How to Tell What Size Helmet You Need

Whether riding a bike or a horse, going rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing or snowboarding, a helmet is necessary for your safety. Skiing or snowboarding helmets will greatly reduce your risk of injury, and many competitive equestrian events require them. While wearing a helmet reduces your risk of injury or fatality, it must fit properly to be of optimum use.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Helmet size chart
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Instructions

    • 1
      Helmets should be worn when skiing or snowboarding.

      Wrap a tape measure horizontally around your head about one-inch above your eyebrows, including the tips of your ears. This measurement at the overlap of the tape measure can be used for sizing helmets for bicycling, rollerblading and skateboarding, as well as ski and equestrian helmets.

    • 2

      Consult a helmet size chart and choose the closest size according to the size of your head in inches. Websites or sporting-goods stores will have a size chart available. Each helmet type may have a different size chart, so use a chart specific to the type of helmet you require.

    • 3

      Position the helmet so it fits snugly. A ski helmet's pads should be flush against your cheeks and forehead, and the back of the helmet should not touch the nape of your neck. A bike helmet fits properly if the inner lining fits snugly around your head, while equestrian helmets should have the visor lay just above the eyebrows. A helmet is too snug if it gives you a headache.