Essential Guide: How To Measure Helmet For a Proper Fit

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Essential Guide: How To Measure Helmet For a Proper Fit

To measure your helmet size, you will need a flexible measuring tape. Wrap the tape around the largest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears. Note the measurement in centimeters or inches. This number is your head circumference measurement. You will use this number with a helmet sizing chart to find your helmet size. Getting a proper helmet fit is very important for safety, whether you need a bike helmet or want to know how to size a motorcycle helmet. This guide will help you with your head measurement for helmet shopping and show you how to fit a helmet correctly.

A helmet is your most important piece of safety gear. It helps protect your head if you fall or crash. But a helmet only works best if it fits well. A helmet that is too big can move around. It might not stay in place during an impact. A helmet that is too small will be uncomfortable. It might also not cover all parts of your head that need protection. That is why knowing how to measure your head for a helmet and using a sizing guide helmet is a must. This guide will walk you through finding your helmet size.

Why a Good Fit Matters

Safety is the main reason to get a helmet that fits right. A helmet is designed to absorb energy from a crash. It spreads the force of a hit across a larger area. This helps protect your brain. If the helmet is loose, it can shift. It might not be in the right place when you need it most. If it is too tight, it can cause pain. This can make you not want to wear it. Or it might not cover the right spots. A proper helmet fit makes sure the helmet stays put and covers your head the way it should. Think of it like a seatbelt. It only works if you wear it right. A helmet only works if it fits right.

Tools You Will Need

Getting ready to measure your head is simple. You only need one main tool.

• A Flexible Measuring Tape: This is key for your head circumference measurement. A cloth or plastic measuring tape is best. The kind used for sewing is perfect. If you do not have one, you can use a piece of string or ribbon. Then measure the string with a ruler or a metal measuring tape. You need something that can wrap around the curve of your head easily. A metal construction tape is not good because it is stiff. You need a measuring tape for helmet size.

• A Pen and Paper (Optional but Helpful): You will want to write down your measurement. It is good to measure a few times to be sure you have the right number. Writing it down helps you remember the biggest size you got.

That is all you need to start your head measurement for helmet sizing.

How To Measure Your Head

This is the first and most important step to finding your helmet size. You are measuring the widest part of your head. This is usually the part that the helmet will sit on most snugly.

Getting Ready to Measure

• Take Off Anything on Your Head: Remove hats, bandanas, thick hair bands, or anything that adds bulk to your head. Your hair should be styled normally. If you have very thick hair, you might want to measure with your hair tied back slightly flatter, as you would wear it under a helmet. But generally, measure your head as it is naturally.
• Find the Right Spot: The correct spot is typically about one inch (or about 2.5 centimeters) above your eyebrows. It should also be just above your ears. This is usually the widest part of your head. Imagine a line going around your head there.
• Have Someone Help (Optional but Recommended): It can be tricky to hold the tape straight and level all the way around your head by yourself. Having a friend or family member help makes it much easier to get an accurate head circumference measurement.

The Measuring Process

Step 1: Position the Tape

Place the start of the flexible measuring tape for helmet on your forehead. Put it in the middle, about an inch above your eyebrows. Hold the tape end in place with one hand.

Step 2: Wrap the Tape

Use your other hand to wrap the tape around the back of your head. Make sure it stays level all the way around. Keep it above your ears. Make sure it goes over the widest part of the back of your head. The tape should feel snug but not tight. It should not dig into your skin. It should not be loose either. Just a firm, level circle around your head.

Step 3: Meet the Ends

Bring the tape back to the front of your head. It should meet the starting end of the tape. Read the number where the tape overlaps. This number is your head size or head circumference measurement.

Step 4: Note the Number

Look closely at the number. Write it down. Most helmet sizing charts use centimeters (cm). Some also show inches (in). Write down both if your tape has both scales. Centimeters are often more precise for helmet sizing.

Step 5: Measure Again

It is a good idea to measure at least two or three times. Sometimes the tape moves slightly. You might get a slightly different number each time. Use the largest number you get. This gives you the biggest part of your head. A helmet needs to fit over this biggest part. This helps you find your helmet size correctly.

