What "skateboard size" actually means
When people talk about skateboard size, they almost always mean deck width, measured in inches across the widest part of the board. Sizes go up in small steps: 7.75", 8.0", 8.125", 8.25", 8.375", 8.5" and so on. A quarter of an inch sounds tiny, but you feel it right away under your feet.
Length follows width. Most standard decks are around 31" to 32.5" long, and wider decks are usually a little longer. You rarely need to choose length on its own.
Skateboard size chart by shoe size
Shoe size is a quick way to narrow it down, because your feet need to fit comfortably across the board. Height matters too: taller riders usually feel better on a wider, longer deck, and heavier riders often go wider for stability. You can technically ride any width, so treat this as a starting point, not a rule. Shoe sizes are approximate.
| Shoe size (EU) | Shoe size (US men's) | Deck width to try |
|---|---|---|
| EU 38 and under | US 6 and under | 7.5" to 7.875" |
| EU 39 to 42 | US 6.5 to 8.5 | 8.0" to 8.25" |
| EU 42.5 to 45 | US 9 to 11 | 8.25" to 8.5" |
| EU 46 and up | US 12 and up | 8.5" and wider |
Between two sizes? Go a little narrower if you mostly want to learn flip tricks, and a little wider if you want the board to feel stable for cruising or ramps.
Skateboard size chart for kids by age
For kids, height and shoe size matter more than age, but age is a useful first guide.
| Age | Rough height | Deck width to try |
|---|---|---|
| 5 and under | Under 105cm | 6.5" to 7.0" (mini) |
| 6 to 9 | 105 to 150cm | 7.25" to 7.5" (junior, about 29" long) |
| 10 to 12 | 150 to 160cm | 7.5" to 7.875" |
| 13 and up | Over 160cm | 7.75" to 8.25", then go by shoe size and height |
Kids grow fast, but a board that is too wide is hard to control and slows down learning. Buy for now, not for next year.
Size by riding style
- Street and skatepark (flat ground, small ramps, learning ollies): 8.0" to 8.25".
- Bowls, mini ramps and bigger transition: 8.25" to 8.5" or wider, for more stability at speed.
- Cruising and getting around: a wider deck, 8.5" and up, with soft wheels, or a dedicated cruiser board.
- Just learning to balance and push: 8.0" to 8.25" is forgiving and still lets you move on to tricks later.
Length, wheelbase and concave
Wheelbase is the distance between the inner mounting holes, usually around 14" to 14.5". A longer wheelbase feels more stable, a shorter one turns quicker. On a standard deck it comes with the size, so you don't need to overthink it.
Concave is how much the deck curves from side to side. Mellow concave feels flatter and more relaxed under your feet. Steep concave grips your feet more for flip tricks. For a first board, a standard medium concave is the safe pick.
Matching trucks and wheels to your deck
Trucks should have an axle width close to your deck width, so the wheels sit roughly in line with the edges of the board. Each brand labels its sizes differently, so check a chart. Our skateboard truck size chart lists Independent, Venture, Krux and Ace sizes for each deck width.
Wheels around 52mm to 54mm with a hard durometer (around 99a) suit most beginners at skateparks and on smooth ground. For rough streets or cruising, softer wheels (around 78a to 87a) of 54mm or more roll smoother and quieter. Bigger wheels may need riser pads so they don't touch the deck when you turn.
Want to see the difference? In Board Lab you can pick a deck width and see which trucks and wheels fit it, with every part of the skateboard explained.
Try Board Lab →Complete skateboard or custom setup?
A complete is a ready-to-ride board with the deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, bearings and hardware already assembled. For most beginners it is the simplest and best value first board.
Avoid toy boards from supermarkets and general stores. They often have plastic trucks and hard plastic wheels that make learning harder. Look for a 7-ply maple deck, metal trucks and urethane wheels. A specialist skate shop is the best place to buy, and they can put the grip tape on for you. A custom setup, where you choose each part, makes more sense once you know what you like.
Common sizing mistakes
- Going very wide "for stability" when you want to learn flip tricks. Too much board makes flips heavier and harder to catch.
- Buying a toy board. Plastic parts hold you back from day one.
- Ignoring truck width. Trucks that are much wider or narrower than the deck change how the board feels.
- Giving an adult a kid's board because it was cheaper. A narrow deck under big feet feels unstable.
- Choosing by graphic first. Pick the size, then the graphic you love in that size.
Do you need a board before your first lesson?
No. At Just Skate Bangkok, a board and protective gear are part of the service if you don't have your own yet. After a few sessions your coach can tell you which width suits your feet and style, and can go with you to the shop so you buy the right setup the first time.
FAQ
Both are good beginner sizes. An 8.0" deck feels a little lighter for flip tricks, while an 8.25" deck feels a little more stable. If your shoe size is around EU 42.5 or bigger, lean towards 8.25".
Usually a deck around 7.5" to 7.75" wide, depending on height and shoe size. A smaller 10 year old may still suit a junior 7.25" to 7.5" board, and a taller one with bigger feet may be comfortable on 7.875" or 8.0".
Not much for most riders. Length mostly follows width, and standard decks are around 31" to 32.5" long. Width, wheelbase and concave affect the feel more.
If you wear around EU 38 or smaller, start with a deck around 7.5" to 7.875" wide. It will be easier to control and to flip than a wider board.
No. At Just Skate Bangkok a board and protective gear are part of the service if you don't have your own yet, and your coach can help you choose the right size before you buy.