Measuring for a helmet correctly is simple: You use a flexible measuring tape to find the size of your head around its widest part, just above your eyebrows and ears. This number, the head circumference measurement, is key to finding a helmet that fits right and keeps you safe. Getting the proper helmet fit is not just about comfort; it’s the most important step to make sure the helmet does its job in a fall or crash. It helps protect your head. Knowing how to measure your head for a helmet is the first step in using any helmet sizing guide to get the right helmet size.
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Why a Good Fit Matters
Safety gear works best when it fits well. This is very true for helmets. A helmet is made to spread out the force of a hit. It should also stop your head from hitting the ground hard.
If your helmet is too big, it can move around. It might not cover the right parts of your head. It could even come off before it can protect you.
If your helmet is too small, it will be uncomfortable. It might pinch or squeeze your head. Worse, it might not sit low enough on your head. This leaves parts of your head unprotected. It also might not be built to handle a hard hit when it is stretched too tight.
A helmet that fits just right stays in place. It covers your forehead and the back of your head. It feels snug but not tight. This proper helmet fit means it is ready to protect you when you need it most. Whether you need to know how to size a bike helmet or are measuring head for motorcycle helmet, the first step is always getting the right measurement.
Getting Ready to Measure Your Head
You do not need much to measure your head. You likely have what you need at home.
h4 What You Need
- A flexible measuring tape. This is like the soft tape tailors use.
- If you do not have a soft tape, you can use a piece of string or ribbon.
- A pen or marker if you use string.
- A ruler or hard measuring tape if you use string.
- A mirror helps, but you can also ask a friend to help you.
Using a measuring tape for helmet fitting is the best way. A soft tape can bend around your head easily.
h4 Prepare Your Hair
Your hair can change your head size a little. For the most true head circumference measurement, measure your head with your hair how you usually wear it under a helmet. If you have long hair, tie it back low at the neck. Do not make a big bun or ponytail on top of your head. If you often wear a bandana or thin hat under your helmet, you can wear it for the measurement. But remember that most sizing guides are for measuring a bare head. It is often best to measure your bare head first. Then you can think about how your hair or hat might change the fit.
Step-by-Step: Measure Your Head
Now you are ready to measure. This is how you find the right size for your helmet. Follow these steps carefully.
h4 Step 1: Get Your Measuring Tool Ready
If you have a soft measuring tape, find the end with the zero (0).
If you use string, make sure it is long enough to go around your head.
h4 Step 2: Find the Right Spot
This is about where to measure head for helmet. You want to measure the largest part of your head.
Put the tape around your head.
Place the tape about one inch (about 2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. This is usually the thickest part of your forehead.
Keep the tape level all the way around your head. It should go just above your ears on the sides.
The tape should go around the back of your head at the widest point.
Imagine where the edge of your helmet would sit on your head. That is where the tape should be. The tape should feel level all around. It should not dip down in the back or be high up on the forehead.
h4 Step 3: Wrap the Tape
Bring the tape ends together at the front of your head.
Pull the tape snug, but not tight. It should feel comfortable. It should not squeeze your head. It should not be loose enough to slide down.
The tape should lie flat against your head all the way around. Make sure it does not twist.
h4 Step 4: Read the Measurement
Look at the number where the tape end with zero meets the rest of the tape.
This number is your head circumference measurement.
Most helmet sizes are given in centimeters (cm). It is good to measure in cm if possible. If your tape only has inches, measure in inches. You can turn inches to cm later (1 inch is about 2.54 cm).
h4 Step 5: Write it Down
Write down the number you see.
Write down if it is in centimeters or inches.
h4 Step 6: Measure Again
Do the whole thing again. Measuring a second time helps make sure your first number is right. Sometimes the tape moves a little.
If you get the same number, you are likely right.
If you get a different number, measure a third time. Use the number that shows up most often or feels right.
This simple process of using a measuring tape for helmet sizing gives you the number you need. This number is the start of finding your proper helmet fit.
Using Your Measurement: The Helmet Size Chart
You now have your head circumference measurement. What do you do with it? You use it with a helmet size chart.
h4 Grasping Helmet Size Charts
A helmet size chart is a table. It lists head measurements next to helmet sizes. Sizes are usually like Small, Medium, Large, XL. Sometimes they have numbers too, like 55-56 cm.
Sizes are not always the same between different helmet companies. A Medium in one brand might be a Small or Large in another.
This is why you should always look at the size chart for the specific helmet you want to buy. You can usually find this chart on the company’s website or on the product page if you are buying online.
h5 Example Size Chart (Just for Idea – Check Brand Chart)
| Head Circumference (cm) | Head Circumference (inches) | Typical Size |
|---|---|---|
| 50-54 | 19.7 – 21.3 | Small |
| 55-58 | 21.7 – 22.8 | Medium |
| 59-62 | 23.2 – 24.4 | Large |
| 63-66 | 24.8 – 26.0 | XL |
Important: This table is just an example. Always use the size chart from the helmet maker.