What Your Number Means

Your head circumference measurement is the key number. This is the main piece of information you need. You will use this number with a helmet sizing chart. The chart will tell you which size helmet you should look for. Remember, this number is just the starting point. It tells you which size range to try on. The actual fit check is next.

Using a Helmet Sizing Chart

Once you have your head circumference measurement, you need to look at a helmet sizing chart. Helmet sizes are usually given names like Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and so on. Each size name covers a range of head measurements.

Finding the Right Chart

It is very important to use the correct chart.
* Brand Specific Charts: Helmet sizes are not the same for every brand. A Medium in one brand might be a Small or a Large in another. Always look for the sizing chart from the specific helmet brand you are interested in. You can usually find this on the brand’s website or on the helmet product page if you are shopping online.
* Model Specific Charts: Sometimes, different models within the same brand can fit slightly differently. Or they might have slightly different sizing ranges. It is best to check the chart for the exact helmet model you want.
* Type of Helmet: Charts for motorcycle helmets and bike helmets might be slightly different, even from the same brand. Make sure you are looking at the correct chart for the type of helmet you need. This is especially important when you are trying to figure out how to size a motorcycle helmet versus a bicycle helmet.

How to Read the Chart

A helmet sizing chart is usually a simple table. It will list the size names in one column. Another column will show the corresponding head circumference measurement range.

Example of a General Helmet Sizing Chart (For Illustration Only – Always Check Brand Specific Charts)

Helmet Size	Head Circumference (cm)	Head Circumference (inches)
Extra Small	51 – 52 cm	20 – 20.5 inches
Small	53 – 54 cm	20.9 – 21.3 inches
Medium	55 – 56 cm	21.7 – 22 inches
Large	57 – 58 cm	22.4 – 22.8 inches
Extra Large	59 – 60 cm	23.2 – 23.6 inches
2XL	61 – 62 cm	24 – 24.4 inches
3XL	63 – 64 cm	24.8 – 25.2 inches

Note: This table is just an example. Your specific helmet brand/model chart will be different. Always check the official chart.

Using Your Number with the Chart

Look at your head circumference measurement. Find the range on the chart that includes your number. The size name next to that range is the size you should likely start with. For example, if your head measures 57.5 cm, you would look at the chart. 57.5 cm falls in the 57-58 cm range in the example chart above. This suggests you should try a Size Large in this hypothetical brand/model. This helps you find your helmet size.

What if You Are Between Sizes?

Sometimes your measurement might be right on the edge between two sizes. For example, if you measure exactly 56 cm in the chart above, you are between Medium (up to 56 cm) and Large (starts at 57 cm). Or if you measure 54.5 cm, you are between Small (up to 54 cm) and Medium (starts at 55 cm).

In these cases, it is usually best to try on both sizes. Helmets are designed to fit snugly. Sometimes the smaller size fits better. Sometimes the larger size with its padding allows for a better fit. This is why the measurement is just a starting point. The actual try-on is the most important part of getting a proper helmet fit.

This chart lookup is your sizing guide helmet step. It gets you close, but the real test is putting the helmet on your head.

Checking for a Proper Helmet Fit

Once you have used your head measurement for helmet and the helmet sizing chart to pick a size, you must try the helmet on. This is where you check for a proper helmet fit. You cannot skip this step. A helmet that is marked as your size but does not feel right will not protect you well. Here is how to fit a helmet:

Putting the Helmet On

1. Expand if Needed: Some helmets have adjustments (like a dial or padding). If it is a bike helmet, the ring inside might be adjustable. Loosen any adjustments first.
2. Place on Head: Put the helmet on your head. Pull the straps to the outside first if they are in the way. The helmet should sit level on your head. It should cover your forehead. The front edge should be about one or two finger-widths above your eyebrows. It should not be pushed back exposing your forehead. It should not be pulled so far forward you cannot see.
3. Snug It Up: If the helmet has an adjustment dial or system, tighten it slowly. Make it feel snug all around your head. If there are different thicknesses of pads included, you might need to try different pads to get the right fit. How to fit a helmet involves making it feel like it is hugging your head evenly.

The Feel Test: Is It Snug Enough?

A well-fitting helmet will feel snug all over your head. It should not move around easily.

