How to Measure Leg Length

Co-authored by David Pew

Last Updated: January 26, 2021 References

Whether you’re looking for a new bicycle, finding your pants size, or checking for a size discrepancy, you'll want to know how to accurately measure your leg length. Measuring your inseam leg length to find a correctly sized bicycle is a different process than finding your true leg length, which is used to find discrepancies between the lengths of your legs. Inseam leg length is measured from crotch to floor, where your true leg length is measured from the top of your legs to your ankles. For more accurate results, ask a friend to help you. If you don’t have someone able to help you, you can take your own measurements.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring Your Inseam Leg Length

1
Remove your shoes and wear tight-fitting pants. This ensures a more accurate height measurement. You can take your measurement in socks or bare feet.
- Bicycle shorts, leggings, or close-fitting athletic pants are best for an accurate measurement.
2
Stand up straight. Slouching affects the accuracy of your measurement. Stand as tall as you can without arching your back.

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3
Choose a flat object to use for reference and place it between your legs. Hold it firmly between your legs at crotch height without clenching it tightly. Clenching your reference item too tightly will affect your posture and give you a bad measurement. ^{[1]
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- A tall, thin book, a level, a ruler, or a large filing folder would all work well as reference objects.
- In addition to providing a reference point, this object also mimics the position and height of your bike seat.^{[2]
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4
Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from the floor to the top of your reference object. Take at least three measurements and find the average to ensure accuracy. ^{[3]
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- You can measure in either centimeters or inches, but using centimeters will give a more precise measurement.^{[4]
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- A rigid measuring tape is best, preferably a tape measure with an outer casing. This has more weight and stiffness and will be more accurate when taking your own measurements
- Write down your measurement. Once your measurement is written down, you can reference it later when looking at pants size or bicycle size charts.
- Bicycle inseam measurements differ based on the style of bike you want. Your base measurement will help you find the correct size bike for you. ^{[5]
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- To find your pants inseam, measure from the point where the crotch of your pants sits comfortably down to the sole of your shoe.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  David Pew
  Professional Tailor
  Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
5
Take your outseam measurement for pants, as well. To get your outseam, measure from the top of your waistband all the way down to the sole of your shoe. If you're not wearing shoes, measure to the bottom of your foot, instead.^{[7]
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Expert Source

David Pew
Professional Tailor
Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Measuring True Leg Length

1
Find a friend to help you measure your legs. Measuring your own true leg length is very difficult and will not yield accurate results.
2
Lay down on a flat surface. Lay down flat on your back with your legs long and your feet spread hip-width apart.
3
Measure from your hip to your ankle. Find the bony joint where your hip meets your leg. This is called your anterior superior iliac spine or ASIS. Measure from this point to the bony joint of your ankle. Repeat on both sides and write down your results. ^{[8]
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4
Follow up with a clinician if you find a major discrepancy. Some difference in leg length is normal. No one has perfectly symmetrical legs, but a difference of more than 15 mm (0.59 in) could have an impact on your gait.
- Keep in mind that measuring with a tape measure is not always accurate and doesn’t replace an official diagnosis. If you find a significant difference in the lengths between your legs, follow up with a clinician for further diagnosis. ^{[9]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you measure your legs for pants?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You'll need to measure your inseam and outseam to make the garment properly. The inseam is measured right from the crotch where the pants will be comfortable—that's based on customer preference—down to the bottom of the foot. If you're wearing shoes, it would be down to the top of the sole of your shoe. To take the outseam, it should go from the top of the waistband down to the top of the sole of the shoe or the bottom of the foot.
Question

How do you measure leg length for trousers?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

For pants and trousers, you'll want to measure the inseam so you can choose a pair that fits you well. Take off your shoes and put on a pair of tight-fitting pants that fit you. Place a flat object between your legs at crotch height like a tall, thin book, a level, or a ruler to use as a reference. Then, use a tape measure to measure form the floor to the top of your reference object. You can use your inseam measurement to help you choose trousers with the right leg length for you.
Question

Are your legs half your height?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

The short answer is: not necessarily. For many people, your legs can make up half of your adult height. However, there are many differences between individuals. Lots of people have a higher leg-to-body ratio. For instance, women tend to have legs longer than half of their height. So you shouldn't assume your legs are half your height.