Wheelchair Measuring Chart
Measure for Wheelchair
How to take simple wheelchair measurements.
Overall widths and other dimensions vary across several categories of Wheelchairs. Almost all wheelchair buyers should be concerned with some of the basic dimensions such as overall width. You should begin by scouting out the lay-of-the-land. Do this by identifying the smallest and narrowest doorways, passage ways, elevators, or whatever you can think of or visualize that will be part of your day. Around the home it's usually a bathroom door or narrow hallway that limits access. Heavier users with wider chairs may see obstacles at every turn.
In general, use the formulas below to determine the overall width of a wheelchair:
- Transport Wheelchair: Seat Width + 3"
- Standard Folding Wheelchair: Seat Width + 8"
- Reclining Wheelchairs: Seat Width + 8"
- Bariatric Wheelchairs: Seat Width + 8"
More detailed information on selecting frame style, back style, front rigging and upholstery see Wheelchair Option Descriptions.
Consult with each products specifications page to get exact dimensions.
How to Measure for Wheelchair Size
Who needs to measure?
Measuring for Transport Wheelchair, standard wheelchairs and most lightweight wheelchairs need only the seat width & depth. In some cases, for those patients wanting to propel the chair with their feet, the seat-to-floor height.
Helping you configure.
Some of our wheelchairs have detailed configuration information and require additional measurements. To help you through the configuration process we have provided the Seating Chart below to help with various menu selections and choices. In addition, this information may be needed when calling-in your order.
Write this down.
Get a piece of paper & pencil and write down these simple measurements. You can also print this page and fill in the blanks. An easy way to measure seat width is to place a book on each side of the hips while seated then measure the distance between the books. You might allow an additional inch if the user will wear a coat in the winter.
What we do.
We review all online orders for correctness before charges are actually made to your credit card. Our review basically looks for inconsistencies like a cushion that doesn't match the wheelchair seat size, or a chair ordered without footrests. We can spot most irregularities and will contact the customer by phone and email to verify and review the order.
How to Buy A Wheelchair
Narrow Selection to Type.
Choose your wheelchair based on patient and caregiver needs. If you know you will always push the patient you may only require a lightweight Transport. Standard wheelchairs with larger rear wheels will be required for the patient to propel themselves. Ultra-lightweight, Sports, Reclining and tilt-in-space wheelchairs can be configured on our website.
Configure.
Most wheelchair product pages allow you to configure. Select the seat width & depth along with any other information as required. Know patient's basic seat measurements before you begin your order.
Use this form to record your measurements:
Note about "Overall Wheelchair Width":For most folding, standard weight and lightweight wheelchairs the overall width of the chair (outside wheel to outside wheel) is determined by adding 8" to the seat width. Transport chairs generally add 0-3" to seat width, depending on wheelchair model.
Your info:
Weight. required by PHC Customer Service
Height. required by PHC Customer Service
Diagnosis. optional - for PHC Customer Service
Seat width. See # 3 in wheelchair diagram below. This is the width of the back-side when sitting on a flat surface.
Seat Depth. Make this measurements by measuring from back of buttock to inside of knee as in "C" below. Rule of thumb is that there should be two fingers length between the seat and the back of the knee.
Back height. Measure this from the top of the shoulders down to the bottom of the back-side when sitting on a flat surface. See "B" below.
Seat-to-Floor height. Make this measurement as pictured in "D" below. This is important if the patient is going to propel the wheelchair using feet. Otherwise, wheelchairs are available in various seat heights.
Printable Seating Chart
Wheelchair Size & Weight
Size ? / Please use this seating chart to determine correct chair size. Seat width, seat depth, back height, and seat-to-floor height are crucial to configuring the correct wheelchair.
Seat-to-Floor Height? / Seat-to-floor height is important if the patient is going to propel the wheelchair with their feet. Seat-to-floor height can be adjusted down approximately 2" by purchasing a "dual axle" wheelchair. On these "adjustable height" chairs with "dual axles" the front forks have several holes to allow moving the front wheels up or down a few inches. The combination of these adjustments allow for about 2.5 inches of adjustment in seat-to-floor height.
in general: / Standard seat-to-floor height for a wheelchair is 18" to 20". Hemi is 17.5 to 18.5- inches and varies somewhat with manufacturers. Anything lower to the ground is either a "super" or "ultra" Hemi. In some cases to achieve a lower seat-to-floor height the rear wheels are changed from the standard 24-inch to either a 22 or 20-inch. The front casters are also changed from a standard 8-inch to a 6 or 5-inch. Remember: if you are adding a cushion to a wheelchair allow that differential (you'll be adding approx. 2" to seat height.)
Wheelchair Weight:
Question: / Do you know the difference between a standard weight and a lightweight wheelchair?
Answer: / The difference can be as much as 15-lbs. or more.
More... / Overall weight is definitely a consideration if the wheelchair is going to be transported in a car trunk, backseat, or propelled by an individual. Some steel framed chairs approach 50-lbs. and can be too difficult to propel, carry, or lift. More popular lightweight wheelchairs range in weight from from 28-lbs to 36-lbs and are easier to lift into a car trunk.
Diagnosis: / The patient's condition may determine the weight of a chair. For instance, if a patient has suffered a stroke, has limited mobility, arthritis, or is encumbered in any other way, they may not be able to propel a heavier chair; however, this same patient may be able to propel a lightweight chair.
Accessories.
Anti-tips: / Accessories such as anti-tips are appropriate when a patient is very active and there is a risk of falling.
Seat belts: / A seat belt will prevent a patient from sliding down or out of a chair.
Brake extensions: / Brake extensions are recommended for ease of use, particularly with patients who have arthritis or similar conditions.
Positioning Devices: / Cushions, laterals, lap trays, back supports, and many other similar devices can appropriately position a patient in a chai