Enter either your height or forearm length to estimate the other. This calculator uses a simple linear equation to provide a rough approximation based on height.
Disclaimer: This tool provides a rough estimate only and can be inaccurate for individuals (for example due to differences in sex, age, ethnicity, body proportions, injury, or disability). It is not medical advice and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. It has not been validated for children, pregnancy, or conditions affecting limb length. For clinical/rehabilitation or ergonomic design decisions, consult a qualified professional and use population-specific anthropometry references.
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Height to Forearm Length Formula
The following formula is used by this calculator to estimate forearm length based on height:
FL = H * 0.146 + 1.2
Variables:
- FL is the estimated forearm length (inches)
- H is the height of the person (inches)
Units note: This equation is defined in inches. Convert inputs to inches before applying it by hand (the calculator converts units automatically). If using centimeters, the equivalent form is: FL(cm) = 0.146 × H(cm) + 3.048.
Important context: Segment-length-to-height relationships can vary by population and individual body proportions. For higher-precision work, look for population-specific anthropometry references (for example, ergonomics/anthropometric datasets used in occupational health and human factors).
To estimate forearm length (in inches), multiply the person’s height (in inches) by 0.146 and then add 1.2 inches to the result.
| Height (ft/in) | Forearm Length (in) |
|---|---|
| 4’6″ | 9.084 |
| 4’8″ | 9.376 |
| 4’10” | 9.668 |
| 5’0″ | 9.960 |
| 5’2″ | 10.252 |
| 5’4″ | 10.544 |
| 5’5″ | 10.690 |
| 5’6″ | 10.836 |
| 5’7″ | 10.982 |
| 5’8″ | 11.128 |
| 5’9″ | 11.274 |
| 5’10” | 11.420 |
| 5’11” | 11.566 |
| 6’0″ | 11.712 |
| 6’1″ | 11.858 |
| 6’2″ | 12.004 |
| 6’3″ | 12.150 |
| 6’4″ | 12.296 |
| 6’5″ | 12.442 |
| 6’6″ | 12.588 |
| *Estimated using FL = 0.146×Height + 1.2, where Height and Forearm Length are in inches. 1 inch = 2.54 cm. | |
What is Forearm Length?
Forearm length refers to the distance from the elbow (olecranon) to the wrist. It is an important anthropometric measurement used in ergonomics, sports performance, and designing ergonomic tools and workstations.
How to Calculate Forearm Length from Height?
The following steps explain how to estimate forearm length from height:
- Measure height (H) or forearm length (FL) in any unit.
- If using the formula directly, convert measurements to inches first (the calculator converts units automatically).
- Apply the equation FL = H × 0.146 + 1.2 (inches) to estimate forearm length, or rearrange it to estimate height from forearm length: H = (FL − 1.2) / 0.146.
- Verify your result using the calculator above.
Example Problem:
For example, if Height (H) = 70 inches, then the estimated forearm length (FL) is calculated as follows:
FL = 70 * 0.146 + 1.2 = 10.22 + 1.2 = 11.42 inches
