Putter Length Chart Explained: Improve Your Stroke with the Right Fit

Aug 29, 2025 Written By: colton draper

What is a putter length chart?

A putter length chart is a golf club fitting chart that custom fits a putter to your height. It takes into account your height, arm length, putting posture to then recommend the ideal putter length.

Why putter length is crucial for putting performance

The proper golf putter length promotes proper posture with your eyes over the ball, and allows for consistent stroke mechanics. You will start playing better and be on your way to becoming a great putter with the right putter length and some practice. