Gear
Taekwondo Belt Size Chart and How to Measure
Measure your waist in your uniform, double it, add room for the knot, and compare the number to the brand’s length in centimeters.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 20, 2026Belt length equals your waist measurement times 2, plus 60 to 100 cm for the knot and tails. An 85 cm waist needs about 230 to 270 cm. Belt size numbers like 3 or 4 differ by brand, so match your target length to the length in cm on the brand’s own chart.
How to measure
- Put on your full uniform and tie the jacket strings.
- Use a soft cloth tape, not a metal one. Hold it level around your waist where the belt sits.
- Keep it snug but loose enough to breathe and lift a knee.
- Write down the number in centimeters and inches.
The formula
Target belt length = (waist x 2) + knot allowance. The allowance is 30 to 50 cm per side, or 60 to 100 cm in total. Worked example: an 85 cm waist gives 170 cm for two layers. Add a 70 cm allowance for the knot and tails and the target is 240 cm.
Our belt size calculator does this math for you.
Waist to belt length chart
| Waist | Target length (cm) | Target length (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 45 cm / 18 in | 150 to 190 cm | 59 to 75 in |
| 50 cm / 20 in | 160 to 200 cm | 63 to 79 in |
| 55 cm / 22 in | 170 to 210 cm | 67 to 83 in |
| 60 cm / 24 in | 180 to 220 cm | 71 to 87 in |
| 65 cm / 26 in | 190 to 230 cm | 75 to 91 in |
| 70 cm / 28 in | 200 to 240 cm | 79 to 94 in |
| 75 cm / 30 in | 210 to 250 cm | 83 to 98 in |
| 80 cm / 31 in | 220 to 260 cm | 87 to 102 in |
| 85 cm / 33 in | 230 to 270 cm | 91 to 106 in |
| 90 cm / 35 in | 240 to 280 cm | 94 to 110 in |
| 95 cm / 37 in | 250 to 290 cm | 98 to 114 in |
| 100 cm / 39 in | 260 to 300 cm | 102 to 118 in |
| 110 cm / 43 in | 280 to 320 cm | 110 to 126 in |
Calculated from the formula above for the two-layer method. Rounded to the nearest inch. A one-wrap ITF belt needs less. If you fall between sizes, size up.
Why “Size 3” does not help
Brands label belts 0, 1, 2, 3 and so on, but the lengths differ. One brand’s Size 3 can be 250 cm and another’s 270 cm. Always compare centimeters.
Kids who are still growing
Buy one size up only if the belt will still tie well today. A belt that is 20 cm too long wraps loosely and can trip a child in class. Many families buy a new belt with each new color anyway, since the color changes at each test.
Frequently asked questions
What size belt do I need for taekwondo?
Double your waist measurement and add 60 to 100 cm. Then match that number to the length in centimeters on the brand’s chart.
Is a taekwondo belt size the same as a karate belt size?
Not always. The numbers are not standard between brands or arts, so compare lengths in cm.
How long should a taekwondo belt be for a child?
Use the same formula with the child’s waist. A 55 cm waist gives about 170 to 210 cm.
Should I size up or down?
Size up when you fall between two lengths. Too long is easier to live with than too short.