Find your measurement on the chart. See which size range it falls into. That is the size you should try first.
Using the helmet sizing guide from the brand is key. It helps you pick the most likely size. But remember, this is just the first step to get the right helmet size.
Different Helmets, Same Start
The way you measure your head for a helmet is mostly the same, no matter the kind of helmet. The need for a proper head circumference measurement is true for all.
h4 How to Size a Bike Helmet
Measuring for a bike helmet follows the steps already talked about. You measure the widest part of your head, about an inch above your eyebrows.
Bike helmets come in many styles: road, mountain, kids, urban.
Kids’ bike helmets often use age ranges on the chart, but measuring their head is still the best way to find the right starting size. Kids grow fast, so check their helmet fit often.
When choosing a bike helmet, the fit system matters too. Many have a dial at the back. This dial lets you make the helmet a little tighter or looser after you put it on. This helps fine-tune the proper helmet fit.
h4 Measuring Head for Motorcycle Helmet
Motorcycle helmets need a very snug fit. This is because they protect at higher speeds. The measuring steps are the same: measure the widest part of your head above the brows and ears.
Motorcycle helmet size charts might have smaller size steps. This is because the fit is so important for safety and noise reduction.
When trying on a motorcycle helmet after measuring, expect it to feel quite tight at first. It should push on your cheeks a bit. The padding inside molds to your head over time. However, it should not cause pain or headache right away. We will talk more about checking the fit next.
h4 Other Helmets
Ski helmets, equestrian helmets, climbing helmets – they all rely on the head circumference measurement first. The specific design might differ, but finding where the helmet will sit and measuring that widest point is the standard way. Always check the specific sport’s helmet requirements and fitting instructions.
Checking the Fit: More Than Just the Number
Getting the measurement is step one. Trying the helmet on is step two. This is where you truly check for a proper helmet fit. You cannot just trust the head circumference measurement alone. You must try the helmet on.
h4 Key Checks for Proper Fit
Once you have the helmet size suggested by the chart, put it on your head. Do not fasten the strap yet.
- Level on Your Head: The helmet should sit level on your head. The front edge should be about one or two fingers width above your eyebrows. It should not be tilted back, showing your forehead. It should not be tilted forward, blocking your view. A helmet tilted back leaves your forehead open to injury.
- Snugness: The helmet should feel snug all around your head. It should touch your head evenly. It should not rock side to side or front to back easily. If it feels loose before you even fasten the strap, it is likely too big. If it feels too tight, pinches, or gives you a headache right away, it is too small.
- The Shake Test: With the helmet level on your head (strap unfastened), shake your head gently. The helmet should stay mostly in place. It should not slide around a lot.
- Check the Retention System: Most helmets have a way to adjust the fit. Bike helmets often have a dial at the back. Turn it slowly. The helmet should feel snugger. It should still be comfortable. Do not make it too tight. Motorcycle helmets rely more on padding sizes. Some might have air systems to pump up for a snugger fit. Follow the specific helmet fitting instructions for the model you have.
- Strap Adjustment: Now, buckle the chin strap.
- The strap should lie flat against your face. It should not be twisted.
- The buckle should be centered under your chin.
- Adjust the strap length. You should be able to fit only one or two fingers between your chin and the strap.
- Open your mouth wide. The helmet should pull down a little on your head. If it does not, the strap is too loose. This is a very important check. If the strap is loose, the helmet can come off in a crash.
h4 The ‘Two-Finger Test’ at the Brow
After adjusting the strap and the internal fit system, check the front again. Can you fit more than two fingers between your eyebrow and the bottom edge of the helmet? If yes, the helmet might be sitting too high. Try to adjust the internal padding or retention system. If it still sits too high, the helmet might be too small or not the right shape for your head.
h4 Checking Your Vision
Make sure the helmet does not block your view. You need to see clearly to the sides. The front edge should not be so low it gets in your way.
Troubleshooting Fit Problems
What if the size suggested by the helmet size chart from your head circumference measurement just does not feel right?
h4 Helmet Feels Too Big
- It rocks side to side easily.
- You can fit more than two fingers above your eyebrow.
- When you open your mouth, the strap is tight but the helmet does not pull down.
What to do:
* Check if you adjusted the internal fit system (like the dial) correctly following the helmet fitting instructions.
* If it is still too big, you need a smaller size.
h4 Helmet Feels Too Small
- It is hard to get on your head.
- It sits too high on your head, leaving your forehead or back of your head uncovered.
- It causes pain or strong pressure points right away.
- It might give you a headache quickly.
What to do:
* You need a larger size.
h4 The Shape Problem
Sometimes, the size is right based on head circumference measurement, but the helmet just does not feel right. It might have pressure points even when not too tight. This can happen because heads are not all the same shape. Some people have rounder heads, others are more oval.
Helmet companies design their helmets with a certain head shape in mind.
