How Do I Determine What Size Helmet I Need?

Wearing a helmet is required for many activities, but a helmet that does not fit you correctly will not provide enough protection to your head should you fall or have another type of trauma to your head. Helmet fit needs to be exact, as a helmet that is too big will slide around enough to become ineffective and a helmet that is even half a size too small can cause you pain.

Things You'll Need

  • Helper
  • Cloth measuring tape
  • Mirror
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Instructions

  1. Sizing a Helmet

    • 1

      Have your helper place the measuring tape around the widest part of your head.

    • 2

      Take the measurement and compare it to the conversion chart provided by the helmet's manufacturer. (Sizes can vary between brands.)

    • 3

      Choose a helmet that appears longer along the sides and back if you have a "peaked" head where your head seems high in the middle.

    Fitting a Helmet

    • 4

      Put the helmet on so that the brim (if applicable) is parallel to the ground. Do not buckle the harness.

    • 5

      Look in a mirror to see if the helmet's brim (if applicable) ends an inch above your eyebrows, then feel the back of your head to see if the occipital bump in the back of your head is covered. If not, find another helmet, as this one does not provide enough protection.

    • 6

      Place your hand on top of the helmet and move it around. The helmet should move your skin and eyebrows as it moves.

    • 7

      Bend over, but be prepared to catch the helmet if it falls off. If it does fall off, it is too big.

    • 8

      Continue to wear the helmet for 15 minutes or so to be sure the helmet does not leave red marks on your skin or causes a headache. Any pain means the helmet is too small.