How to Measure for a Motorcycle Helmet

New Mexico’s helmet motorcycle law only applies to riders under 18, but adult riders are still encouraged to wear one for safety. According to the National Safety Council, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of fatal injury by as much as a third (37%), and helmets save thousands of lives annually. 

Not just any helmet will do, though—you need one that fits correctly. In the interest of safety, motorcyclists need to know how to measure for a motorcycle helmet to ensure proper fit and maximum protection. 

How Should a Motorcycle Helmet Fit?

Everyone’s head is shaped a bit differently, so it’s important to find one that fits snugly around the contours of your skull. A helmet that is the correct size will fit the head and provide an even pressure around your forehead and crown. The bottom of the helmet should sit about two fingers up from your eyebrows, and it should not move when you move your head. 

When you buy a new helmet, wear it around for about 30 minutes to see how it feels on your head. If you notice uneven pressure points around your forehead, the helmet is most likely the wrong size, and you should try a different sizing. Helmets change shape to match the head over time, so it should get more comfortable the more you wear it. 

How to Measure for a Motorcycle Helmet

The simplest method of measuring a motorcycle helmet is to use a cloth tape measure. Wrap the tape measure around the widest point around your head and mark the measured length. You can cross reference this measurement with the sizing chart from your favored helmet brand. 

Exact sizing differs depending on the brand, but smaller adult helmets usually start at around 53 centimeters, while the largest adult helmets measure about 64 centimeters. Don’t rely on generic sizing charts; only use charts directly from the manufacturer. 

Helmet Shape

Helmet measurement is not the only thing that matters. Even if it’s the correct measurement, a wrongly shaped helmet still won’t fit properly and won’t offer adequate protection. You can split helmet shapes into three rough categories:

• Long oval helmets have a longer front-to-back design than ear-to-ear design and are suitable for those with longer heads.
• Intermediate oval helmets have a closer ratio of front-to-back and ear-to-ear lengths and are probably the most common helmet shape. 
• Round oval helmets have nearly identical front-to-back and ear-to-ear measurements and are fit for rounder heads. 

If you know your general head shape, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down different models to a more manageable list of selections. From there, you can find a helmet with the right dimensions. 

Wearing a properly fitting helmet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself on the road. By understanding how a helmet should fit, measuring your head correctly, and choosing the right shape for your head, you can ensure maximum comfort and safety. Remember, your helmet is your first line of defense—it’s worth taking the time to find the perfect one.

At Law Tigers, we’re passionate about rider safety and here to support motorcyclists like you. Whether you need guidance after an accident or want to learn more about staying safe on the road, we’re here to help. Sign up for our FREE Rider Benefit Kit and take advantage of a free case evaluation if you ever need it. Visit Law Tigers today and ride with confidence!