Surfboard sizes: the feet/inches ↔ centimeters (cm) guide

Understanding surfboard sizes is not always intuitive: surfing uses the imperial system (feet ’, inches ”) while in Europe we think in terms of centimetersThis guide shows you how to read the odds, avoid pitfalls (e.g. 6'1" ≠ 6'10"), and easily convert to cm.

The imperial system explained simply

• 1 foot (1') = 12 inches (12")

• 1 inch (1”) = 2.54 cm

• 1 foot (1') = 30.48 cm

The dimensions are: 6'2" x 19" x 2 ½".

• 6’2” = length (6 feet and 2 inches)

• 19” = width (at the beam)

• 2 ½” = thickness

⚠️ Beware of common pitfalls

6'1 (6 feet and 1 inch) is nothing like 6'10 (6 feet and 10 inches).

• 6'1" = 73" = 185.4 cm

• 6’10 = 82” = 208.3 cm
  The difference is 9” ≈ 22.9 cm!
  You never exceed 11” in a foot. Writing 6’12 is incorrect (it becomes 7’0).

Conversion formula & quick calculations

• cm = feet × 30.48 + inches × 2.54

• Useful shortcuts:

  • +1” = +2.54 cm

  • +6” = +15.24 cm

  • +1' (12") = +30.48 cm

Examples

• 6'0 → 6 × 30.48 = 182.9 cm

• 6'2 " → 182.9 + (2 × 2.54) = 188.0 cm

• 7’6 → 7 × 30.48 + 6 × 2.54 = 228.6 cm

Practical conversion table (rounded to the nearest cm)

(Conversions calculated and slightly rounded for readability.)

Width & thickness: carefully read the fractions of an inch

Width and thickness measurements are often given in fractions:

• ¼” = 0.25” = 6.35 mm

• ⅜” = 0.375” = 9.53 mm

• ½” = 0.5” = 12.70 mm

• ⅝” = 0.625” = 15.88 mm

• ¾” = 0.75” = 19.05 mm

Concrete examples

• 19 ¼” (width) → 48.9 cm

• 2 ⅜” (thickness) → 6.03 cm

• 2 ⅝” (thickness) → 6.67 cm

Which size to choose (quick guide)

• Beginner: 7'6" to 9'0 " (stability, easy paddling).

• Intermediate: 6'6" to 7'6 " (versatile mid-lengths).

• Advanced: 5'6" to 6'6 " (responsive shortboards).

👉 Browse our ranges:

• Starter Series — for a smooth start

• Essential Series — performance/comfort balance

• Original Series – balance of performance/comfort/increased strength

• Performance Series — handling & responsiveness

FAQ (quick)

Is 6'1 shorter than 6'10?
Yes. 6'1 = 185.4 cm, 6'10 = 208.3 cm.

Why is surfing still measured in feet/inches?
Because of tradition (Hawaii/California) and global standardization of measurements.

How can you quickly convert in your head?
Remembering that 1' ≈ 30 cm and 1" ≈ 2.5 cm gives you a very useful approximation on the beach.

✅ In summary

• Surfing uses feet/inches as its primary unit of measurement.

• Remember: 1 minute = 30 cm, 1 second = 2.5 cm (approx.).

• The centimeters allow you to better visualize the actual size.

• Always choose your board according to your skill level and wave conditions.