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
Related Tools:
I am 5’7″. My present cane is 39 3/4″. The next cane I make will be either 41″ or 42″. I walk on level ground with no problems. It is up and down stairs that call for the length I chose. When I go up stairs, if I used the length you say is right with me, I likely would have a hard time. Why? Because when I am on a step, with my cane on the same step, I lift my left foot up to the next step, then my right foot while pushing on my cane. Then when I have both feet on the step, and my cane on the step below, even at the length of my cane I am leaning forward slightly. A slightly longer cane will allow me to stand straight. With a cane the length you say is right for me I would likely have my head just above my knees. I’ll stick with my longer canes.