Wheelchair Measurement Guide

Seat Width
Seat width is the measure of the widest part of the legs when sitting. Measured as outside of
thigh to outside of thigh.

Proper fitting recommendations: beneficial for the seat width to be the exact thigh-to-thigh
measurement. A tight seating set-up allows the user to maintain better posture and improves
balance and maneuverability. Depending on the amount of tissue on the outsides of the thighs,
a slight amount of pressure applied by the fixed side guards allows loose muscle tissue to be
contained which provides better pressure distribution under the IT bones.

Seat Depth
Is measured from back of bum to back of knee minus 1.5-2” to allow clearance behind the
knees and the seat sling.

Lower Leg Length

Is measured from the back of the knee to the base of the heel. This will partially determine the
front seat height of the wheelchair.

Front Seat Height

Measured from the floor to the front of the seat (without a cushion). The seat height is
determined based on the preference and needs of the user. Leg length and height of the user
will be a factor, as will considerations such as transfer heights in the users environment.

Back Seat Height

Measured from the floor to the back of the seat (without a cushion). Again based on the
preference and needs of the user.

Squeeze/Seat Slope
Seat slope or “squeeze” refers to the angle of the seat that is created when there is a difference
in height between the front of the wheelchair seat (from the ground) and the back of the
wheelchair seat (from the ground). This difference in height changes the angle between the seat
and the backrest.
 Advantages a Smaller Angle Disadvantages of a Smaller
(More Squeeze) Angle (More Squeeze)

● Improves balance for ● May cause discomfort

those with limited
abdominal muscles
● Prevents user from
sliding forward in the
chair
● Allows user to “sit”
further in their wheels
which provides better
propulsion mechanics

Camber
The degree of outward angle of the wheels.

Advantages Disadvantages

● Lateral stability ● Much wider wheel

● Hand rim is closer to base
users body which ● Every degree of
reduces shoulder camber adds ¾” to
strain when wheeling overall width of the
● Hand rim is better wheelchair
positioned for a ● Potential for uneven
natural push which tire wear and less
improves body traction
mechanics
● Wide wheel base
protects hands since
bottom of the wheel
hits obstacle instead
of hands
● Quicker turning and
acceleration
● Help redistribute
vibrational energy
from the ground
making the ride more
comfortable
Wheelbase
The distance between the front wheels and the back wheels. For someone taller than 5’8” a
wheelbase should not be less than 16” or the wheelchair might be tippy when the user bends
forward. A good test of a stable wheelbase is to lean forward on your knees and if your shoulder
is in line (or close to) your caster then the stability should be good.

Shorter Wheelbase Longer Wheelbase

● More maneuverability ● More stable

Center of Gravity
The point at which the weight of the wheelchair is balanced. Things that can influence the center
of gravity include size of wheelbase, location of the axle, etc. The more weight that is above the
axle or even behind the axle improves the mechanics of the wheelchair and makes it easier to
push.

Advantages to a Lighter Front End (rear Disadvantages to a Lighter Front End (rear
wheels more forward) wheels more forward.

● Easier to do wheelies to negotiate ● Reduced stability

obstacles
● User has more access to handrims
and a longer push stroke, making
each push more effective and easier
on the arms
● More of the users weight on the back
rims, providing more traction
Chair Measurement

Less is More
Snug Fit
Forward COG
Wheelbase

RESNA folks talk about functioning eve-

Seat Width
The seat width determines the Seat Depth
ryday with a wheelchair (FEW) and they user’s comfort and performance Leg Length
underline the following points: … we strive for better positioning, Front Seat Height
better balance, better Rear Seat Height
1. Stability, durability, dependability maneuverability. Back Height
2. Comfort Needs A snug fit supports the end user
enhancing performance and Optimize the COG
3. Health Needs allows for the best biomechanical or center of mass
practices to be used in whether you are
4. Operation of the equipment working with a
propulsion whether the end user
is 9 or 99! Paralympic
5. Reach or height Athlete or end
user in a nursing
6. Transfer issues home.
7. Personal Care 75-85% weight on
the rear axle
8. Indoor Mobility takes the load off
the front casters
9. Outdoor Mobility and enhances
performance.
10. Transportation
Ensure rearward
stability for the
49 Bespoke Inc. end user.
51 Caldari Road, Units 6-7B
What color
Concord, ON L4K 4G3 spokes!