Use the below calculator to determine how big an object, such as a snow shovel, should be given your height.

Units: imperial metric Your Height: Average Height: Original Object Length: Calculate









Manufactured goods like tools are typically designed for the average height person. For example, most snow shovels are designed for someone around 5’7″ tall. This poses an ergonomic hazard for anyone taller or shorter than this, and particularly for those who are much taller or shorter. Kitchen counters, furniture, sporting equipment, all manner of tools etc. all suffer similarly. In some cases, longer or shorter versions can be found, and then other times existing items must be adapted. An example of the latter is the modified snow shovel; a longer shaft can be swapped in. The question, however, is how much longer? In general, an object’s size should be proportional to the user. So if a standard snow shovel comes up to an average person’s shoulder, a taller person should find a snow shovel that comes up to their shoulder or adapt one to do so. In certain situations, the above calculator may prove helpful in ball-parking the proper size.

In the US, the average person is about 5’7″ tall. But if the original item was intended for a different population or a particular gender or age, then you should enter the appropriate average height in the calculator.