Free tool — no sign-up. Reader-supported: if it helped, shopping through our buying guides below keeps it free. No extra cost to you. See guides ↓ As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A cane or walker set at the wrong height changes posture, adds strain on the shoulders and back, and can make a fall more likely. The most accurate method uses one measurement — floor to wrist crease — but if you only know the user’s height, the calculator gives a good estimate.
How to measure
- Stand upright in everyday shoes with arms hanging relaxed at the sides.
- Measure from the floor to the crease on the inside of the wrist.
- That’s the handle height for a cane, walker or rollator. With a hand on the grip, the elbow should bend about 15–30°.
Height chart
| User height | Cane / walker handle (approx.) | Rollator seat (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 4’10” – 5’2″ (147–157 cm) | 28.5–30.5 in (72–77 cm) | 17.5–18.5 in (44–47 cm) |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ (157–168 cm) | 30.5–32.5 in (77–82 cm) | 18.5–20 in (47–51 cm) |
| 5’6″ – 5’10” (168–178 cm) | 32.5–34.5 in (82–87 cm) | 20–21 in (51–53 cm) |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ (178–188 cm) | 34.5–36.5 in (87–92 cm) | 21–22 in (53–56 cm) |
| 6’2″ – 6’6″ (188–198 cm) | 36.5–38 in (92–97 cm) | 22–23.5 in (56–60 cm) |
Estimates assume a handle at about 49% of body height and a seat at about 30%. A wrist measurement is always more accurate.
FAQ
Which hand should hold the cane?
The hand opposite the weaker or painful leg. The cane moves forward together with the weaker leg.
How do I know the rollator seat is the right height?
When seated, feet should rest flat on the floor with thighs roughly level and knees at about 90°.
How long should underarm crutches be?
A common rule is user height minus 16 in (41 cm), with the top pad 1½–2 in (two to three finger widths) below the armpit. Weight goes through the hands, not the armpits.
More free tools
- Wheelchair Ramp Length Calculator — Ramp length, angle, landings and handrails for any step height.
- Grab Bar Placement & Height Guide — ADA heights and positions for toilet, tub and shower grab bars.
- Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Seniors — Room-by-room safety check with a score and the fixes to make first.
- Daily Living Aids Finder — Tick what’s become hard — see which adaptive aids usually help.
- Stair Step Height Calculator for Older Adults — Number of steps, step height and space needed for safe entry stairs.
- Medication Organizer Checklist (Printable) — Weekly pill setup, refill tracking and pharmacist questions — printable.
- Safe Bed Height & Mattress Guide for Seniors — Safe bed height for easy standing, plus mattress and edge-support tips.
- Bathroom Safety Checklist for Seniors (Printable) — Scored bathroom check with grab bars, non-slip and seating fixes first.
- All tools