How do I know what size snowboard to get?

Start with your weight and boot size, then open the size chart for the specific model you want. Choose a length whose recommended weight range includes your weight and a width that suits your boots, then use your ability and riding style to decide between lengths.

Should a snowboard come up to my chin or nose?

That old height rule gives a rough ballpark at best. Burton recommends sizing by weight and boot size instead, because a board flexes according to the weight on it. Use the chin-to-nose check only as a quick sense-check.

Is a shorter snowboard better for beginners?

Many beginners find a length toward the shorter end of their weight range easier to turn. The length should still sit inside the recommended weight range for that model.

Do I need a wide snowboard?

You may need a wide board if your boots are large enough to overhang a regular-width board. Check the model’s recommended boot sizes, or its waist width, against your boots.

Can I just use a general size chart?

A general chart, like the weight-based one on this page, is fine for narrowing your search. Before you buy, confirm the length on the official chart for that specific board, because recommendations differ between models, even from the same brand.

Is a longer snowboard more stable?

Generally, yes. Within the weight range for a model, a longer board tends to feel more stable at speed and float better in soft snow, while a shorter one turns more quickly and feels more playful. Going beyond the recommended range usually makes a board harder to control.

Gear guides

How to choose the right snowboard size

To choose the right snowboard size, start with your weight and boot size, then find the length and width on the size chart for the exact board you want. Height is only a rough check; ability and riding style help you pick within the range.

Part of Choosing a snowboard