How do you choose the perfect size skateboard?

You will notice on our website, when you are going to buy a skateboard we have lot’s of models, shapes and lots of sizes. The first thing you’ll notice when browsing our website is that there are tons of different sized skateboards. So how do you know what size skateboard to buy? What size skateboard is good for street skating? What size skateboard is good for a beginner?   Sizing is always in the eye of the rider, some people like to go bigger, some smaller.  You can buy skateboards as deck only and then build it yourself or for the first time or novice rider sometimes buying a complete is the easy way to go.  Shop Skateboards HERE 

How to choose a skateboard deck size?

The skateboard deck is the actual board itself, the wood platform you are standing on.  When you buy a deck you need to add the trucks, wheels, bearings etc...build it yourself.  A complete skateboard is a skateboard that is built and ready to ride right off the wall.  Skateboards vary in size but most are between 7″-11″, and are made of usually either eight or seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on your riding style and of course your brand and graphic preference.  there are a few things to consider...

Width – The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5″- 8.25″. Width is influenced by the size of the rider, foot size and the type of riding you may be doing. Bigger riders and those skating ramps and vert ramps typically prefer a wider deck. Street skaters usually choose a smaller deck. Choose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length.

Length – The length of the skateboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Average board length is 28″- 32″.

Wheelbase – The wheelbase is the distance from one pair of inner mounting holes to the other inner pair. The average wheelbase is 13″-15”.

Nose and Tail – The nose and tail of a skateboard can be hard to tell apart, but most decks provide you with graphics to distinguish the two apart. Also, most skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail.  Tip: You can buy mounting harware that is colored to help tell fron from back apart.

Mounting Holes – Mounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.

Ply – When looking at the side of the skateboard deck, thin layers of maple veneer are visible. Layering the wood in a cross-grain pattern creates a stronger board than a single solid piece of wood. The typical skateboard is seven-ply.

Different brands have tendency to have certain size and shape characteristics, you will find a brand that work’s for you.

What size skateboard should I get?

From small to big when sizing up a board these are just general guidelines.  We always tend to go a bit bigger for kids to account for growth, you want some life out of it.  Below is a general guideline...

Micro Deck width: 6.5″ – 6.75” – Deck length: 27.2” – 27.6” – For skaters 5 years or younger, under 3’5” tall who wear a size 3 shoe or smaller 

Mini Deck width: 7.0″ – Deck length: 28”  – For skaters 6 to 8 years old between 3’5” and 4’4” tall who wear size 4-6 shoes

Mid-size Deck width: 7.3” – Deck length: 29” – For skaters 9 to 12 years old between 4’5” and 5’2” tall who wear size 7-8 shoes

Decks 7.5” or larger Deck width: 7.5″+ – Deck length: 29”+ – For all skaters over age 13, taller than 5’3” with a shoe size of 9 and up.However, individual skating style will determine deck size for these decks:

7.5″ to 8″ – Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks

8.0″ to 8.25″ – Skating pools, ramps and parks

8.25″ and larger – Vert, pools, cruising and just going old school 

What is the best skateboard size for beginners?

We get asked this question here a lot and to be honest the best skateboard size for you is the skateboard that you feel most comfortable on. Skateboarding is all about personal preference and the right size for you might not be the right size for your friend (even if you are the same size). Finding the right skateboard size can be a bit daunting especially in the beginning but we recommend not to over think it and use the above size chart to guide you on your first skateboard purchase. This guide works for 99.9% of skaters.

How to choose skateboard wheels size?

New to skating? - Choose wheels 51-52mm in size. This is a versatile size and good for skating anything. 52mm is the most popular skateboard wheel size

Park / Transition - Consider sizing up in wheels, and getting specific park wheels.

Street - Consider sizing down in wheels. It will make it easier to flip the deck with the lighter weight.