The Hug Test

• The helmet should feel like it is giving your head a firm, even hug. It should touch the top of your head, the sides, and the back.
• There should be no large gaps between the helmet padding and your head.

Checking for Movement

• With the chin strap unbuckled, try moving the helmet from side to side. It should be hard to move. The skin on your temples should move with the helmet.
• Try moving the helmet up and down. Again, it should be difficult. If the helmet slides around easily, it is too big.
• Nod your head forward and backward. The helmet should stay in place.
• Shake your head gently side to side. The helmet should not wobble or twist much.

Checking for Pressure Points

While the helmet should be snug, it should not hurt.

• Feel around your head where the helmet touches. Are there any spots that feel like they are being squeezed hard? This is a pressure point.
• Pressure points can cause headaches. They also mean the helmet is not distributing pressure evenly. This can happen if the helmet shape does not match your head shape (some heads are more round, some are more oval).
• A few minutes in the helmet will often reveal pressure points you did not feel right away. Try wearing it for 5-10 minutes in the store if possible. If you feel painful pressure points, that helmet (or that size in that model) is not right for you.
• A proper helmet fit means snugness without painful pressure points.

Checking the Chin Strap

The chin strap is the last part to adjust. It keeps the helmet on your head in a crash.

Buckling the Strap

• Buckle the chin strap. It should sit comfortably under your chin.
• Adjust the strap so it is snug.

The Two-Finger Test

• You should be able to fit one or two fingers comfortably between the strap and your chin.
• If you can fit more than two fingers, it is too loose. Tighten it.
• If you cannot fit even one finger, it is too tight. Loosen it slightly.
• The strap should be tight enough that when you open your mouth wide, you feel the helmet pull down slightly on your head.
• Make sure the strap is not twisted.

Adjusting the Side Sliders

• Most helmets have adjusters on the straps near your ears. These are called sliders.
• Slide them so the straps form a “V” shape just below your earlobes.
• This helps keep the strap flat against your face and prevents it from twisting.

Final Fit Check

With the chin strap adjusted, do the movement tests again.

• Try to push the helmet back off your head. If you can push it back past your eyebrows easily, the chin strap might be too loose, or the helmet might be too big.
• Try to rock the helmet forward. It should not cover your eyes.

If the helmet feels snug all over, stays in place when you move your head, does not have painful pressure points, and the strap is adjusted correctly, you likely have a proper helmet fit. This is the essential check after using your sizing guide helmet and measurement. This is a complete guide on how to fit a helmet.

Differences When Sizing Specific Helmet Types

While the basic steps (measure your head, check the chart, try it on, check the fit) are the same, there can be slight differences or extra things to consider depending on the type of helmet you are sizing.

Measuring Head for Bike Helmet

• Bike helmets are usually lighter and have more vents than motorcycle helmets.
• The fit system often includes an adjustable ring or dial inside the helmet that tightens around your head. This system helps fine-tune the fit after you get the basic size right.
• When measuring head for bike helmet, make sure you consider how you will wear your hair. Some cyclists wear thin caps under their helmets in cold weather. This might slightly affect the size needed. Measure with your hair as you plan to wear it.
• The “level on head” check is very important for bike helmets. It must cover your forehead. Many cycling injuries happen when the forehead is exposed.

How to Size a Motorcycle Helmet

• Motorcycle helmets are heavier and cover your entire head and face (full-face helmets) or at least the sides and back more fully (open-face helmets).
• The internal padding in motorcycle helmets is usually thicker and denser than in bike helmets. This padding is key to the fit.
• When learning how to size a motorcycle helmet, know that the snugness will feel different. A new motorcycle helmet should feel quite tight, almost uncomfortably so, for the first few minutes. The padding will compress and break in over time, usually about 15-20 hours of wear.
• It should feel like the helmet is pushing lightly on your cheeks.
• When you try to pull the helmet off by the chin bar (with the strap buckled), it should resist strongly and pull your head up with it.
• Check for rolling: With the chin strap fastened, try to roll the helmet off your head from back to front. It should not roll past your eyebrows.
• Motorcycle helmets often have different internal shapes (round oval, intermediate oval, long oval). Your head measurement for helmet gives you the size, but your head shape determines which helmet model or brand will fit you best without pressure points. If one brand/model in your size gives you pressure points, try another brand or model known for a different head shape.

