Kite size calculator

1. The base is the rule kiters know: kite size (m²) = 2.2 × weight (kg) / wind (knots), for a twin tip on water. Wind in m/s times 1.94 gives knots (10 m/s is about 19 knots); pick m/s above and the calculator converts it for you.
2. Then it adjusts for the board: light-wind twin tip about 14 % smaller, surfboard about 10 % smaller, hydrofoil 80 % when learning, 65 % on your own and 55 % for advanced riders.
3. On snow: hard snow about 15 % smaller (almost no friction, dense cold air), powder the same as on water. On land: mountainboard 45 %, buggy 55 % of the water size.
4. Beginners get a kite 10 % smaller (not on a hydrofoil, where you need power to get up). The result is rounded to a size that is made.
5. The wind range shows where the same kite still works: from slightly underpowered to the point where you'd change to a smaller one.
6. Board: twin tip length from weight (about 115 + 0.3 × kg cm), longer for beginners and light wind. Surfboard and foil board from typical ranges in shop size guides.
7. It is a starting point, not a rule. Gusty wind, the kite model, altitude and your style change the answer. When in doubt, ask at the spot.

Sources

• Peter's Kiteboarding handbook: kite size rule and the 25-knot limit
• MACkiteboarding snowkite FAQ: one size smaller on snow
• Powerkiter: landboarding kite sizes
• Powerkiteshop foil guide: learning to foil on a 10–12 m kite
• Elite Watersports: twin tip size by weight
• Ride Evolve: strapless surfboard length and volume
• Harlem Kitesurfing: Peak, Thrive, Flow, Launch and Rise (pictures with permission)

More in the guide: What size kite do I need? Weight, wind, board and level

More in the guide: Kiteboard size guide: how long and wide your twintip should be