Mentioned Products
Unisex Globe G3 bar complete skateboard impact black dye size 8Globe G3 Bar Complete Impact/Black Dye | 8.0"
Sale price$135.00 Regular price$183.00
Globe G3 Bar Complete Impact/Black Dye | 8.0"
Globe Reviews
Almost Ren & Stim On My Back Soft Wheels Complete | 7.0"
Sale price$115.00 Regular price$129.00
Almost Ren & Stim On My Back Soft Wheels Complete | 7.0"
Almost Reviews
Scram Leaf 3.0 Deck | 10.25"
Sale price$113.00
Scram Leaf 3.0 Deck | 10.25"
Scram Reviews
Unisex Globe environmentalist complete skateboard cycle size 7
Sale price$108.00 Regular price$122.00
Globe Kids Environmentalist Complete Cycle | 7.0"
Globe Reviews
Unisex Globe alight mini complete skateboard black red size 7
Sale price$108.00 Regular price$122.00
Globe Kids Alight Mini Complete Black Maple/Red | 7.0"
Globe Reviews
Thunder Hi Titanium Polished Trucks | 148Thunder Hi Titanium Polished Trucks | 148
Sale price$104.00 Regular price$115.00
Thunder Hi Titanium Polished Trucks | 148
Thunder Reviews
Venture Hi Hollow Polished Trucks 5.25 | SetVenture Hi Hollow Polished Trucks 5.25 | Set
Sale price$104.00 Regular price$115.00
Venture Hi Hollow Polished Trucks 5.25 | Set
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Venture Hi Hollow Polished Trucks 5.6 | SetVenture Hi Hollow Polished Trucks 5.6 | Set
Sale price$104.00 Regular price$115.00
Venture Hi Hollow Polished Trucks 5.6 | Set
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Krooked Teams Eyes Complete White | 8.0"
Sale price$103.00 Regular price$129.00
Krooked Teams Eyes Complete White | 8.0"
Krooked Reviews
Powell Peralta Vato Rat Complete Royal | 8.0"
Sale price$103.00 Regular price$129.00
Powell Peralta Vato Rat Complete Royal | 8.0"
Powell Reviews
Enjoi Cat Collage Youth Complete Skateboard | 7.0"
Sale price$102.00 Regular price$115.00
Enjoi Cat Collage Youth Complete Skateboard | 7.0"
Enjoi Reviews
Globe G2 Never Made Complete - La Vie En Rose - Above | 8.0"Globe G2 Never Made Complete - La Vie En Rose - Above | 8.0"
Sale price$102.00 Regular price$129.00
Globe G2 Never Made Complete - La Vie En Rose - Above | 8.0"
Globe Reviews
Unisex Enjoi Whitey Panda complete skateboard size 7.75
Sale price$102.00 Regular price$115.00
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete | 7.75"
Enjoi Reviews
Bronson Ceramic Bearing
Sale price$102.00
Bronson Ceramic Bearing
Bronson Reviews
Thunder Hi Hollow Trucks Night | 148Thunder Hi Hollow Trucks Night | 148
Sale price$98.00 Regular price$108.00
Thunder Hi Hollow Trucks Night | 148
Thunder Reviews
Venture Hi Hollow Yuto Great Wave Trucks | 5.2"Venture Hi Hollow Yuto Great Wave Trucks | 5.2"
Sale price$98.00 Regular price$108.00
Venture Hi Hollow Yuto Great Wave Trucks | 5.2"
Venture Reviews
Venture Hi Hollow Kader Trucks 5.25" | SetVenture Hi Hollow Kader Trucks 5.25" | Set
Sale price$98.00 Regular price$108.00
Venture Hi Hollow Kader Trucks 5.25" | Set
Venture Reviews
Birdhouse Level 3 Birdman Complete Blue | 8.0"
Sale price$95.00 Regular price$102.00
Birdhouse Level 3 Birdman Complete Blue | 8.0"
Birdhouse Reviews
Birdhouse Level 3 Maneki Neko Complete | 8.25"
Sale price$95.00 Regular price$102.00
Birdhouse Level 3 Maneki Neko Complete | 8.25"
Birdhouse Reviews
Birdhouse Level 3 Plague Doctor Complete Purple | 7.5"
Sale price$95.00 Regular price$102.00
Birdhouse Level 3 Plague Doctor Complete Purple | 7.5"
Birdhouse Reviews
Birdhouse Level 3 Hawk Pterodactyl Complete | 7.5"
Sale price$95.00 Regular price$102.00
Birdhouse Level 3 Hawk Pterodactyl Complete | 7.5"
Birdhouse Reviews
Birdhouse Level 3 Armanto Butterfly Complete Blue | 8.0"
Sale price$95.00 Regular price$102.00
Birdhouse Level 3 Armanto Butterfly Complete Blue | 8.0"
Birdhouse Reviews
Mentioned Products
Unisex Impala cosmos complete skateboard pink size 8.25
Sale price$65.00 Regular price$122.00
Impala Cosmos Skateboard Pink | 8.25"
Impala Reviews
Unisex habitat leaf dot complete skateboard purple size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
Habitat Leaf Dot Complete Purple | 8.0"
Habitat Skateboards Reviews
Unisex almost neo express complete skateboard red size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$108.00
Almost Neo Express Complete Red | 8.0"
Almost Reviews
Unisex Almost off side complete skateboard white size 7.6
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
Almost Off Side Complete White | 7.625"
Almost Reviews
Unisex Plan B Official Pinstripe complete skateboard size 8.25
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$102.00
