How to Measure Arm Length

Co-authored by David Pew

Last Updated: November 6, 2024 Fact Checked

Whether you need your arm length for fitness-related reasons or to take your sleeve size, all you need is a tape measurer. As long as you know which points to record, you can easily take the measurement without a seamstress or tailor. If possible, have a partner help you with these measurements to avoid an inaccurate reading. With the right positioning, you can finish measuring your arm length in a matter of minutes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Calculating Arm Length

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1
Stand up straight with your arms relaxed and at your sides. Although you can measure your arm length on your own, you will get a better measurement if you have a partner who can take it for you. Avoid hunching forward or leaning as much as possible, as either may skew your measurement.^{[1]
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- Keep your arms slightly bent, with your fingers in your pockets.
Position the measuring tape exactly in the center of your neck to get the most accurate measurement.^{[2]
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David Pew
Professional Tailor

Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.} Taking your measurements over the shoulder and down the hand will give you a precise reading, particularly if you are measuring your arm length for clothing.^{[3]
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Do not go measure down your back, as you will want to get the fullest arm length possible. Instead, go across your shoulder and down your arms. If you're not sure how to take this measurement, think about what a long-sleeved shirt seam will look like—this is approximately the length you will measure.
4
Take your measurements to the area just past your wrist bone for clothing. If you're taking sleeve measurements, finish measuring where you would like the sleeve or shirt cuff to sit. This should be around or just past your wrist bone, depending on how long you prefer your sleeve length to be.^{[4]
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David Pew
Professional Tailor

Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
- Consider adding just a little extra to this length for shirt sleeves. That way, when you reach forward, your sleeves won't ride up on your arms.^{[5]
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  David Pew
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  Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
- If you're measuring for a coat, measure to the point where your wrist starts to widen into your thumb, and do not add any extra.^{[6]
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  David Pew
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  Expert Interview. 5 January 2021.}
If you're measuring arm length for fitness-related reasons, you may need to measure past your wrist. Measure all the way to your fingertips, stretching out your fingers as far as possible.^{[7]
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Paula J. Myers-McDevitt, Apparel Industry Veteran and Technical Design Authority

Properly measuring arm length requires careful technique. Have the subject stand with arms relaxed at their sides. Use a flexible tape measure placed at the shoulder point down to the wrist bone, keeping the tape close to the skin. Mark key landmarks like the elbow for accurate results. Repeat for consistency and note measurements on both arms — they may differ slightly. Precise arm length data allows for well-fitted clothing and equipment design suited to a range of body sizes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Measuring Arm Span

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While you can measure your arm length on your own, you cannot measure your arm span by yourself. Ask a partner to hold the measuring tape while you position yourself to get a precise arm span.
Standing at your fullest height will allow your partner to take the best reading possible, as slouching can inhibit your arm span. If you cannot turn your back to a wall, stand up as straight as possible and avoid hunching your shoulders.^{[8]
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Avoid bending your arms or your fingers. Try to keep your arms level and even, as raising or lowering your arms can also decrease your full arm span.^{[9]
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4
Measure between both of your middle fingers. Traditionally, arm span is measured between the middle finger of one hand to middle finger of your other hand. Have your partner take a measuring tape and measure from the tip of your middle finger on your left hand to the middle finger on your right hand.^{[10]
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- Ask your partner to keep the tape measurer even to keep the measurement accurate.
Most people's heights are about equal to their arm spans, within a few inches or centimeters. Measure your height by yourself or with a partner to compare the two measurements.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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How do you measure sleeves?

David Pew
Professional Tailor
David Pew is a Professional Tailor and the Owner of Sew Generously based in Seattle, Washington. With over a decade of experience, David specializes in bespoke tailoring and alterations. He uses his experiences, skills, and eye for detail to produce the highest quality of products.

David Pew

Professional Tailor

Expert Answer

Start by measuring from the nape of the neck, down across the point of the shoulder, and then down the arm to where the sleeves should hit. If you're measuring for a shirt, be a little generous with that, because your sleeves will ride up when you reach forward. If you're measuring for a coat, stop at the fleshiest part of the thumb, and don't add any extra.

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