Measuring for a Manual Wheelchair

This does not replace a professional seating evaluation.
A professional seating evaluation is recommended for any long-term use.

Tools needed:
Tape measure (cloth or metal)
Paper and pencil

Measuring for transport wheelchairs, 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 is necessary.

Seat Width:
With individual in a seated position, measure width of buttocks (from right to left side).
Add one inch to each side to allow for comfort and transfers.

Seat Depth:
Now measure from the rear of the buttocks to the back of the knees.
Subtract two inches to allow space for self-transfers.

Seat to Floor:
For individuals wanting to propel their chair with their feet it is necessary to measure from the seat to the floor. Measure the leg from the back of the knee to the sole of the foot. Then subtract the thickness of the cushion when it is compressed. Next, add a minimum of two inches for footrest clearance.

Seat Height:
The standard seat height is 20-21" off the ground. This will work if you are over 5' tall. If you are shorter than 5' you may have a hard time exiting the wheelchair and a shorter seat height will be necessary.

Fitting the Consumer’s Needs

Arm Rests:
Armrest provide arm and shoulder support. There are 2 standard types of armrests.

Full Length - that run the full length of the seat and
Desk length - a shorter length that will allow you to get closer to the table or desk

Leg Rests:
There are 2 types of footrests.

Swing-away removable
Elevating removable which allow you to raise your legs 90 degrees


If you need a seat cushion
The STAR program normally get 2 types of cushions
Comfort cushions: Foam or gel cushions, for comfort
Preventative cushions: gel or air cushions help promote circulation and prevent decubitus.

Adjusting the wheelchair for the consumer:

Footrest Height: Measure the person from the bottom of the heel to the undersurface of the thigh at the back of the knee. Add one inch to the above measurement. (If seat cushion is to be used, subtract 1/2 the thickness of the cushion from the total). Footrests cannot extend past a level two inches above the floor surface. The measurements above must fall within the adjustment range of the footrest on the wheelchair and allow for floor clearance. Most footrest can be adjusted with the loosening of a phillips screw and either moving the bar up or down, then securing the screw. Some others have a lever and a pushpin to adjust the height.