How to Measure a Riding Helmet for Perfect Fit

Protect your head with a properly sized helmet.

When participating in riding sports such as bicycling or horseback riding, it is very important to wear a protective helmet. Helmets have been proven to help prevent life-threatening injuries, should you fall while riding. In order for a helmet to effectively protect your head, it must be the correct size and fit; a helmet that is too big will not protect you effectively in case of a fall. Correctly measuring your head is just one part of fitting a helmet perfectly, but you must also adjust any straps or padding on the helmet to ensure it is correctly fitted.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Wrap a measuring tape around your entire head. The measuring tape should sit just above the ears and wrap around the center of the forehead and the back of your skull. Note the measurement.

2. Use this measurement to help you pick out a size of helmet. All helmet sizes are different, but they should have a fitting chart on the box that will help you select the right helmet for your measurements.

3. Add or remove pads on the inside of the helmet to help you achieve the perfect fit. Helmets often have removable pads made of Velcro. Add thinner or thicker pads to accommodate your head size. The helmet should be as low on your head as possible and sit snugly on your head.

4. Adjust the chin strap to the correct size. The chin strap should be snug against the bottom of your chin and the "Y"-shaped straps should be just below your ears on each side. When you open your mouth, you should feel the helmet pull tighter against your head. The helmet should sit level on the head and not budge when you shake your head around.

References

• Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet
• Shopping Trolley.net: Bike Helmets -- How to Choose
• Techno Moto Sport: Choosing a Helmet that Fits Properly