Common Mistakes When Sizing a Helmet

Avoid these common errors to ensure you get the safest fit.

• Measuring Incorrectly: Not keeping the tape level, measuring too low or high, or holding the tape too loosely will give you a wrong head circumference measurement. Always measure the widest part.
• Ignoring the Sizing Chart: Guessing your size or just picking the size you usually wear in hats is a mistake. Always use the brand’s helmet sizing chart with your specific head measurement for helmet.
• Not Trying It On: Buying a helmet based only on the measurement and chart is risky. You MUST try it on to check the actual proper helmet fit.
• Settling for a Loose Fit: A helmet that is too loose is dangerous. It can shift during a crash. It should be snug.
• Ignoring Pressure Points: Painful pressure points mean the helmet does not fit your head shape well, even if the size is correct. Do not buy a helmet that gives you pressure points, hoping it will get better. It usually does not.
• Improper Chin Strap Adjustment: A loose chin strap means the helmet can come off in a crash. Always use the two-finger test and make sure it feels snug.
• Wearing Something Bulky Underneath: Do not measure your head or try on helmets while wearing a thick beanie or hat, unless you plan to always wear that item under the helmet (and the helmet is designed to accommodate it, like some cold-weather sports helmets). For most bike and motorcycle helmets, measure and try on with just your normal hair.

Tips for Finding the Best Fit

• Try Multiple Sizes: Even with your head measurement for helmet and the chart, try the size the chart suggests and maybe the size below and above it, especially if you are between sizes.
• Try Multiple Brands/Models: If the first helmet you try in your size does not fit well (pressure points, wrong shape), do not give up. Different brands and models have different internal shapes. One will likely fit your head shape better than others. This is key for how to size a motorcycle helmet as head shapes vary.
• Wear It for a Bit: If possible, wear the helmet for 5-10 minutes while in the store. This helps reveal any hidden pressure points.
• Check Your Vision: Make sure the helmet does not block your vision in any direction.
• Consider Eyewear: If you wear glasses or goggles, try the helmet on with them. Make sure they fit comfortably together and the helmet does not push your eyewear into your face.
• Ask for Help: Store staff at a good helmet shop are trained to help with fitting. Do not hesitate to ask them for help with how to fit a helmet. They can check if you are doing it right.

Using a sizing guide helmet with your head circumference measurement gets you started. Trying the helmet on and checking the feel is the most important step for achieving a proper helmet fit. This is how you find your helmet size reliably.

Keeping the Fit Right

Once you have a helmet that fits perfectly, you still need to check the fit regularly.

• Check Before Every Ride: Quickly check the snugness and strap tension before you ride.
• Padding Can Compress: Over time, the internal padding of a helmet will compress. This can make a helmet that once fit snugly become too loose. Especially with how to size a motorcycle helmet, remember padding breaks in. If it becomes too loose after significant use, it might be time for a new helmet.
• Damage Changes Fit: If your helmet takes a hit (even if you don’t see damage), the internal structure might be compromised. The fit could change. A damaged helmet needs replacing, even if it seems to fit okay.

Deciphering Helmet Certification Labels

Beyond fit, look for safety certification stickers inside the helmet. These show the helmet has passed tests for impact protection. Common standards include DOT (US), ECE (Europe), and Snell (a private standard often considered more stringent). Always ensure your helmet has a relevant safety certification for your activity. This is not about fit, but it is vital for safety along with a proper helmet fit.

Grasping the Importance of Head Shape

We talked about head circumference measurement and using a helmet sizing chart. But head shape is also important for a proper helmet fit, especially with motorcycle helmets.

• Round Oval: Your head is roughly the same width from side to side as it is from front to back.
• Intermediate Oval: This is the most common head shape. Your head is slightly longer from front to back than it is wide from side to side.
• Long Oval: Your head is noticeably longer from front to back than it is wide from side to side.

If you have a round oval head and try to wear a helmet designed for a long oval head (even in the right size based on circumference), you will likely feel pressure points on your forehead and the back of your head. The sides might also feel loose.

