Use our cane height calculator to determine the optimal length of a walking cane based on an individual’s height to ensures that users can maintain proper posture and achieve maximum support while using their mobility aid.
A person who stands 5’6″ tall they discovers that her ideal cane length is approximately 29 inches. And another person at 6’2″, utilizes the calculator to find his perfect cane height of 33 inches.
Cane Height Calculator
| User Height | Recommended Cane Height |
|---|---|
| 5’0″ (60″) | 27″ |
| 5’2″ (62″) | 28″ |
| 5’4″ (64″) | 29″ |
| 5’5″ (65″) | 29″ |
| 5’6″ (66″) | 30″ |
| 5’7″ (67″) | 30″ |
| 5’8″ (68″) | 31″ |
| 5’9″ (69″) | 31″ |
| 5’10” (70″) | 32″ |
| 5’11” (71″) | 32″ |
| 6’0″ (72″) | 32″ |
| 6’1″ (73″) | 33″ |
| 6’2″ (74″) | 33″ |
| 6’3″ (75″) | 34″ |
| 6’4″ (76″) | 34″ |
| 6’5″ (77″) | 35″ |
| 6’6″ (78″) | 35″ |
| 6’7″ (79″) | 36” |
Cane Height Chart
| User Height | Recommended Cane Height |
|---|---|
| 5’0″ – 5’3″ | 27″ – 28″ |
| 5’4″ – 5’7″ | 29″ – 30″ |
| 5’8″ – 5’11” | 31″ – 32″ |
| 6’0″ – 6’3″ | 33″ – 34″ |
| 6’4″ – 6’7″ | 35″ – 36″ |
- Cane height for 5’10”: 31 inches
- Cane height for 5’7″: 29 inches
- Cane height for 5’2″: 27 inches
- Cane height for 5’3″: 28 inches
- Cane height for 5’11”: 32 inches
- Cane height for 5’8″: 30 inches
- Cane height for 5’5″: 28 inches
- Cane height for 6’1″: 33 inches
- Cane height for 6’2″: 34 inches
Cane Height Calculation Formula
The formula for calculating the ideal cane height is straightforward yet crucial:
Cane Height = (User Height × 0.46) - 2 inchesFor a person standing 5’8″ (68 inches):
Multiply their height by 0.46: 68 × 0.46 = 31.28 inches
Subtract 2 inches: 31.28 – 2 = 29.28 inches
The recommended cane height for someone 5’8″ tall would be approximately 29.3 inches, or rounded to 29 inches for practical purposes.
How tall should a cane be for your height?
If you’re 5’9″ tall:
- Calculate using the formula: (69 inches × 0.46) – 2 = 29.74 inches
- Round to the nearest inch: 30 inches
This measurement ensures that when you grip the cane handle, your elbow flexes at a comfortable 15 to 20-degree angle, facilitating proper weight bearing and reducing strain on your wrist and shoulder.
The ideal cane height varies depending on your stature. As a general rule of thumb, when standing upright with your arms relaxed at your sides, the top of the cane should reach the crease of your wrist.
What is the height of a cane in physical therapy?
In physical therapy, cane height recommendations may slightly differ to accommodate specific rehabilitation goals. Therapists often use the following method:
- Have the patient stand upright wearing their usual footwear.
- Measure from the floor to the distal wrist crease (where the wrist bends).
- Add 2 inches to this measurement for the final cane height.
For instance, if the floor-to-wrist measurement is 28 inches, the recommended cane height would be 30 inches. This approach allows for slight variations based on individual needs and therapeutic objectives.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: How to Use Crutches, Canes, and Walkers
- National Health Service (NHS): Walking with a cane
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