What Height Should Your Walking Stick or Cane Be? (Easy NZ Sizing Guide)
A Mobility Plus buying guide — family-run and Kiwi-owned since 2005.
Quick answer: To size a walking stick correctly, stand up straight in your normal shoes with your arms relaxed by your sides. The top of the cane handle should reach the crease of your wrist. When you then hold the handle, your elbow should be bent at a slight, comfortable angle (about 15–20°). A cane that's too tall makes your shoulder hunch and pushes your wrist up; one that's too short makes you lean and stoop. As a rough starting point, cane height in centimetres is often close to your height in cm divided by two, but always check against the wrist measurement.
A walking stick set to the wrong height does more harm than good — it throws off your posture and can actually make you less steady. The good news is that sizing one correctly takes about thirty seconds. Here's how.
How to measure your walking stick height (step by step)
- Wear your normal shoes. Heel height changes the measurement, so use the shoes you'll walk in.
- Stand up straight on a flat floor, arms hanging relaxed at your sides.
- Find your wrist crease — the line where your wrist bends, at the base of your palm.
- Measure from the floor to that wrist crease. That distance is your ideal cane height (handle top).
- Check the elbow. Holding the handle at that height, your elbow should bend slightly — around 15–20°. That slight bend lets the cane absorb weight and helps you walk naturally.
If you're buying for someone who can't stand easily, measure from the floor to their wrist crease while they stand supported, or measure a stick they already use comfortably.
Why the right height matters
- Too tall: you have to raise your shoulder and cock your wrist to reach the handle, which causes shoulder, wrist and neck strain and reduces control.
- Too short: you lean and stoop forward, putting strain on your back and making you less stable — the opposite of what a cane is for.
- Just right: upright posture, a slight elbow bend, and the cane taking weight smoothly with each step.
Which hand should hold the cane?
For general support, hold the cane in the hand opposite your weaker or sore leg, and move the cane forward at the same time as that leg. This spreads your weight and gives a more natural, balanced stride. (Your physiotherapist may advise differently for your situation — always follow their guidance.)
Adjustable vs fixed-height canes
- Adjustable canes (usually aluminium or carbon fibre) telescope to your exact height and are easy to fine-tune — ideal if you're not sure of your size, or buying as a gift. Browse our lightweight canes, folding canes and ultra-light carbon fibre canes.
- Wooden canes are fixed-length and cut to size for a classic, sturdy feel. We can cut our handcrafted wooden canes to your exact height before we send them — see our handcrafted wooden canes.
Not sure? Start with an adjustable cane so you can dial in the perfect height at home.
Don't overlook the cane tip
The rubber tip (ferrule) is what grips the ground, and a worn tip is a slip risk. Replace it when the tread wears smooth. For extra stability, a wider or self-standing base can help — see our cane accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure the right walking stick height?
Stand up straight in your normal shoes with your arms relaxed at your sides, and measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist. That measurement is the correct height for the top of the cane handle. Your elbow should bend slightly (about 15–20°) when you hold it.
What happens if my walking stick is too tall or too short?
Too tall forces you to raise your shoulder and bend your wrist, causing strain and poor control. Too short makes you stoop and lean, straining your back and reducing stability. The right height keeps you upright with a slight elbow bend.
Which hand should I hold my walking stick in?
Generally, hold it in the hand opposite your weaker or painful leg and move them forward together. This balances your weight for a steadier, more natural stride. Follow your physiotherapist's advice if they've recommended otherwise.
Can you cut a wooden walking stick to my height?
Yes — we can cut our handcrafted wooden canes to your exact measurement before dispatch, so it arrives ready to use. Just provide your floor-to-wrist height when ordering.
What's the correct elbow angle for a cane?
When standing straight and holding the cane, your elbow should be bent at roughly 15–20°. That slight bend lets the cane absorb your weight and helps you walk smoothly.
Need a hand choosing?
Send us your floor-to-wrist measurement and we'll help you pick — or size and cut — the right cane. Call 022 022 9956 or email info@mobilityplus.co.nz. Family-run, 100% Kiwi-owned, helping New Zealanders move more freely since 2005.