Shoelace length calculator
How long should your shoelaces be? Enter eyelet pairs and shoe width — or measure your shoe — for the exact length in cm or inches, plus the standard lace size to buy. Free, runs in your browser.
Exact = (H + √(H²+V²)×(pairs−1) + ends)×2. Measure H (across the shoe) and V (between rows) center-to-center for your shoe; defaults are typical values. Then round up to the next standard lace size.
Length chart by eyelet pairs
| Eyelet pairs | Narrow (25 mm) | Medium (50 mm) | Wide (75 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pairs | 61 cm / 24″ | 71 cm / 28″ | 81 cm / 32″ |
| 3 pairs | 68 cm / 27″ | 82 cm / 32″ | 96 cm / 38″ |
| 4 pairs | 74 cm / 29″ | 92 cm / 36″ | 112 cm / 44″ |
| 5 pairs | 81 cm / 32″ | 103 cm / 41″ | 127 cm / 50″ |
| 6 pairs | 87 cm / 34″ | 114 cm / 45″ | 143 cm / 56″ |
| 7 pairs | 93 cm / 37″ | 125 cm / 49″ | 158 cm / 62″ |
| 8 pairs | 100 cm / 39″ | 135 cm / 53″ | 174 cm / 68″ |
| 9 pairs | 106 cm / 42″ | 146 cm / 58″ | 189 cm / 74″ |
| 10 pairs | 113 cm / 44″ | 157 cm / 62″ | 205 cm / 81″ |
| 11 pairs | 119 cm / 47″ | 168 cm / 66″ | 220 cm / 87″ |
| 12 pairs | 125 cm / 49″ | 178 cm / 70″ | 236 cm / 93″ |
By eyelet count & shoe type
How these lengths are computed & sources
- Exact length for criss-cross lacing =
(H + √(H²+V²)×(pairs−1) + ends)×2, where H = horizontal spacing, V = vertical spacing, ends = lace left for the bow (~250 mm). - Typical values use documented widths (narrow 25 mm, medium 50 mm, wide 75 mm) and V ≈ 20 mm — measure your own shoe for an exact answer; shoes vary widely.
- Computed length is rounded up to the next standard lace size (27″, 36″, 45″, 54″, 63″, 72″).
- Lengths are computed geometry, not a guarantee; different lacing methods change the length.
Sources:
- Ian Fieggen (Professor Shoelace) - Shoelace Length Formulas (fieggen.com/shoelace/lengthformulas.htm): criss-cross total = (H + sqrt(H^2+V^2)*(P-1) + L)*2.
- Ian Fieggen - Accurate Shoelace Lengths (fieggen.com/shoelace/accuratelengths.htm): measure P, H, V, end length L (~250 mm ideal), center-to-center.
- Ian Fieggen - Approximate Shoelace Lengths (fieggen.com/shoelace/approximatelengths.htm): quick estimate = horizontal spacing x total eyelets + 500 mm; narrow/medium/wide columns.
- Omni Calculator - Shoelace Length: Pythagorean derivation of the diagonal lace runs.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-24.