cane that is too short or too long

How Should a Properly Sized Cane Fit?

When you stand naturally with the cane beside you, the handle should be approximately level with your wrist crease. When you hold the handle, your elbow should have a comfortable slight bend rather than being completely straight or sharply bent.

Clinical guidance commonly describes approximately 15–30 degrees of elbow flexion when a cane is fitted correctly. Individual needs can vary, particularly when a cane is being recommended as part of rehabilitation or for a specific medical condition.

What Happens if a Cane Is Too Long?

A cane that is too long may cause you to raise your shoulder or require extra effort to lift and move the cane as you walk.

What Happens if a Cane Is Too Short?

A cane that is too short may cause you to lean toward the cane. This can affect posture and balance while walking.

Why We Prefer Wrist-to-Floor Measurement

Height can provide a useful estimate, but it does not account for differences in arm length and body proportions.

In a study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, researchers compared two common cane-measuring methods in 52 participants. Measuring from the floor to the wrist crease resulted in the study's target 20–30 degree elbow angle in 94.3% of participants.

A later study involving 112 community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older also found wrist-to-floor measurement more appropriate than the other method tested for maintaining the recommended elbow-flexion range.

For these reasons, StickYourCane recommends using an actual wrist-to-floor measurement whenever possible and treating height-based calculations as estimates.

Research and Sizing Sources

Walking Cane Sizing FAQ

What is the most accurate way to measure for a cane?

For most people, measuring from the floor to the wrist crease while standing naturally in normal walking shoes is preferable to estimating cane length from height. Have another person take the measurement so you can remain in your normal standing position.

Can I determine cane length from my height?

Yes. Height can provide an estimated starting length when you cannot take an actual wrist-to-floor measurement. Because arm length and body proportions differ from person to person, we recommend confirming the result with a physical measurement whenever possible.

Should I measure for a cane while wearing shoes?

Yes. Wear the shoes you normally expect to wear while using your cane. Different sole and heel heights can change your wrist-to-floor measurement.

Where should the top of my cane reach?

With your arm relaxed naturally at your side, the hand-supporting portion of the cane handle should be approximately level with the crease of your wrist.

What if my measurement falls between two cane lengths?

StickYourCane custom canes can be sized in ½-inch increments. When your wrist-to-floor measurement falls between available half-inch lengths, round up to the next half inch.

Can I use a cane for full body-weight support?

No. StickYourCane walking canes are intended to assist with balance and are not designed to function as crutches or to support a person's full body weight. If you need substantial weight-bearing assistance or are unsure which mobility aid is appropriate, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Not Sure About Your Cane Size?

If you are ordering a custom StickYourCane walking cane and are unsure about your measurement, contact us before placing your order. We would rather help you check the measurement first than have you order a custom length that does not fit correctly.

Important: This guide provides general sizing information and does not replace an assessment or recommendation from a doctor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare professional. Individual mobility needs can differ.

StickYourCane walking canes are intended for balance assistance only and are not designed to support full body weight.