SUP Size Calculator
Enter your weight, any gear you carry, your skill level and how you plan to paddle. The calculator gives the board volume you need, with a length and width range and the load rating to look for.
- Volume in litres
- Length and width
- Matched to your skill
For both inflatable and hard boards. Check the maker's maximum load as well as the volume.
Volume decides whether a board feels steady or wobbly. A board's volume in litres tells you how much weight it can float. Beginners want plenty of spare volume so the board sits high and stable. As your balance improves you can ride a smaller, faster board that turns more easily.
SUP volume chart
Suggested volume by weight and skill. Search for your weight.
| Paddler (kg) | Beginner (L) | Intermediate (L) | Advanced (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 100 | 80 | 65 |
| 60 | 120 | 96 | 78 |
| 70 | 140 | 112 | 91 |
| 80 | 160 | 128 | 104 |
| 90 | 180 | 144 | 117 |
| 100 | 200 | 160 | 130 |
| 110 | 220 | 176 | 143 |
| 120 | 240 | 192 | 156 |
These are for flat water. Choppy sea or carrying a dog or child calls for the beginner column whatever your skill.
Weight and board volume
Beginner to advanced. Slide your weight.
Most all-round inflatable boards are 250 to 330 litres, so they suit beginners up to about 110 kg. Lighter paddlers can choose smaller kids or women's specific boards.
How to choose a paddle board
Volume first, then shape. Step through it.
Add up the load
Your weight plus anything you carry.
A paddle should be about 20 to 25 cm taller than you for all-round use, and a little longer for touring and racing.
All-round, touring or surf
Shape follows what you want to do. Compare the main shapes.
Rounded nose, wide and stable. Good at everything and easy to learn on.
Pointed nose for speed and straight tracking over long distances.
Short with lots of rocker so it turns on a wave. Less stable on flat water.
If you are not sure, start on an all-round board. It handles flat water, small waves and yoga well enough to show you which way you want to go next.
Before your first paddle
Safety and comfort on the water. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Offshore wind can push you away from land faster than you can paddle back. Check the forecast and start by paddling into the wind so the return is easier.
What the result shows
Size, shape and load. Each tile explains one result.
Litres the board needs to float you well.
Range for your type of paddling.
Wider for balance, narrower for speed.
The maker's maximum to look for.
A quick stability check.
Volume per kilogram is the quickest way to compare boards. Under 1.2 litres per kg feels tippy for most people on flat water.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size paddle board do I need for my weight?
As a beginner, about 2 litres of volume per kg. An 80 kg paddler needs about 160 litres or more.
What size SUP is best for beginners?
An all-round board about 10'6" to 11'6" long and 32 to 34 inches wide.
Is a wider paddle board more stable?
Yes. Each extra inch of width makes a noticeable difference to balance.
Can two people use one paddle board?
Yes, if the combined weight is within the load rating. A 12' or longer board works best.
What size SUP for a 100 kg person?
About 200 litres as a beginner, which most 11' to 12' boards of 32 inch width provide.
Are inflatable boards as good as hard boards?
For most people, yes. They are easier to store and carry, and more forgiving if you fall on them.
How long should my SUP paddle be?
About 20 to 25 cm above your height for all-round paddling.
Find a board that feels steady from day one
Add up your weight and gear, choose a volume for your skill and pick a shape for the water you will paddle on. A board with spare volume makes learning easy, and you can move to something sleeker as your balance grows.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.