What Size Skateboard Wheels Should You Get? (2026)
Wheel size and hardness change how your board rides. Here's a simple chart for street, park, cruising and longboarding.
Two Numbers to Know
Every skateboard wheel has two key numbers: diameter in millimeters (mm), like 53mm, and durometer (hardness), like 99a. Diameter affects speed and how the wheel handles cracks; durometer affects grip, smoothness and slide. Your ideal combination depends on where and how you ride.
Wheel Diameter Chart
| Diameter | Best For | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 50–53mm | Street, technical tricks | Light, quick to flip, slower |
| 53–56mm | Skatepark, all-round | Balance of speed and control |
| 56–60mm | Bowls, ramps, rough ground | Faster, carries speed |
| 60mm+ | Cruising, longboarding | Smooth over cracks, very fast |
Durometer (Hardness) Chart
| Durometer | Hardness | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 78a–87a | Soft | Cruising, rough roads, longboards |
| 88a–95a | Medium | Street with some grip, mixed surfaces |
| 96a–99a | Hard | Skateparks and smooth street |
| 100a+ and B scale | Very hard | Experienced park and street skaters |
Some brands use a B scale for very hard wheels, which reads about 20 points lower than the A scale (for example, 84b is roughly 104a).
Wheel Shape and Contact Patch
- Contact patch: the part of the wheel touching the ground. Wider patches grip more; narrower ones slide and turn more easily.
- Classic or standard shape: rounded edges, good for street.
- Conical and radial shapes: more surface on the outer edge for locking into grinds.
- Square lips (longboards): maximum grip.
Quick Picks by Riding Style
| Style | Diameter | Durometer |
|---|---|---|
| Street | 50–53mm | 99a–101a |
| Skatepark / transition | 54–58mm | 99a–101a |
| All-round beginner | 52–54mm | 95a–99a |
| Cruising / commuting | 55–60mm | 78a–87a |
| Longboarding | 60–75mm | 75a–83a |
Wheel Bite and Risers
Wheel bite happens when a wheel touches the deck as you turn, stopping the board suddenly. Bigger wheels, low trucks and loose trucks make it more likely. With wheels around 56mm and larger, consider risers or higher trucks. See wheel bite and what risers do.
Popular Wheels
Spitfire Formula Four Classic
A popular hard wheel line for park and street, available in many sizes.
Check Price on AmazonPowell Peralta Dragon Formula
A classic brand's wheels in park and street sizes.
Check Price on AmazonSee all our picks in skateboard wheels and longboard wheels, and compare hard vs soft wheels and Spitfire vs Bones. Keep them rolling with how to clean skateboard wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size skateboard wheels are best for beginners?
Many beginners do well with about 52–54mm wheels in a hard durometer for the park, or softer, larger wheels for cruising.
What does 99a mean on skateboard wheels?
It's the durometer: the hardness rating. Higher numbers are harder. 99a is a hard wheel suited to skateparks and street.
Are bigger wheels faster?
Bigger wheels roll faster and over cracks more easily, but they are heavier and accelerate slower.
Do I need risers for big wheels?
With wheels around 56mm and up on a standard skateboard, risers or high trucks help prevent wheel bite.
What wheels are best for rough roads?
Softer wheels (78a–87a) in larger sizes absorb bumps and grip better.