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• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Measure your inseam
• Method 2 of 2: Measure true leg length

Whether you're looking for a new bike, checking your pants size, or a size difference, you need to know how to accurately measure your leg length. Measuring your inseam to find a good size bike is a different process than measuring your true leg length, which is used to find discrepancies between the lengths of your legs. The inseam is measured from the top of your legs to your ankles. For more accurate results, you can ask a friend to help you. If you don't have anyone to help you, you can take your own measurements.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Measure your inseam

1. Take off your shoes and put on tight pants. This way you get a more accurate length measurement. You can take the measurement on socks or bare feet.
   • Cycling shorts, leggings, or tight running shorts are best for an accurate measurement.
2. Stand upright. Hanging affects the accuracy of your measurement. Make yourself as tall as you can without arching your back.
3. Choose a flat object to serve as a reference and place it between your legs. Hold that firmly between your legs at cruising height without pinching it. Clamping your reference object too hard will affect your posture and give you a wrong reading.
   • A large, thin book, a spirit level, a ruler, or a large folder can all serve well as reference objects.
   • In addition to providing a reference point, the object also mimics the position and height of your bicycle saddle.
4. Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the floor to the top of your reference object. Take at least three measurements and take the average to ensure accuracy.
   • You can measure in centimeters or inches, but centimeters will give a more accurate measurement.
   • A stiff tape measure is best, preferably a tape measure with an outer jacket. It has more weight and stiffness and will be more accurate if you take your own measurements.
   • Write down your measurement. Once your measurement is written down, you can look it up later if you are looking at pants sizes or bike size tables.
   • The inseam lengths for a bicycle differ depending on the type of bicycle you want. Your basic measurement will help you find the right bike for you.
   • To find your pant length from the inseam in front of your bike, measure the distance from the floor to the hem of your pants and subtract that from the inseam for your bike.

Method 2 of 2: Measure true leg length

1. Find a friend to help you measure your legs. Measuring your own true leg length is very difficult and will not give an accurate result.
2. Lie down on a flat surface. Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your feet hip-width apart.
3. Measure from your hip to your ankle. Find the bony joint where your hip meets your leg. This is called your anterior superior iliac spine, or SIAS. Measure from this point to the bony joint of your ankle. Do it on both sides and write down your results.
4. If you find a major abnormality, see a doctor. A little difference in leg length is normal. No one has perfectly symmetrical legs, but a difference of more than 15 mm can affect your gait.
   • Keep in mind that measuring with a tape measure is not always accurate and it does not replace an official diagnosis. If you find a significant difference in the length of your legs, see a doctor for further diagnosis.