How to Measure for a Motorcycle Helmet? – Step-by-Step Guide with FAQs, Tips, Tricks, & More

If you are looking for the perfect motorcycle helmet, you have to know what your preferences are. 

But are confused about how to measure a motorcycle helmet? 

To help you give an idea about what goes in measuring the perfect motorcycle helmet, we have created this complete guide with quick and easy steps for you to follow. 

Read this guide carefully to have a smooth buying process. 

Quick Summary


This guide includes all the detail about:

  • How to measure a motorcycle helmet?
  • Step-by-step instructions.
  • A detailed FAQs section.

Without further delay, let’s get you started. 

How to Successfully Measure a Motorcycle Helmet? – In-Depth Guide

Anyone who owns a motorcycle should invest in a helmet. This is because a helmet provides safety to your head and face. 

You should know that in case of an accident, no other safety gear provides more protection than a helmet. To find out how effective a motorcycle helmet is, CLICK HERE.

However, a helmet should not be bought based on appearance or price. The first thing you need to consider is the size and if it fits your head. 

Factors to Consider to Measure a Motorcycle Helmet 

In this guide, we will discuss the factors that are important to accurately measure a motorcycle helmet. 

These include:

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Note: All the helmets that are used in the US should be approved and are given a DOT (Department of Transportation) rating.

Moreover, you can also look into factors that are important for good DOT ratings. 

How to Measure Your Motorcycle Helmet – Step-by-Step Guide

Read this section carefully to properly measure your motorcycle helmet. 

Note that the most important element is the helmet’s comfort, less friction, and proper airflow to breathe. 

Without any delay, let us get into it. 

Step 1: Shape of the Motorcycle Helmet

The first factor that goes into measuring the motorcycle size is the shape. This means considering the shape of the rider’s head is very important when you determine the shape of a motorcycle helmet. 

After thorough research, we also found out that all helmet manufacturers make their helmets according to the shape of the heads. 

These include:

  • Long Oval Shape: In shapes, the front-to-back and side-to-side measurements determine the shape of motorcycle helmets. The front-to-back measurement is longer than the side-to-side measurements in this shape.
  • Intermediate Oval Shape: This is the most common motorcycle helmet shape. If you go to purchase a helmet and the shape is not mentioned then usually this is the shape. In this, the front-to-back measurements are slightly longer than side-to-side measurements. 
  • Round Oval Shape: In this motorcycle helmet shape, the front-to-back measurement is similar to the side-to-side measurements. 

Step 2: Sizing of the Motorcycle Helmet 

The best tool you can use to determine the size of the motorcycle helmet is a measuring tape. It is easy to wrap around the rider’s head and helps to determine the accurate size. 

Here is a complete guide to help you properly measure the size of the motorcycle helmet. 

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Step 2A: Use the Measuring Tape 

Wrap the measuring tape around the rider’s head specifically the fullest part of the head. 

Putt the measuring tape just above the ears and about half an inch above the eyebrows. 

Tip: Measuring your head size can be inaccurate so ask a friend to help you in this step.

Step 2B: Check the Motorcycle Measurement Chart 

Take the measurement carefully and compare it to the size chart. We prefer you check the measurement chart of the manufacturing brand of the helmet. 

This step is very important just as the clothing sizes may vary from brand to brand. 

Tip: Always check the measurement chart and there are high chances that your helmet’s manufacturer has a free first exchange policy if the size is inaccurate. 

Step 2C: A Rough Idea about Helmet Measurement Size Chart 

Many variances can occur but usually helmet measurement size charts are like this. 

SizeSize of the Hat Head Circumference 
X-Small6-⅝ – 6-¾ 53 cm – 54 cm
Small6-7 / 8-755 cm – 56 cm
Medium7-⅛ – 7-¼ 57 cm – 58 cm
Large7-⅜ – 7-½ 59 cm – 60 cm
X-Large7-⅝ – 7-¾ 61 cm – 62 cm
2X-Large7-⅞ – 863 cm – 64 cm 
3X-Large 8-⅛ – 8-¼ 65 cm – 66 cm
4X-Large8-⅜ – 8-½ 67 cm – 68 cm
5X-Large8-⅝ – 8-¾ 69 cm – 70 cm

Look at this helmet size chart and compare the measurement taken on the measuring tape. 

This could give you a better idea about the size of the helmet you should purchase for yourself. 

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Step 3: Fit of the Helmet 

The fit of the helmet is checked by actually wearing it on your head. It needs to be a little tight and fitted and not loose so it can grip your head in place. 

Put your finger between the helmet interior and head to check if it fits perfectly.. 

Tip: Always check the face shield, it should not be tinted because that can block or blur your vision. 

Step 4: Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets 

There are many variations now in the helmets. Make sure you check and vary out the pros and cons before you pick the best one according to your needs.

size of the helmet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

We have also added this FAQs section to make sure your confusion is addressed. This will help you increase your knowledge about motorcycle helmets. 

Are women’s helmets different from men’s helmets?

Yes, the women’s helmets are different from men’s helmets. Usually, women are petite and have small heads than men. 

This means that the motorcycle helmet’s chart sizes are different based on gender. 

How can you be sure of what helmet to buy?  

The first thing you need to do is measure the size of your head and then pick a helmet accordingly. If it fits, it could be the best one for you.

However, you might want to vary what your preferences are, this could help you shortlist the best one for your needs.

How do you know the helmet’s size is too small for me?

Their many factors that can indicate the helmet’s size is too small for you. 

First, it is extremely suffocating, it has painful pressure points around uncomfortable places, Moreover, if you have a red forehead that indicates there is more friction. 

To Conclude…

We understand that measuring and choosing the perfect and comfortable motorcycle helmet can be quite a hectic job.

However, this guide has everything you need to know about how to measure your helmet before you make your final choice. 

 we hope this guide helped you and made the process as easy for you as possible.

Feel free to contact us if you have any queries. CLICK HERE for more information about helmet guides.