Plan B Official Pinstripe Complete Skateboard | 8.25"
Plan B Reviews
Unisex Plan B Danny Way Off Complete Skateboard siize 8.1
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$102.00
Plan B Danny Way One OFF Complete Skateboard | 8.1"
Plan B Reviews
Unisex Blind og box out complete skateboard black/blue size 7.6
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$88.00
Blind OG Box Out Complete Black/Blue | 7.625"
Blind Skateboards Reviews
Unisex Darkstar Goth Girl Complete Skateboard Black size 7.8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$95.00
Darkstar Goth Girl Complete Black | 7.875"
Darkstar Reviews
Darkstar Warrior Complete Multi | 7.375"
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$95.00
Darkstar Warrior Complete Multi | 7.375"
Darkstar Reviews
Unisex darkstar collapse complete skateboard orange with christmas stocking size 7.875
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$95.00
Darkstar Collapse Complete Orange w/Stocking | 7.875"
Darkstar Reviews
Unisex darkstar anodize complete skateboard gold size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$95.00
Darkstar Anodize Complete Gold | 8.0"
Darkstar Reviews
Unisex foundation star and moon v2 complete skateboard blue size 7.8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$129.00
Foundation Star & Moon V2 Complete Blue | 7.875"
Foundation Reviews
Unisex Impala blossom complete skateboard poppy size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$122.00
Impala Blossom Skateboard Poppy | 8.0"
Impala Reviews
Unisex Toy Machine vendiagram complete skateboard size 7.75
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$129.00
Toy Machine Vendiagram Complete | 7.75"
Toy Machine Reviews
Unisex plan b joslin fury complete skateboard size 8.1
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$102.00
Plan B Joslin Fury Complete Skateboard | 8.1"
Plan B Reviews
Unisex primitive good for life complete skateboard size 7.75
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
Primitive Good For Life Complete | 7.75"
Primitive Skateboarding Reviews
Unisex DGK Sugar Rush complete skateboard size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
DGK Sugar Rush Complete Skateboard | 8.0"
DGK Reviews
Unisex DGK Sugar Rush complete skateboard size 7.75
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
DGK Sugar Rush Complete Skateboard | 7.75"
DGK Reviews
Unisex Apex flight complete green size 7.75
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
Habitat Apex Flight Complete Green | 7.75"
Habitat Skateboards Reviews
Unisex Habitat Apex Flight complete skateboard red size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
Habitat Apex Flight Complete Red | 8.0"
Habitat Skateboards Reviews
Unisex habitat pod complete skateboard white size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$102.00
Habitat Pod Complete White | 8.0"
Habitat Skateboards Reviews
Unisex habitat eclipse complete skateboard blue size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$115.00
Habitat Eclipse Complete Blue | 8.0"
Habitat Skateboards Reviews
Unisex Plan B Bolt complete skateboard size 7.75
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$102.00
Plan B Bolt Complete Skateboard | 7.75"
Plan B Reviews
Unisex globe g0 block serif complete skateboard red size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$81.00
Globe G0 Block Serif Complete White/Red | 8.0"
Globe Reviews
Impala Cosmos Purple Complete | 7.75"
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$122.00
Impala Cosmos Purple Complete | 7.75"
Globe Reviews
Birdhouse Level 1 Complete Falcon 3 Black | 7.75"
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$81.00
Birdhouse Level 1 Complete Falcon 3 Black | 7.75"
Birdhouse Reviews
Darkstar Molten Complete Lime Fade | 7.75"
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$95.00
Darkstar Molten Complete Lime Fade | 7.75"
Darkstar Reviews
Darkstar Anodize Complete Lime Blue | 7.25"
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$95.00
Darkstar Anodize Complete Lime Blue | 7.25"
Darkstar Reviews
Unisex Globe G0 Fubar complete skateboard white/black size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$81.00
Globe G0 Fubar Complete White/Black | 8.0"
Globe Reviews
Unisex globe G0 fubar complete skateboard black/pink size 8
Sale price$68.00 Regular price$81.00
Globe G0 Fubar Complete Black/Pink | 8.0"
Globe Reviews
Unisex almost ivy league prem complete black size 7.375
Sale price$75.00 Regular price$122.00