How to Measure Golf Clubs

Co-authored by Michael Metz and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: September 2, 2022 References

Are you wondering if your golf clubs are the right size for you? While clubs come in standard sizes, checking the length of your clubs is an important step to make sure they fit you properly. Keep reading for everything you need to know for measuring your clubs so you can find the perfect length and improve your game!

Section 1 of 3:

Measuring Golf Club Length

1
Lay your club horizontally on a flat surface. You’ll get a more accurate measurement if you measure your club while it’s horizontal than if you held it vertically. Set the club on a table, countertop, or level surface so you can start your measurement.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Position the sole of the club at a 60-degree angle. The sole of the club is the bottom edge that rests on the ground when you’re about to swing. Use a protractor to check the angle of the club’s sole before you measure the length of the shaft.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- You can buy a measuring tool with a metal peg that holds the club’s sole in the proper position while you’re taking your measurement.
- If you don’t have a protractor, you can eyeball the angle in a pinch as long as you ensure the shaft is straight.
Advertisement
3
Measure drivers and irons from the end of the grip to the heel of the club. Use a 48 in (120 cm) measuring stick since a standard yardstick isn’t long enough. Position the end of the measuring stick or tape measure at the end of the grip at the top of the club. Check the measurement at the heel, which is where the sole of the club and shaft form a corner on the club face.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- A tape measure works well too, but it might be a little tougher since it’s flimsier.
4
Measure a putter from the top of the grip to the bottom sole of the club. Since the shaft on a putter is usually positioned in the middle of the club face, measuring to the heel will give you an inaccurate measurement. Align your measuring stick or tape on the putter’s shaft so it extends past the end of the club. Find where the bottom of the club intersects the measuring stick or tape to properly measure your putter.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Section 2 of 3:

Finding the Correct Club Length for Your Height

1
Find the standard length of the club you’re measuring for. Each type of club has a different standard length, where drivers are the longest, followed by low-numbered irons, high-numbered irons, wedges, and finally putters. Any adjustments you need to make are added or subtracted to the standard length of the club.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You can find all of the standard lengths for men’s and women’s golf clubs here: https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/StdLengths.pdf.
2
Use your height to determine if you need to shorten or lengthen the measurement. Stand up straight and measure your height with a tape measure. Once you find out how tall you are, compare it to the chart to see if you need to add or subtract any measurements from the standard length of the club.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- 6 ³⁄₄–7 feet (2.1–2.1 m): Add 2 inches (5.1 cm)
- 6 ¹⁄₂–6 ³⁄₄ feet (2.0–2.1 m): Add 1 ¹⁄₂ inches (3.8 cm)
- 6 ¹⁄₄–6 ¹⁄₂ feet (1.9–2.0 m): Add 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- 6–6 ¹⁄₄ feet (1.8–1.9 m): Add ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm)
- 5 ³⁄₄–6 feet (1.8–1.8 m): Use the standard length
- 5 ¹⁄₂–5 ³⁄₄ feet (1.7–1.8 m): Subtract ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm)
- 5 ¹⁄₄–5 ¹⁄₂ feet (1.6–1.7 m): Subtract 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- 5–5 ¹⁄₄ feet (1.5–1.6 m): Subtract 1 ¹⁄₂ inches (3.8 cm)
- 4 ³⁄₄–5 feet (1.4–1.5 m): Subtract 2 inches (5.1 cm)

Section 3 of 3:

Why should you use properly-sized clubs?

You’ll be more consistent with your swing. If you use a club that’s too long or too short, you may switch to an improper stance or angle the club face incorrectly. Fitting a club for your height ensures that you can swing comfortably and hit the ball accurately each time.^{[7]
X
Research source}