If you try a helmet in your size and it feels uncomfortable in specific spots, it might be the wrong shape for you. You may need to try a different brand or model. Looking at helmet sizing guide reviews can sometimes give clues about head shapes a helmet fits well.
Why Trying On is a Must
Using a measuring tape for helmet sizing is the vital first step. It points you to the right size range on the helmet size chart. But actually trying the helmet on and doing the fit checks is the only way to confirm you get the right helmet size and a proper helmet fit.
Think of it like shoes. Knowing your foot length helps you pick a shoe size. But you still need to try the shoes on to see how they feel, if they are wide enough, and if they are comfortable. Helmets are the same. Head circumference measurement gets you close, but trying on seals the deal for safety.
If you are buying online, check the return policy. Many stores let you return a helmet if the size or fit is not right. Order the size the chart says, try it on carefully indoors (do not remove tags or protective films until you know it fits!), and if it does not fit, return it for a different size or model.
Keeping Your Helmet Safe and Sound
Once you get the right helmet size and a proper helmet fit, remember to take care of it.
- Store it in a cool, dry place.
- Do not use strong cleaners on it. Follow the maker’s cleaning tips.
- Do not drop it. Even one drop can hurt the inside foam, which you cannot see.
- If you have a crash while wearing it, replace it. The foam is made to crush once to absorb impact. After a crash, it cannot protect you as well.
- Check your helmet often for cracks, dents, or damage to the straps or buckle.
- Helmet foam breaks down over time. Most experts say to replace a helmet every 5-10 years, even if it looks okay. Check the maker’s advice.
Taking care of your helmet helps make sure it is ready to protect you every time you wear it.
Putting It All Together: Your Helmet Safety Plan
Finding the right helmet size and fit is a process. It starts with your head.
- Measure: Use a flexible measuring tape for helmet sizing. Measure your head circumference measurement about an inch above your eyebrows, level around the widest part of your head. Do it twice to be sure.
- Chart: Find the helmet size chart for the specific helmet you want. Use your measurement to find the likely size. This is your helmet sizing guide step.
- Try On: Get the helmet in that size. Put it on. Check that it sits level and feels snug.
- Adjust: Use the helmet’s fit system and chin strap following the helmet fitting instructions to make it snug but comfy.
- Check Fit: Do the shake test and the two-finger brow test. Open your mouth wide to feel it pull down.
- Re-size if Needed: If it does not pass the fit checks or feels wrong, try a different size or a different helmet model.
- Wear It Right: Always wear your helmet level and with the strap snug when you ride or play.
- Care for It: Keep it clean, store it well, and replace it after a crash or with age.
This process, from measuring head for motorcycle helmet or how to size a bike helmet, ensures you get the right helmet size for the best proper helmet fit. Your safety depends on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4 Q1: Can I just guess my helmet size based on my hat size?
No, this is not safe. Hat sizes are measured differently. Using a measuring tape for helmet sizing gives you the exact head circumference measurement needed for a helmet size chart. Always measure your head fresh for buying a helmet.
h4 Q2: What if my head measurement is between two sizes on the chart?
If you are between sizes on the helmet size chart, most makers suggest trying the smaller size first. A slightly snug fit that molds to your head is better than a fit that is too loose. However, it must not have painful pressure points right away. If the smaller size is too tight, try the larger size. Remember, different models or brands might fit your head shape better.
h4 Q3: Should a new helmet feel very tight?
A new motorcycle helmet should feel quite snug, especially on the cheeks. This padding will compress over time. A bike helmet should feel snug but not cause pain. It should feel evenly snug all around. If it feels too tight to wear comfortably for a few minutes, it is probably too small.
h4 Q4: How often should I measure my head?
Measure your head every time you plan to buy a new helmet, even for the same activity. Your head size does not change much as an adult, but measuring fresh makes sure you have the right number for that specific helmet’s size chart. Kids should be measured more often as they grow.
h4 Q5: Does the helmet shell size change with the padding?
No. Usually, helmet brands make shells in a few sizes (e.g., Small shell, Medium shell, Large shell). The different helmet sizes (S, M, L, XL) are often made by putting different amounts of padding inside the same shell size. This means an XL helmet might have a larger outer shell than a Small one, but two adjacent sizes (like M and L) might use the same shell with different padding. This is why trying on is so important – the internal fit matters most.
h4 Q6: My helmet has an adjustment dial. Does that mean the size doesn’t matter as much?
The adjustment dial or system helps fine-tune the fit after you put the helmet on. It helps make a good fit even better. But it cannot make a helmet that is the wrong size fit correctly. If the helmet is too big or too small based on your initial head circumference measurement and the size chart, the adjustment system usually cannot fix that problem safely. You still need to start with the right size range.
Safety is in the Fit
Taking the time to measure your head correctly and then checking the fit with the helmet on is vital. Do not skip these steps. A helmet that fits right is your best protection. Follow the steps for head circumference measurement, use the helmet sizing guide from the brand, and always try the helmet on to ensure a proper helmet fit. This helps you get the right helmet size and ride safely. Be safe out there!