How Is Human Wingspan Measured?
Updated: Sep 28
To measure human wingspan, a person must extend their arms outward to the sides and hold them in a horizontal position. To achieve maximum arm length, the palms should face forward instead of downward.
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Distance is assessed from the tip of the longest digit of one hand (usually middle finger) to the tip of the longest digit on the opposite hand.
Definition of wingspan
Human wingspan may be defined as the distance from the tip of the longest digit of one hand (usually middle finger) to the tip of the longest digit of the opposite hand with the arms outstretched.
Alternative wingspan terminology
Human wingspan is often used interchangeably with the terms "arm span" and "reach."
Equipment required
Wingspan measurement can be assessed using either manual or electronic equipment. Manual examples might include tape measures or scales/rulers. Electronic examples include distance sensors or digital measuring scales.
Standard measurement procedure
To measure human wingspan, a person must extend their arms outward to the sides and hold them in a horizontal position. The distance from fingertip to fingertip is then recorded using a measuring scale.
Subject positioning
To prepare a subject for wingspan measurement, ensure the general area is free from obstruction. The person being measured will need to maintain an upright posture with arms outstretched. Arms should be perfectly straight with the ground surface.
Finger positioning
The middle finger is usually the longest digit. It is recommended to orient the fingers wide open and facing forward (supinated) to achieve maximum wingspan.
When the forearm is pronated (facing down), it has the effect of retracting the arm from the elbow to the hand. This occurs due to the way the forearm muscles change the alignment of the forearm bones, specifically the radius and ulna. However, supinating the fingers lengthens the forearm muscles, resulting in a greater wingspan.
How to record the measurement
To record wingspan, measure the distance from fingertip to fingertip with the arms fully outstretched. For greater accuracy, have an assistant help with the measurement, as proper technique can affect the result. If an assistant is unavailable, repeat the measurement 2 to 3 times and record the average or maximum distance among the trials.
How the measurement is recorded in practice depends largely on the technique or instrument being used. For example, when using a tape measure, the reading is taken at the point where the fingertip aligns with the tape. If a fixed scale is mounted on a wall, additional straightedges may sometimes be needed to establish accurate alignment with the fingertips. Electronic or autonomous methods may require no physical contact or external stimulus to record the measurement.
Common measurement errors
The accuracy of wingspan measurements can be affected by subject posture, arm position, measuring-device stability, and the technique used to take the measurement.
A person conducting a self-assessment may not be able to truly determine if their arms are straight, which can be a potential source of error. The person may think their arms are straight, when in fact they are angled too far upward or downward.
Longer wingspans might require one or two assistants to physically hold a tape measure to determine a subject's wingspan. This technique can lead to errors because the reference line on either end of the measuring device is never reliably stable due to constant movement.
Similarly, when assessing wingspan using a tape measure, there is often times a tendency for the tape to arch, which is another potential source of error.
Securing a tape measure directly to a wall does not always solve the problem. This method can be problematic because the tape measure itself must be perfectly level for the measurement to be accurate. Also, wall-mounted scales typically cannot be adjusted to accommodate the varying heights of different subjects.
Wall measurements require a subject's arms be perfectly straight for wingspan accuracy. Should the subject's hands or arms touch the wall, then a likely inaccurate measurement will result because it could be a sign that the shoulders are retracted too far, which renders a shorter wingspan than intended.
Measuring wingspan for children
The wingspan measurement technique is generally the same for both children and adults. Health practitioners often utilize various tools for measurement, such as flexible measuring tapes or anthropometers. Depending on age, children may need additional verbal instructions or physical assistance to maintain the correct posture or remain still for wingspan measurement.
Children differ from adults because their wingspan-to-height ratio can change substantially during periods of growth and development. In adults, wingspan is often similar to height, although individual differences are common.
Steps to measure children:
Position the child in an open area, free of obstacles
Have them hold their arms straight out, fingers fully extended
Measure the distance from the longest fingertip of one hand to the longest fingertip of the other
Record the result
Measuring wingspan for athletes
The process of measuring an athlete’s wingspan is no different from any other group. However, even though the fundamental testing procedure remains unchanged, health professionals or performance coaches may give greater attention to details such as posture and technique.
At the highest level of sport, small differences make a difference because wingspan can directly impact an athlete's ability to outreach or outperform competitors in certain events.
Measuring very tall people
Wingspan is measured for very tall people in the same way as for other individuals: with the arms extended horizontally and the distance measured from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other.
However, because a very tall person’s wingspan may exceed 213 cm (7 ft), and in rare cases, approach 243 cm (8 ft), two trained administrators may be needed to position the person and record the measurement accurately.
A standard tape measure may sag over longer distances. So it should be held taut and level, or replaced with a rigid measuring rod, wall markings, or electronic method.
Measuring wingspan outdoors
It can be advantageous to conduct wingspan measurements at outdoor events or athletic playing fields where a suitable wall may not be available. Fortunately, there are several alternatives you can try:
Create an improvised wall. Use a large board or panel as a wingspan measuring surface. If needed, multiple boards can be joined together to achieve the desired length, and a measuring scale can be affixed to the surface.
Use a tape measure. Wingspan can be evaluated by having at least two test administrators hold a tape measure horizontally to keep it straight.
Use electronic measurement techniques. Laser distance meters and other electronic measuring devices can provide an alternative to traditional methods. Some mobile apps can also be used for distance measurement.
Use a dedicated wingspan measuring tool. A specialized device can be a convenient solution for assessments that need to be administered outdoors.
Manual vs. dedicated equipment
Every wingspan measurement method has advantages and disadvantages. Manual methods, such as rulers and steel tapes, are relatively affordable and can provide accurate results when used correctly. They are also quick, easy to use, and versatile.
However, manual methods may be less consistent because their accuracy depends on the user’s technique or experience of the test administrator. They can also become time-consuming when measuring multiple individuals.
Dedicated wingspan measurement equipment offers greater accuracy, consistency, and testing speed. These benefits are particularly valuable in research and data collection, where reliable measurements are essential, and when measuring large groups, where speed and efficiency are important.
Dedicated equipment also helps promote proper posture and alignment, further improving consistency across individuals. Many devices can be used indoors or outdoors, and some are equipped with tools for collecting additional measurements beyond wingspan.
The primary drawback to dedicated equipment is cost. However, this initial investment may be offset by reduced testing times, improved accuracy, and greater overall efficiency.
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