Measure yourself at home for perfect crutch fit • Print at 100% scale • Updated November 2025
⚠️ IMPORTANT: When printing, ensure "Scale" is set to 100% or "Actual Size" in your printer settings. Do NOT select "Fit to Page" as this will make measurements inaccurate.
Quick Reference: Height-Based Sizing
Use this table as a starting point, then fine-tune with detailed measurements below.
Your Height
Crutch Length (Underarm to Tip)
Handgrip Position (From Bottom)
Typical Size
4'8" - 5'0" (142-152 cm)
48" - 50" (122-127 cm)
36" - 38" (91-97 cm)
Short/Youth
5'0" - 5'4" (152-163 cm)
50" - 54" (127-137 cm)
38" - 41" (97-104 cm)
Short Adult
5'4" - 5'8" (163-173 cm)
54" - 58" (137-147 cm)
41" - 44" (104-112 cm)
Medium
5'8" - 6'0" (173-183 cm)
58" - 62" (147-157 cm)
44" - 47" (112-119 cm)
Tall
6'0" - 6'4" (183-193 cm)
62" - 66" (157-168 cm)
47" - 50" (119-127 cm)
Extra Tall
6'4"+ (193+ cm)
66"+ (168+ cm)
50"+ (127+ cm)
Bariatric/Custom
How to Measure for Perfect Fit
What You'll Need:
Measuring tape (cloth or metal)
Helper (recommended but not required)
Your regular shoes (you'll wear these with crutches)
Full-length mirror (optional, but helpful)
1Stand Upright with Shoes
Stand in your normal posture wearing the shoes you'll wear most often with crutches. Stand against a wall if you need support, but keep your body straight.
2Measure Overall Length (Most Important)
Have someone measure from your armpit (approximately 2 inches below the armpit fold) straight down to the floor, about 6 inches in front of and 6 inches to the side of your foot. This is your crutch length.
Your Measurement: _______ inches / _______ cm
3Measure Handgrip Position
Measure from the floor to your wrist crease when your arm hangs naturally at your side. This determines where the handgrip should be positioned on the crutch.
Your Measurement: _______ inches / _______ cm
4Check Elbow Bend
When holding the crutch handgrip, your elbow should bend at 15-30 degrees. This allows proper shock absorption and reduces strain. Too straight = shoulder problems. Too bent = instability.
5Verify Top Pad Position
The top of the crutch (underarm pad) should be 2-3 finger widths (1.5-2 inches) below your armpit when standing upright. You should NEVER rest your armpit directly on the crutch pad while walking.
Visual Measurement Guide
Proper Crutch Positioning
A. Top pad: 2" below armpit ✓
B. Handgrip: At wrist when arm hangs naturally ✓
C. Elbow bent: 15-30° angle ✓
D. Crutch tip: 6" forward, 6" to side of foot ✓
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Problem
Signs
Solution
Too Tall
Hunched posture, shoulders elevated, neck pain
Shorten crutches by 1-2 holes
Too Short
Bending over, back pain, difficult to move injured leg
Lengthen crutches by 1-2 holes
Handgrips Too High
Elbows too bent, reduced control, arm fatigue
Lower handgrips
Handgrips Too Low
Straight arms, shoulder pain, unstable
Raise handgrips
Resting on Armpits
Numbness, tingling in hands, nerve damage risk
Support weight through HANDS, not armpits
How to Adjust Your Crutches
Most crutches have push-button adjustments:
Locate the adjustment holes on the crutch shaft
Press the silver button and slide the crutch section
Align with desired hole and release button
Ensure button clicks firmly into place
Tug firmly to confirm it's secure
Adjust BOTH crutches to the same height
⚠️ Safety Check: After adjusting, verify both push-buttons have clicked fully into holes. Tug hard on each section to ensure it won't slip. Check daily for the first week, then weekly thereafter.
Special Considerations by Body Type
Bariatric/Heavy-Set Users (250+ lbs)
Look for bariatric-rated crutches (typically 500 lb capacity vs standard 250 lb)
Wider handgrips reduce hand pressure
Reinforced underarm pads for comfort
Consider forearm crutches for better weight distribution
Children and Youth
Remeasure every 2-3 weeks during growth spurts
Shorter adjustment intervals (every 1" instead of 2")
Lightweight aluminum crutches recommended
Colorful or decorated crutches improve compliance
Petite/Short Users (Under 5')
Junior or youth-sized crutches may be more appropriate than adult "short"
Check that handgrips aren't too wide for smaller hands
Ensure crutches extend to full height - some "tall" crutches max out at 6'2"
Extra-tall or bariatric sizes may be needed
Custom crutches available for users over 6'6"
Stronger tips recommended due to increased leverage forces
Alternative Crutch Types & Sizing
Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches
Measurement Point
How to Measure
Overall Length
Floor to bent elbow (90° angle) plus 3"
Forearm Cuff Position
1-1.5" below elbow point
Handgrip Height
Floor to wrist crease (same as underarm crutches)
Best For: Long-term use, arthritic hands, those with good balance, users who need hands free (can hang from forearm). Popular in Europe.
Platform Crutches
Sizing: Similar to forearm crutches, but platform height is measured to allow forearm to rest parallel to ground when elbow is at 90°.
Best For: Weak grip strength, wrist/hand injuries, arthritis, carpal tunnel, inability to bear weight through hands.
Knee Scooter (Alternative)
Sizing: Knee pad height should align with bottom of kneecap when standing upright. Handlebars at wrist height.
Best For: Non-weight-bearing injuries (foot, ankle, lower leg), users who fatigue easily, indoor use on flat surfaces.
Final Fit Verification Checklist
Before using your newly adjusted crutches, verify each point:
Both crutches are exactly the same height (count adjustment holes)
Push-buttons are fully engaged in holes (not halfway)
Top pads are 2-3 finger widths below armpits when standing
Handgrips are at wrist height when arms hang naturally
Elbows bend 15-30 degrees when holding handgrips
You can stand upright without hunching or stretching
Crutch tips are 6 inches forward and 6 inches to side of feet
Tips are in good condition (not worn smooth or cracked)
All bolts and screws are tight (wiggle test)
Padding on handgrips and top pads is adequate
Weight is borne through HANDS, not armpits
You can walk 20 steps comfortably without pain
⚠️ When to Readjust: Re-check your fit if you experience hand numbness, shoulder pain, armpit soreness, or feel unstable. Also readjust if you change shoe types (flats to sneakers adds 1-2 inches).
When to Seek Professional Fitting
See a physical therapist or orthotist for professional fitting if:
You have balance issues or vertigo
You're recovering from neurological injury (stroke, spinal cord injury)
You have multiple injuries or complex medical conditions
Standard crutch sizes don't fit your body type
You experience pain despite proper adjustment
You're a bilateral amputee or have permanent mobility limitations
Your doctor recommends it
Professional fitting typically includes: Gait analysis, strength assessment, home environment evaluation, custom padding, training on proper technique, and follow-up adjustments.
CrutchesGuide.com | Your Comprehensive Resource for Mobility Solutions
Medical Disclaimer: This sizing guide is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider, physical therapist, or orthotist for personalized fitting recommendations. Improper crutch fit can lead to injury.