How are Skateboard Wheels Measured?- Get the Fact in 2024
Skateboard wheels are always measured in diameter by millimeters. When deciding on a skateboard wheel size, the most important factor to consider is what you plan to use your board for. Each size of the skateboard wheel offers different benefits and drawbacks. If your plan is street skating and landing tricks then the best wheels brand will be different from those who prefer smooth rides or just cruising around town with friends.
As I mentioned above skateboard wheels are measured in two ways: diameter and durometer. The diameter of a wheel is the distance from one edge of the wheel to the other, while the durometer is a measure of the wheel’s hardness. Hardness is important because it affects how fast the wheels roll and how much they grip the road. Softer wheels are slower but provide more grip, while harder wheels are faster but can be more difficult to control. There are several different durometer scales, but the most common is the A scale, which ranges from 1 to 100. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Most skateboarders prefer wheels in the range of 50 to 80.
Before we start, it’s important to note that the average skateboard wheel size is between 52mm and 54mm. The reason for this is simply because 52 millimeters provides an ideal balance of grip and slide ability while still maintaining a small enough profile that allows for quick maneuvering.
Some people might only need their board for everyday transportation, while others might be interested in getting involved with high speeds or sliding through corners. No matter what reason you have for choosing one size over another, we’ve got the advice you need to make a well-informed decision. Moreover, you also need to understand how long do skateboard wheels last.
Best Skateboard Wheel Size
| Size-Benefits-Drawbacks |
- 52mm – Great for cruising around town, easy to pump and catch air with, easy to do ollies
- 54mm – This wheel size is the most popular amongst skaters, especially in the park/street/vert category due to their mix of speed, grip, and maneuverability.
- 56mm – Ideal for riders who want a little more stability at high speeds, the grip makes it easier to lock into slides and pump around corners with less effort than smaller wheels.
- 58mm – These wheels are great for beginners due to their high maneuverability and ease of use on a skateboard regardless of the terrain.
- 60mm – A great wheel for beginners or anyone looking to ride fast in the streets or transition. They provide good roll speed and are available in softer, grippier formulas than smaller wheels.
- 62mm+ – These large wheels are usually reserved for longboards, downhill boards, or cruisers. They often provide more grip than smaller wheels due to their added size but are also much harder to pump and catch air with.
So, now that you’ve decided on the type of skateboard wheel size you’d like to ride, it’s important to take note of the benefits and drawbacks associated with each size.
52mm-54mm
These ideal wheels are great for cruising around town and even more on smooth surfaces such as sidewalks, bike paths, tennis courts, etc. The main drawback is that they do not provide enough traction or grip to allow for high-speed slides or spins. Luckily most of the best longboard wheels under 80a come in this size.
56mm-58mm
The middle-of-the-road wheel size is what most skaters prefer for things like carving, cruising, freeriding and downhill racing. They offer enough speed to get somewhere quick but not so much that they can’t be easily controlled. You’ll also find these come in some of the softest durometers on any of the best skateboards like Lithe, Minority, or Oxelo boards; so they are less likely to give you road rash if they happen to slip out on you.
60mm-62mm
These wheels are most popular amongst beginners due to their ability to catch air and provide a good grip on most surfaces, even when it’s wet outside. They also tend to accelerate quickly and offer more stability than smaller wheels. The only drawback is that it can be slightly harder to pump around tight corners with these wheels, especially on rougher terrain.
62mm +
These large and soft skateboard wheels are best suited for longboards and cruising styles of riding because they provide the most grip out of any wheel size we carry but a little slide ability. They can handle high speeds and sharp corners without ever feeling like they’re going to slip out on you. Despite this, you’ll need a little more effort to control them when making quick changes in direction or pumping into a slide.
Factors to consider when selecting the right skateboard wheel size:
Durometer
A durometer is great for measuring skateboard wheel hardness because it’s very simple and easy to use. The most common ways to measure the hardness of urethane are by “Shore A” (ASTM D-2240) or Durometer (ASTM D-4272). The lower the durometer rating, the softer and stickier the wheel is. The durometer range for skateboard wheels is typically from 66A on the soft side to about 90A on the hard side. Softer wheels are better for cruising, carving, and single-kick tricks because they have more grip. Harder wheels are better for downhill riding because they are faster and have less rolling resistance.
78a-87a
These wheels are perfect for cruising, longboarding, and hills. They can handle rough terrain with ease as well which makes them great to use on the road or park.
88-95a
Designed for street and rougher terrains, this durometer is a little faster but will have less grip.
96-101a
The best all-rounders, these wheels will take you anywhere. A great choice for fast street and park skating with plenty of speed but also good grip so it’s perfect in any situation.
Diameter
Diameter is an important factor in picking a board for your needs. They usually range from 50-60mm, and this will depend on what you plan to do with it. The diameter determines the wheelbase which is important to distance traveled.
Smaller Size
For those who are just starting out, a 50mm – 54mm board is the best bet. However, for more experienced riders and beginners alike 55-59 mm can be an excellent option as well.
Larger Size
60mm+ = If you’re an intermediate rider, then these will be your go-to wheels. They have a better grip and can get more tricks done on rougher terrain than standard 57mm bikes.
Final Thought
If you want to cruise around with your board, get 56mm or 60 mm wheels. For the best performance on public streets in a city environment, 50-53mm are perfect for getting past obstacles more quickly while still having enough grip if you know how to turn on your skateboard.
Larger and softer skateboard wheels are better for cruising, while harder ones do the trick. Along with it: what size does a pro skater prefer?. Medium 52 – 54mm seems to be Goldilocks’s perfect zone.
