A 7-year-old around 47 inches tall and 50 pounds skis on a 100–110 cm ski. Ski length is set by height and weight together, then adjusted for ability: beginners take the shorter end of the band, confident skiers the longer end.
The rough guide instructors use: a first-season ski should stand somewhere between the child’s chest and chin. Shorter skis turn more easily and forgive mistakes; longer skis are faster and steadier but harder to steer.
Kids ski size chart by age, height and weight
| Age | Height | Metric | Weight | Ski length | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yrs | 3’1″ / 37″ | 94.0 cm | 34 lb | 70–80 cm | 27⁹⁄₁₆–31½” |
| 4 yrs | 3’4″ / 40″ | 101.6 cm | 37 lb | 80–90 cm | 31½–35⁷⁄₁₆” |
| 5 yrs | 3’7″ / 43″ | 109.2 cm | 42 lb | 90–100 cm | 35⁷⁄₁₆–39⅜” |
| 6 yrs | 3’9″ / 45″ | 114.3 cm | 46 lb | 95–105 cm | 37⅜–41⁵⁄₁₆” |
| 7 yrs | 3’11” / 47″ | 119.4 cm | 50 lb | 100–110 cm | 39⅜–43⁵⁄₁₆” |
| 8 yrs | 4’2″ / 50″ | 127.0 cm | 57 lb | 110–120 cm | 43⁵⁄₁₆–47¼” |
| 9 yrs | 4’5″ / 53″ | 134.6 cm | 63 lb | 115–125 cm | 45¼–49³⁄₁₆” |
| 10 yrs | 4’7″ / 55″ | 139.7 cm | 70 lb | 120–130 cm | 47¼–51³⁄₁₆” |
| 11 yrs | 4’9″ / 57″ | 144.8 cm | 79 lb | 130–140 cm | 51³⁄₁₆–55⅛” |
| 12 yrs | 4’11” / 59″ | 149.9 cm | 89 lb | 135–145 cm | 53⅛–57¹⁄₁₆” |
| 13 yrs | 5’1″ / 61″ | 155.0 cm | 100 lb | 140–150 cm | 55⅛–59¹⁄₁₆” |
| 14 yrs | 5’5″ / 65″ | 165.1 cm | 112 lb | 150–160 cm | 59¹⁄₁₆–63″ |
Adjust for ability, not just size
- First-timer or beginner: take the shortest length in the band, or 5 cm below it. Easier to turn, far less intimidating.
- Intermediate: the middle of the band — comfortable on blue runs, linking turns without thinking about it.
- Advanced or racing: the top of the band or slightly above, for stability at speed.
Weight matters as much as height here. A light child on skis sized purely by height will struggle to flex them; a heavier child on short skis will overpower them. Where height and weight point to different rows, follow weight.
Bindings must be set by a technician
This is the part not to do at home. Ski binding release settings (DIN) are calculated from the skier’s weight, height, age, boot sole length and ability, following ISO 11088. A binding set too tight will not release in a fall; too loose and it releases mid-turn. Have a shop set and test them, and re-check every season as your child grows.
Should we rent or buy?
For a child skiing a week a year and growing two sizes a season, rent. Buying starts to make sense once they are skiing multiple weeks, have stopped growing quite so fast, or have opinions about their own equipment.
Sources and verification
Length bands above are standard junior ski sizing in general use. Binding release settings follow ISO 11088, which requires setup by a trained technician using calibrated equipment — no chart substitutes for that. Individual ski models vary in stiffness and shape, so treat this as a starting range and confirm with the shop fitting the skis.
Last verified: 5 August 2026. Spotted a number that looks wrong? Tell us — corrections get the chart re-checked and re-dated.
More charts: every kids size chart in one place.
