What Size Longboard Should I Get? A Simple Size Guide (2026)
Longboard size mostly depends on how you'll ride, not just your height. Here's a chart for cruising, carving, downhill and dancing.
Start With How You'll Ride
The right longboard size depends mostly on your riding style. Short boards are nimble and easy to carry; long boards are stable and smooth. Your height and shoe size matter too, especially for deck width. Use the chart below, then fine-tune with wheelbase and deck style.
Longboard Size by Riding Style
| Style | Typical Length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cruising / commuting | About 28–38" | Light, nimble, easy to carry |
| Carving | About 36–44" | Room for deep turns, stable |
| Freeride / downhill | About 36–42" | Stable, controllable for sliding |
| Dancing / freestyle | About 42–48"+ | Room to walk and cross-step |
| Long-distance pushing | About 36–42"+, low-riding | Efficient, easy to push |
Size by Rider Height
| Rider Height | Typical Length Range |
|---|---|
| Under about 5' | About 28–34" |
| About 5'–5'6" | About 32–40" |
| About 5'6"–6' | About 36–42" |
| Over 6' | About 38–46"+ |
These are guidelines, not rules. A tall rider can enjoy a short cruiser, and a smaller rider can dance on a long deck.
Deck Width
- About 8.5–9": smaller feet, nimble boards.
- About 9–10": most riders; a good all-round width.
- 10"+: big feet and riders who want a wide platform.
Wheelbase
Wheelbase is the distance between the trucks' inner mounting holes. A longer wheelbase is more stable at speed; a shorter wheelbase turns more tightly. Many boards have several mounting holes so you can adjust it.
Deck Styles
| Style | Ride Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Top-mount | Higher | Carving, grip, leverage |
| Drop-through | Lower | Stability, pushing, freeride |
| Drop-down / double drop | Lowest | Long distance, stability |
| Pintail | Higher | Classic cruising and carving |
| Cruiser with kicktail | Varies | Commuting, curbs, tricks |
Wheel Size
Longboard wheels usually range from about 60mm to 75mm+. Bigger wheels roll faster and smoother; softer wheels (around 78a) grip and absorb bumps. See longboard wheels and the wheel size guide.
Example Boards by Size
Loaded Icarus
Loaded describes the Icarus as a versatile carving longboard with drop-through mounting, a cambered profile and a bamboo and fiberglass construction.
Check Price on AmazonBrowse our longboard picks, beginner longboards and downhill longboards, or try longboard dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size longboard is best for beginners?
A board around 36 to 42 inches long is a stable, easy middle ground for most beginners.
Does my height matter for longboard size?
Somewhat. Taller riders and bigger feet often prefer longer, wider decks, but riding style matters more.
What longboard is best for commuting?
A shorter cruiser (around 28–36 inches) is easy to carry; a longer board is smoother over longer distances.
What is wheelbase?
The distance between the inner truck mounting holes. A longer wheelbase is more stable; a shorter one turns more sharply.
What size longboard for dancing?
Long boards, often around 42 to 48 inches or more, give room to walk and cross-step.