Kite Size Calculator
Enter your weight, the wind speed and the type of board you ride. The calculator suggests a kite size in square metres, the nearest common size and the wind range it covers for you.
- Weight and wind
- Twin tip, surf or foil
- Wind range for each kite
Use the average wind, not the gusts. A wind meter or local station reading is best.
Heavier riders need bigger kites, and stronger wind needs smaller ones. A common rule is kite size in square metres equals your weight in kilograms divided by the wind in knots, times about 2.2. Surfboards need a little less power than twin tips, and hydrofoils much less.
Kite size chart
Twin tip, in square metres. Search for a weight or wind.
| Rider | 12 knots | 15 knots | 18 knots | 22 knots | 26 knots | 30 knots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 kg | 9.2 | 7.3 | 6.1 | 5 | 4.2 | 3.7 |
| 60 kg | 11 | 8.8 | 7.3 | 6 | 5.1 | 4.4 |
| 70 kg | 12.8 | 10.3 | 8.6 | 7 | 5.9 | 5.1 |
| 80 kg | 14.7 | 11.7 | 9.8 | 8 | 6.8 | 5.9 |
| 90 kg | 16.5 | 13.2 | 11 | 9 | 7.6 | 6.6 |
| 100 kg | 18.3 | 14.7 | 12.2 | 10 | 8.5 | 7.3 |
From kite size = weight ÷ wind × 2.2. Round to the nearest kite you own, and go smaller if gusty.
Wind and kite size
Three rider weights on a twin tip. Slide the wind speed.
The drawing shows the kite growing as the wind drops. Under 12 knots most riders switch to a foil.
How to choose a kite size
Weight, wind, board. Step through it.
Know your weight
In kilograms.
Kite design matters too. A high-aspect race kite pulls harder than a wave kite of the same size.
A one, two or three kite quiver
Covering the wind range. Compare them.
A 9 or 10 m covers average days for most riders.
Small and large, such as 8 and 11 m.
Light, medium and strong wind.
A 9 m and 12 m pair covers about 14 to 28 knots for a 75 kg rider, which is most kiteable days.
Before you launch
Safety first. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Never kite in offshore wind without a rescue boat. If the kite fails, the wind carries you out to sea.
What you get
Kite size and range. Each tile explains one result.
Square metres.
Common sizes.
For that kite.
Factor applied.
Rider in kg.
The wind range shows roughly where the nearest kite moves from underpowered to overpowered for your weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size kite do I need?
Weight in kg ÷ wind in knots × 2.2. A 75 kg rider in 18 knots needs about 9 m².
What size kite for 15 knots?
About 11 m² for a 75 kg rider on a twin tip.
What size kite should a beginner buy?
A 9 or 10 m² kite for most adults, used in steady 15 to 20 knot wind.
Do I need a smaller kite on a foil?
Yes. Foils need about 40% less power, so a much smaller kite.
What is the minimum wind for kitesurfing?
About 12 knots on a twin tip, or 8 knots on a foil.
How many kites do I need?
Two covers most days. Three covers nearly all.
Is it better to be underpowered or overpowered?
Underpowered. Overpowered riding is tiring and dangerous.
The right kite for the day
Divide your weight by the wind, adjust for your board and round to a kite you have. When in doubt, go smaller, stay in control and enjoy the session.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.