Use this guide to measure an individual for the correct size wheelchair.  A proper fitting wheelchair provides comfort, proper positioning and better mobility.

Seat Width: Measure the individual across the widest point of the hips or thighs.  (If braces are worn, measure the width of widest point including the braces).
Add one inch to the above measurement to allow for wheelchair seat upholstery width.  (If side cushions are going to be used, add the total thickness of both sides of the cushions).
                              

Seat Depth: Measure the individual from the rear of the buttocks to the inner surface of the back of the knee.
Subtract two to three inches from the above measurement for the wheelchair seat depth upholstery.
(If a back cushion is to be used add back the entire thickness of the cushion).
                               

Back Height: Measure from the rear underside of the buttocks to the underside of the extended arm. (Ask the individual to extend their arm when taking this measurement. See picture below). 

A) Subbtract 4 inches from the above (back height) measurement if the person has good trunk muscles and can actively propel the wheelchair.  (If a seat cushion is used, add back 1/2 the thickness of the cushion).

B) Subtract 3 inches from the above (back height) measurement if the person has poor trunk muscles but good shoulder muscles and good arm strength. (If a seat cushion is used add back 1/2 the thickness of the cushion).

C) Use the full measurement from above (back height) if the person has no use of the upper body and poor trunk stability.                
                               

Armrest Height:  Ask the person to bend one arm at the elbow, keeping the forearm parallel to the floor and take the measurement from the side of the buttocks to the bottom of the bent elbow.  (if there is a visable difference in shoulder height, measure both left and right sides).
Add one inch to the above measurement.  (If a seat cushion will be used add 1/2 the thickness of the cushion).
                                

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, otherwise the seat height must be raised.
                                     

If you are having difficulty measuring yourself, ask your physician or therapist to assist.  

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