The fastest way to find the right kite size for your weight and wind.
Enter your weight in kilograms and the average wind speed at your home spot in knots. The calculator gives you your recommended kite size instantly — and highlights the matching cell in the full size chart below.
Kite size calculator
Enter your weight and home spot average wind speed to find the right kite size.
in kilograms
in knots
Please enter valid values — weight (40–120 kg) and wind speed (13–40 kn).
Recommended kite size
–
Full size chart — by weight and wind speed
| Weight | 13–16 kn | 17–20 kn | 21–25 kn | 26–30 kn | 30+ kn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50–60 kg | 12m | 9m | 7m | 6m | 5m |
| 60–70 kg | 12m | 10m | 8m | 7m | 6m |
| 70–80 kg | 14m | 12m | 9m | 7m | 6m |
| 80–90 kg | 16m | 12m | 10m | 8m | 7m |
| 90–100 kg | 17m | 14m | 12m | 9m | 8m |
How to Use This Kite Size Calculator
Two inputs. One result.
Your weight — use your body weight in kilograms. Don't adjust for wetsuit or harness — those add maybe 3 to 5kg and won't shift you into a different size category.
Average wind speed — this is the wind speed your home spot runs most of the time, not the strongest or lightest day you've ever seen there. If you're not sure, spend a few sessions checking with a wind forecast app and build a realistic picture of your spot's typical conditions.
The calculator finds your weight range and wind band and returns the kite size where they meet. It also highlights that cell in the full chart so you can see how neighbouring sizes compare.
About These Numbers
This chart is based on 20 years of riding and fixing kitesurfing gear across multiple countries and conditions. The sizes are what I'd recommend to a rider coming to me for advice — not theoretical numbers from a formula, but real-world sizes that work.
A few things worth knowing:
These are starting points. Riding style, board size, kite design, and local conditions all affect what works best for you specifically. A wave rider and a freeride rider at the same weight in the same wind may ride different sizes. Use the calculator as a baseline, then adjust from experience.
Gusts matter more than average speed. If your spot has wide gust gaps — big difference between average wind and peak gusts — consider going one size smaller than the calculator suggests. A gusty 20 knots is harder to manage than a steady 20 knots.
When in doubt, go bigger. It's easier to depower a kite that's slightly too large than to struggle for power on one that's too small. Especially as a beginner.
Most riders end up with two kites. One for lighter wind days, one for stronger wind. If you're buying your first kite, choose the size that covers your most common conditions — not your extreme days.
Download the PDF Version
Want to take this to the beach? Download the free PDF version of the kite size chart — print it out and keep it in your kite bag.
Related Guides
- Best Kite for Beginners — what else to look for beyond size
- Kitesurfing Second Hand Gear — how to buy the right size second hand
- Wind Forecast App Kitesurfing — how to find your home spot's average wind
- Kitesurfing Weather Guide — understanding conditions before you buy
- Kitesurfing for Beginners — the complete starting guide
FAQs
How do I use the kite size calculator?
Enter your weight in kilograms and the average wind speed at your home spot in knots, then click Calculate. The tool returns your recommended kite size and highlights the matching cell in the full size chart.
What size kite do I need for my weight?
Kite size depends on both your weight and the wind speed — not weight alone. A 75kg rider needs a 14m in 13–16 knots, a 12m in 17–20 knots, and a 9m in 21–25 knots. Use the calculator above to find the right size for your specific weight and conditions.
Is this kite size calculator accurate?
The chart is based on 20 years of riding and real-world experience across multiple wind conditions and locations. It gives you a solid starting point — individual factors like riding style, board size, and kite design may shift your ideal size slightly from the recommendation.
What if my weight or wind speed is outside the chart range?
The chart covers 50–100kg and 13–40 knots — the practical range for most kitesurfing conditions. Below 13 knots there isn't enough wind to kitesurf reliably for most riders. Above 40 knots, conditions are beyond recreational riding for all but the most experienced riders.
Should I buy one kite or two?
Most riders end up with two — a larger kite for lighter wind and a smaller one for stronger wind. For your first purchase, choose the size that covers your most common conditions. A second kite can wait until you know your riding well enough to know exactly what you need.
Can I use this calculator for second hand kite buying?
Yes — and it's especially useful for second hand purchases. Getting the size wrong on a second hand kite is an expensive mistake. Check the calculator before you agree to any deal. The second hand gear guide covers everything else to check before you buy.
Built by The Kite Mechanic — 20 years on the water, 8+ countries, more kites fixed than I can count. KitesurfBase.com — Honest gear advice. Real repair guides. No fluff.
