If you’re interested in getting in a fun cardio session and going back to your childhood days, then the best jumping ropes are for you. But before you buy, it’s important to understand that not all jump rope sizes are created equal.
Depending on your height, experience level, and jumping style preferences, the length of the rope does matter. In this guide, we’ll explore the question we all want to know the answer to, how long should a jump rope be?
Why Does The Correct Jump Rope Length Matter?
Before learning how long a jump rope should be, let’s talk about why length matters in the first place. The right length makes a huge difference when it comes to performance, both for you and the rope.
If you’re using a jump rope that’s too long, the speed of your jumping can be stifled, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for an intense workout. If the rope is too short, beginners can struggle to learn proper jumping form, which can put them off jumping rope altogether.
To simplify things, the big reason that jump rope length matters is that every individual is different, not only in height but also in fitness level. If you’re advanced, then you can probably handle a short rope that requires faster jumps, but this isn’t generally the case for newcomers to the activity.
How Long Should A Jump Rope Be? (How To Know If It's The Right Size)
The length of your jump rope mostly depends on your height, but it also has a lot to do with your skill level and your workout goals. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to measure jump rope length based on these factors:
1. For Kids And Beginners
For kids and complete beginners, it’s best to err on the side of too long rather than too short. A longer jump rope will take more time to swing around, which means more time to make each jump.
Once you’ve gotten used to the activity, you can always shorten your jump rope to increase the challenge. The general rule of thumb for kids and beginners is for the rope to have between 16” and 30” of clearance when passing over the jumper’s head.
2. For Fitness Workouts
If you’re wondering what size jump rope for CrossFit or bodybuilding another specific workout style, then it's best to do a search based on the particular activity in question. Generally speaking, though, you want the rope to have a shorter clearance area between 6” and 10” when passing over the head.
3. For Speed Jumping
If speed is your main priority, then the shorter the rope, the better. Short ropes have a tendency to swing much faster, which means you have to jump faster to keep up. This is great for burning calories and weight loss. However, there is such a thing as too short, especially for taller individuals, so try to keep between 2” and 6” of clearance over the head.
4. For Boxing
Jumping rope is a common activity among boxing enthusiasts to get the body moving and the heart pumping. There’s no official rule stating how much clearance there should be when jumping rope as a boxer, so anywhere from ~5” to 10” works.
5. For Freestyle And Tricks
If you want to perform tricks between each jump, then you’ll need sufficient time to make each trick happen. In this case, it’s best to have between 12” and 24” of clearance over the head when the jump rope meets its highest point.
How To Measure The Right Length For A Jump Rope
We’ve covered the recommended clearance space in inches between the rope at its highest point and the top of the jumper's head, so now let's talk about how height plays a role in jump rope length. Of course, it goes without saying that the taller the individual, the longer the rope needs to be.
However, it’s also important to keep in mind the recommendations for jump rope length based on skill level and fitness goals. But for now, let’s disregard those and look at the general length suggestions for different height groups:
User Height | Recommended Jump Rope Length |
|---|---|
4’ - 4’10” | 7’ |
4’11” - 5’4” | 8’ |
5’5” - 5’11” | 9’ |
6’ - 6’4” | 10’ |
6’5”+ | 11’ |
Use these recommendations as a starting point, then feel free to adjust the rope length based on your skill level and fitness needs.
How To Adjust Jump Rope Length (If It’s Adjustable)
Now that you know exactly how to size your jump rope, it might be time to make some adjustments. Many newer jump ropes come with easy adjustability features, and some require you to cut the cable. If you have an adjustable rope, here’s how to make changes to its length in 5 easy steps:
- 1Stand on the midpoint of the rope with your feet positioned about 2 inches apart.
- 2Pull the rope taut so that the handles are positioned securely by your chest.
- 3For beginners, the top of the handles should reach around the armpit or just slightly below. If you’re more experienced, then the handles can be even lower than that for a shorter rope length and more challenging workout.
- 4Adjust the length of the rope by pulling it through the handles so that each handle stops at your desired point. Most ropes come with a holding screw that can easily be loosened and adjusted to the correct length. Loosen the screw, slide it to your new position, and retighten it.
- 5Once adjusted with the handles secured into place, cut the excess rope. Remember, it’s better to cut too little than too much, so feel free to do this a few times before hitting your perfect length.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is 10 minutes of jumping rope equivalent to?
According to ScienceDaily, “this aerobic exercise can achieve a ‘burn rate’ of up to 1300 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. Ten minutes of jumping rope can roughly be considered the equivalent of running an eight-minute mile.”
Should my jump rope hit the ground?
Yes. A Chicago Sun Times post says that “the rope should hit the ground right in front of you...Start the movement from your wrists, and stay on the balls of your feet. Your heels should not touch the ground when you’re jumping rope.”
Is it bad to jump rope every day? How many skips a day is good?
It’s perfectly fine to jump rope every day. Just make sure the number of skips (jumps) is compatible with your fitness level and overall health.
Is a jump rope bad for knees?
Jumping rope is not bad for your knees or joints, but only if you’re practicing proper form. Improper form could lead to discomfort, pain, or even serious injury to the knee. Do your best to keep each skip light and easy to reduce the impact on the knees.
Conclusion
There you have it - the complete guide to jump rope sizing, including how to measure and adjust jump rope length. Jump ropes are a fantastic investment, especially if you want a cardio workout but don't have space for large pieces of home gym equipment, like exercise bikes or ellipticals.
If you’re in the market for a new jump rope, it's recommended that you go with an adjustable rope that allows you to change its length easily.
Last Updated on February 22, 2023