If you have a long oval head and try a helmet for a round oval head, you will likely feel pressure points on the sides of your head. The front and back might feel loose.

Many helmet reviews online or in magazines will mention the internal shape of a helmet model. If you consistently get pressure points with certain brands or models, your head shape might not match that helmet’s design. Finding a brand known for making helmets that match your head shape can greatly improve your chances of getting a comfortable, proper helmet fit. This knowledge goes hand-in-hand with using your measuring tape for helmet and the chart.

Composing Your Personal Sizing Guide Helmet Notes

After you go through this process, especially trying on different helmets, it can be helpful to make notes for yourself.

• Write down your exact head circumference measurement.
• Note which size fit best in which specific helmet brand and model.
• Note which brands or models did NOT fit well and why (e.g., “Size M felt loose,” “Size L had pressure on forehead,” “Brand X seems too round for me”).

Keeping these notes will make it easier the next time you need to buy a helmet. You will have your own personal sizing guide helmet notes based on real-world trying-on. This saves you time and helps ensure you always get a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is measuring tape for helmet size different from regular measuring tape?

No, you just need a soft, flexible measuring tape, like the kind used for sewing. A metal construction tape is not suitable because it cannot easily wrap around the curve of your head.

Can I just guess my helmet size based on my hat size?

No. Hat sizes are not the same as helmet sizes. Always use a flexible measuring tape for helmet and measure your head circumference. Then use the specific helmet brand’s sizing chart.

Should I buy a helmet a little bigger so I can wear a hat underneath?

For most bike and motorcycle helmets, you should size the helmet to fit your head without a hat underneath. The exception might be some specific cold-weather sports helmets designed for this. Wearing a thick hat under a helmet not meant for it can make the helmet fit improperly and reduce its safety. If you need warmth, look for helmet liners or balaclavas that are thin and designed to be worn under a helmet without affecting the fit too much.

My head measurement for helmet is right between two sizes on the chart. Which size should I pick?

Try both sizes on. One will likely feel more snug and stable than the other. Helmets are designed to be snug. Often, the smaller size feels better once adjusted, but this is not always true. The actual try-on and fit check (snugness, no pressure points, no movement) is the only way to know for sure.

How should a proper helmet fit feel?

It should feel snug all over your head. It should not feel loose or move around easily when you shake or nod your head. There should be no painful pressure points. The chin strap should be snug enough that you can fit one or two fingers underneath it, and the helmet pulls down slightly when you open your mouth wide.

What is head circumference measurement?

It is the measurement around the widest part of your head. You take this measurement using a flexible tape measure, usually just above your eyebrows and ears. It is the key number used with a helmet sizing chart to find your starting size.

My helmet feels tight on my cheeks. Is that okay?

Yes, especially with new motorcycle helmets. The cheek pads are designed to hold the helmet stable on your head. They will compress over time. It should feel snug on your cheeks, but not painful pressure on your jawbone or skull.

How often should I measure my head for a helmet?

You only need to measure your head once to find your initial size range. However, your head size can change slightly over many years, especially for younger people or if you gain/lose significant weight. It is a good idea to re-measure if it has been many years since you last bought a helmet, or if you are buying a completely different type or brand you’ve never tried before. Also, re-check the fit of your current helmet regularly, as the padding can compress over time.

Can padding fix a helmet that is too big?

Sometimes helmets come with different thickness pads that you can swap out to slightly adjust the fit. However, if a helmet is clearly too big after using the correct size from the chart and trying it on, simply adding thicker pads usually will not make it fit correctly or safely. It is better to get the correct shell size first.

What is a sizing guide helmet?

A sizing guide helmet usually refers to the chart provided by the helmet manufacturer that shows the head circumference ranges for each of their helmet sizes. It helps guide you to the right size based on your head measurement. This entire guide serves as a general sizing guide for finding and fitting a helmet.

Getting the right helmet size and a proper helmet fit is simple but requires care. Take your head circumference measurement carefully, use the brand’s helmet sizing chart as a guide, and most importantly, try the helmet on and check the fit using the steps outlined here. This ensures your helmet can do its job and protect you best. Whether you are using a measuring tape for helmet size for a bicycle helmet or learning how to size a motorcycle helmet, the goal is the same: a safe and snug fit.