A cane at the wrong height causes more pain than it fixes. If it is too high, you will strain your shoulder. If it is too low, you will hunch over and hurt your back.
You do not need a doctor to size it. You just need a tape measure and your regular shoes.
Follow this guide to find your exact size in under two minutes.
Table Of Contents
The Golden Rule: The Wrist Crease
Stop guessing. Height charts are just estimates. Your arm length matters more than your total height. A tall man might have long arms and need a shorter cane than a short man with short arms.
Use the “Wrist Crease Method” for accuracy:
- Stand Tall: Stand on a hard, flat floor.
- Shoes On: Wear your everyday walking shoes. Do not measure barefoot.
- Arms Loose: Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
- Measure: The top of the cane handle must align with the crease of your wrist.
Learn the technique: How to Walk With a Cane for Balance: A Simple Guide to Stability.
When you grab the handle, your elbow should bend about 20 degrees. This slight bend acts as a shock absorber for your arm.
Walking Cane Size Chart (By Height)
Use this chart as a starting point. It helps you buy the right size range before you fine-tune it.
| User Height | Approx. Cane Length |
|---|---|
| 4′ 10″ – 5′ 2″ | 29 – 30.5 inches |
| 5′ 3″ – 5′ 6″ | 31 – 33 inches |
| 5′ 7″ – 5′ 9″ | 33 – 34 inches |
| 5′ 10″ – 6′ 0″ | 35 – 36 inches |
| Over 6′ 1″ | 37+ inches |
Pro Tip: If you fall between sizes, always choose the longer setting. You can shorten a cane, but you cannot make it grow.
Top Rated Adjustable Aluminum Canes
How to Measure Yourself (Step-by-Step)
You might not have a friend nearby to help you measure. That is okay. Use these tricks.
Option A: With a Friend (Easiest)
Stand normally with your arms at your sides. Ask a friend to measure from the floor up to your wrist joint. That number is your cane length.
Option B: The Solo Trick (If you are alone)
Stand next to a wall. Mark the wall with a piece of tape or a pencil exactly where your wrist bone touches it. Step away and measure from the floor to the mark.
Vive Folding Cane (Easy-Adjust)
Lightweight, collapsible, and easily adjustable for most heights.
Shop Easy-Adjust Canes →Adjusting Your Cane: Push-Button vs. Wood
Once you have your number, you need to set the cane.
💡 Not sure which type to buy?
Check our complete buyer’s guide: Walking Cane with Feet Review: Best Options for Balance & Stability.
Adjustable Canes (Aluminum): Most modern canes use a simple push-button system. Loosen the collar, push the button, slide to your size, and tighten.
Wooden Canes (Custom Fit): You must cut these to size. Measure twice, cut once. Remove the rubber tip, mark your length, and saw off the excess wood from the bottom.
Handcrafted Wooden Canes
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Ignoring Shoes: You walk in shoes, not barefoot. Measuring barefoot will give you a cane that is too short.
- The “Hunch”: Do not look down at your wrist while measuring. Looking down rounds your shoulders. Look straight ahead.
- Locking the Elbow: If your arm is stick-straight when holding the cane, it is too short. You need that 20-degree bend.
Make sure you use the correct hand too. Read: Which Side to Use a Walking Cane? (The Golden Rule).
Best Canes for Different Heights
Not all canes fit all people. Standard canes usually adjust from 29 to 38 inches.
| Petite (Short) | Standard | Tall (6’2″+) |
|---|---|---|
 Short/Petite Cane Check Price |
 Standard Offset Check Price |
 NOVA Extra Tall Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size cane for a 5’9″ man?
You likely need a cane between 33 and 34 inches. However, measure your wrist height to be sure.
Where should the cane be placed when walking?
Hold the cane in the hand opposite your weak leg. Place the tip about 4 to 6 inches to the side.
Can I adjust a wooden cane?
Yes. You can shorten it by sawing the bottom. However, you cannot make it longer.
How do I know if my cane is too high?
Your shoulders will feel “shrugged” or raised when you walk. You might feel neck pain.
Conclusion: Comfort is Key
The right height makes the cane feel like an extension of your body. It should not feel like work to use it.
Check your measurement. If your back hurts after a walk, your cane might be too low. Use the “Wrist Rule” and walk with confidence.
Tariqul
Tariqul is a dedicated health and wellness blogger with a background in health sciences. With years of experience in patient education and health communication, he focuses on providing accurate, easy-to-understand information to help readers make informed decisions about their well-being. Passionate about bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and everyday life, Tariqu ensures his content is both practical and medically sound.