Jump Rope Length Calculator
Enter your height and skill level to find the right jump rope length for you or your child, plus a quick handle test.
What size jump rope do I need?
A simple rule: your height plus 3 feet for beginners, plus 2.5 feet for regular jumpers and plus 2 feet for advanced speed jumping. So a 5'8" beginner needs about an 8.5 to 9 ft rope. Most ropes are adjustable, so buy one long enough and shorten it.
How to use the jump rope length calculator
Measure in the shoes you jump in.
Beginners need a longer rope for more clearance. Experienced jumpers use shorter, faster ropes.
Get the rope length in feet and cm.
Stand on the middle of the rope and check where the handles reach.
Jump rope length chart
| Your height | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 4'10" | 7 to 7.5 ft | 6.5 to 7 ft | 6 to 6.5 ft |
| 4'10" to 5'3" | 8 ft | 7.5 ft | 7 ft |
| 5'4" to 5'10" | 8.5 to 9 ft | 8 to 8.5 ft | 7.5 to 8 ft |
| 5'11" to 6'6" | 9 to 9.5 ft | 8.5 to 9 ft | 8 to 8.5 ft |
| Over 6'6" | 10 ft | 9.5 ft | 9 ft |
Jump rope size for kids
| Child's height | Usual age | Rope length |
|---|---|---|
| 3'0" to 3'6" | 4 to 5 | 6 to 6.5 ft |
| 3'6" to 4'0" | 5 to 7 | 6.5 to 7 ft |
| 4'0" to 4'6" | 7 to 9 | 7 to 7.5 ft |
| 4'6" to 5'0" | 9 to 11 | 7.5 to 8 ft |
For kids, a beaded or PVC rope is easier to learn with than a thin speed cable. It turns more slowly and is easier to see.
The handle test
Stand on the middle of the rope with one foot and pull the handles straight up along your body:
- Beginners: the handles should reach your armpits.
- Intermediate: mid-chest.
- Advanced and speed jumping: lower chest.
If the handles go above your shoulders, the rope is too long and will hit the floor in front of you. If they barely reach your waist, the rope is too short and will catch your feet.
How to adjust a jump rope
- Open the screw or cap at the top of one handle.
- Pull the cable through to the length from the calculator.
- Tighten the screw and test a few jumps.
- Once you like the length, cut the extra cable, leaving about 2 inches spare.
Which type of rope?
- Speed rope (thin cable): fast, great for double unders and cardio.
- PVC or beaded rope: slower and easier to learn with, good for kids and beginners.
- Weighted rope: heavier, slower turns that work the arms and shoulders.
Tangle-Free Speed Jump Rope with Ball Bearings
You need this if: you want an adjustable rope that turns smoothly for fitness jumping and cardio.
It is the top pick in our jump rope guide. The cable adjusts to any height, the ball bearings keep it turning smoothly, and it does not tangle in your gym bag.
More choices: best jump ropes. We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my jump rope be?
About your height plus 3 feet for beginners, plus 2.5 feet for regular jumpers and plus 2 feet for advanced jumpers.
What size jump rope for a 5'10" person?
About 9 feet for beginners, or 8.5 feet once you jump regularly.
What size jump rope for a 6 ft man?
About 9 feet for beginners, or 8 to 8.5 feet for experienced jumpers.
What size jump rope for a 7 year old?
Usually about 7 feet. Use the handle test: the handles should reach the armpits.
Is a shorter jump rope better?
Only for experienced jumpers. A rope that is too short catches your feet and makes it hard to learn.
How do I know if my jump rope is too long?
If it slaps the floor far in front of you or the handles reach above your shoulders in the handle test, it is too long.
