Enter your height into the calculator to determine the optimal trekking pole height for your body. This calculator helps ensure that your trekking poles are set at a comfortable height for walking or hiking.

Trekking Pole Height Calculator

Enter any 1 value to calculate the missing variable

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Trekking Pole Height Formula

The trekking pole height calculator gives a strong starting point for setting your poles on level ground. The goal is a comfortable grip position where your shoulders stay relaxed and your elbows are bent close to a right angle while the pole tips contact the ground naturally.

TPH = H * 0.68
  • TPH = trekking pole height
  • H = your body height

The multiplier 0.68 is a practical sizing rule. It is best used as an initial setting, then adjusted slightly for terrain, footwear, stride, and personal preference.

How to Use the Trekking Pole Height Calculator

  1. Enter your height in centimeters, meters, inches, or feet.
  2. Calculate your recommended trekking pole height.
  3. Set your poles to the nearest available marking.
  4. Walk on flat ground for a minute or two and fine-tune if needed.

If your result falls between two markings, round to the nearest setting and test it. Adjustable poles make this especially easy.

Example

If your height is 170 cm, your starting pole length is:

TPH = 170 * 0.68 = 115.6 \text{ cm}

A practical starting point would be 116 cm.

Quick Reference Table

Your Height Calculated Pole Height
150 cm (4 ft 11 in) 102 cm
160 cm (5 ft 3 in) 109 cm
170 cm (5 ft 7 in) 116 cm
180 cm (5 ft 11 in) 122 cm
190 cm (6 ft 3 in) 129 cm

How the Correct Pole Height Should Feel

  • Your elbows are bent at about 90° on flat terrain.
  • Your shoulders stay low and relaxed instead of lifting upward.
  • Your wrists remain neutral rather than sharply bent.
  • You do not need to reach too far forward to plant the poles.
  • The poles help rhythm and balance without feeling too tall or too short.

When to Adjust the Calculated Height

The calculator is designed for a baseline setting on relatively level ground. Real trail conditions often call for small changes.

  • Uphill hiking: many hikers prefer slightly shorter poles.
  • Downhill hiking: many hikers prefer slightly longer poles.
  • Heavy packs: a small adjustment may improve comfort and stability.
  • Uneven traverses or sidehills: each pole may need a different length temporarily.
  • Deep snow or soft ground: tip penetration and basket size can change how the pole feels.

In practice, the best adjustment is usually only a few centimeters rather than a dramatic change.

Common Sizing Mistakes

  • Setting poles too high: this can raise the shoulders and reduce comfort.
  • Setting poles too low: this can force you to lean or hunch forward.
  • Ignoring terrain: one flat-ground setting is not always ideal for steep climbs or descents.
  • Copying another hiker’s setup: pole height should match your body and movement pattern.
  • Skipping a short test walk: even a correct calculation benefits from real-world adjustment.

Metric and Imperial Conversion

The 0.68 factor is unitless, so the same formula works with inches as long as your result stays in the same unit system. If you need to convert between inches and centimeters, use:

\text{cm} = \text{in} * 2.54
\text{in} = \frac{\text{cm}}{2.54}

This is useful when your body height is measured in feet and inches but your trekking poles are labeled in centimeters.

Choosing Between Adjustable and Fixed-Length Poles

  • Adjustable poles are best if you hike mixed terrain and want quick uphill/downhill changes.
  • Fixed-length poles are simpler and lighter, but they work best when the chosen size closely matches your calculated result.
  • If you are between sizes, adjustable poles give the most precise fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the calculator exact?

No. It provides a reliable starting estimate. Arm length, posture, footwear, and trail style can all justify a small adjustment.

Should both trekking poles be the same height?

Usually yes on level ground. On uneven terrain, side slopes, or traverses, using different lengths temporarily can feel more natural.

What if my result is between two pole settings?

Choose the nearest marking and test it. If one option feels too tall, go slightly shorter and reassess after a short walk.

Can I use the same setting for hiking and backpacking?

You can start from the same calculated value, but load, terrain, and pace may change what feels best. A heavier pack often makes fine-tuning more important.