Wheelchair Size Calculator
Measure hip width, thigh length and lower leg length while seated. The calculator gives the wheelchair seat width, seat depth and seat to floor height, and the nearest standard seat width.
- Seat width
- Seat depth
- Seat height
Measure seated on a firm, flat chair, with feet flat and knees at a right angle.
A wheelchair is sized from three body measurements. Seat width is hip width plus about 2 inches, seat depth is thigh length minus 2 inches, and seat height is lower leg length plus 2 inches so the footplate clears the ground. A standard adult seat is 18 inches wide.
Wheelchair seat width chart
Hip width plus 2 inches. Search for a hip width.
| Hips (in) | Hips (cm) | Seat width (in) | Overall width (in) | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 30 | 14 | 22 | Child |
| 14 | 36 | 16 | 24 | Adult narrow |
| 16 | 41 | 18 | 26 | Adult standard |
| 18 | 46 | 20 | 28 | Adult wide |
| 20 | 51 | 22 | 30 | Adult wide |
| 22 | 56 | 24 | 32 | Bariatric |
| 24 | 61 | 26 | 34 | Bariatric |
Overall width with standard rear wheels is roughly seat width plus 8 inches.
Hip width and seat
Standard frame. Slide the hip width.
The side view shows seat depth and height; the front view shows seat width.
How to measure for a wheelchair
Three measurements. Step through it.
Hip width
Widest point, plus clothes.
Back height depends on posture support needs. Most users need it below the shoulder blades to move their arms freely.
Standard, lightweight or bariatric
Chair types. Compare them.
Steel frame, everyday use.
Aluminium, easier to push and lift.
Strong frame, wide seat.
Transport chairs have small rear wheels and need someone to push them, but fold smaller.
Before choosing
Fit checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
A seat that is too wide makes it hard to reach the wheels and encourages leaning; too narrow causes pressure sores.
What you get
Wheelchair sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Hips + 2 in.
Thigh − 2 in.
Leg + 2 in.
For doorways.
Child to bariatric.
A seat cushion adds 2 to 4 inches of height, so allow for it in the seat to floor measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How do I measure for a wheelchair?
Measure hip width, thigh length and lower leg length while seated.
What is the standard wheelchair seat width?
18 inches for most adults.
How much wider than my hips should the seat be?
About 2 inches, an inch each side.
How deep should a wheelchair seat be?
About 2 inches shorter than the thigh, so it does not press behind the knee.
How wide is a wheelchair overall?
Roughly the seat width plus 8 inches.
What size wheelchair fits through a door?
Most doors of 76 to 81 cm suit chairs with seats up to 20 inches.
Who should check the fit?
An occupational therapist or wheelchair service.
A chair that fits the person
Take three seated measurements to get the seat width, depth and height. A well-fitting chair is more comfortable, easier to push and kinder to the skin.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.