Skateboard Deck Sizes (Guide 2023)

Have you ever walked into a skateboard shop and felt overwhelmed by the different types and sizes of skateboards on display? Has it left you feeling confused about which skateboard deck size is best for you? Well, if this is the case, worry no more. We have for you the perfect guide to the different types of skateboard deck sizes.

What is a Skateboard Deck

The surface that you stand on while skateboarding is referred to as the skateboard deck. It is available in different shapes and sizes. The average skateboard deck size ranges from 7-inches to 10 inches.

The specific type of skateboard deck you purchase depends on your size and the style of skateboarding you prefer.

Why Does Skateboard Deck Size Matter

Skating on the wrong type or size of board can make your skating experience more difficult. A wrong choice can also make your learning curve steeper. Skateboard deck size matters as it helps make your riding experience safer and more enjoyable.

Here is a quick video that can explain why choosing the right size skateboard deck is important.

Skateboard Deck Width

While looking at skateboard deck sizes, the most important factor to consider is the board’s width. Skateboard deck widths vary from 7.5 inches to 8.25-inches. The deck width size matters because you want a board that is easy to control and balance.

If the skateboard width is greater than your size, you will have to exert more power and may have a difficult time performing tricks. On the other hand, if your skateboard width is too small for your size, balancing becomes a big issue.

Your shoe size and skating style all come into play while picking the width. The bigger your shoe size, the wider your skateboard width needs to be.

Wider widths make the board feel more comfortable and are perfect for cruising. On the other hand, smaller widths are best for street skating or park-style skating, as they provide an edge when performing various tricks.

Skateboard Deck Length

The length of the deck refers to the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. The average skateboard length ranges from 28 inches to 32-inches.

To maintain balance, the length of your skateboard must complement your height. However, if you are looking for a board to perform tricks, you must consider the deck width more.

Longer boards make landing easier, while shorter boards are easy to spin when performing tricks. However, when it is helpful to consider the length of the deck, it is not a necessary aspect.

Tip: The general idea, when taking into account the length of the board, is to have a board long enough for the skater’s legs to be shoulder-length apart when standing on the mounting holes.

Skateboard Deck Wheelbase

The distance between the inner mounting holes is referred to as the wheelbase. The average wheelbase ranges from 13 inches to 15-inches. The wheelbase is taken into consideration depending on the skill set possessed by the skateboarder.

While wheelbase distance is important when looking for longboards or cruisers, it doesn’t hold much relevance when looking for a trick board. Skateboards with shorter wheelbase distances are sharper and tighter at turns in comparison to boards with a wider wheelbase.

Different Skateboard Deck Sizes

If you’re a beginner at skateboarding, choose your board depending on the width. More advanced skateboarders refer to length or wheelbase as well.

Some general skateboard deck size guidelines are:

Micro Deck [width: 6.5 inches to 6.75-inches, length: 27.2 inches to 27.6-inches]: These are perfect for skaters that are 5 years of age or under, with height under 3’5” and wear a shoe size 3 or smaller.

Mini Deck [width: 7-inches, length: 28-inches]: These are perfect for skaters that are 6-8 years of age, with a height between 3’5” and 4’4”, and wear shoes between sizes 4 to 6.

Mid-size Deck [width: 7.3 inches, length: 29-inches]: These are perfect for skaters that are between 9-12 years of age, with a height between 4’5” and 5’2”, and wear shoes between sizes 7 to 8.

Full-Size Deck [width: 7.5 inches or larger, length: 28-inches]: These are perfect for skaters that are over the age of 13, with heights taller than 5’3”, and wear a shoe size of 9 or more.

However, the specific deck size is determined by the style preference of the skater:

• 7.5 inches to 8 inches: street skating or for more technical tricks
• 8-inches to 8.25-inches: skating pool, ramps, rails, and parks
• 8.25-inches or higher: verts, pools, and cruising

Conclusion

Skateboard deck sizes may seem irrelevant or confusing in the beginning, but a skateboard that is compatible with your ability, size, and preferred skating style makes a huge difference.

Determining what you prefer in terms of style and sizes often depends on trial and error. So, the next time you’re at the sports shop, you can put this information to the test. Figure out which skateboard deck size is best suited for you.

Related post: How Much Does A Skateboard Deck Weigh? Does It Matter?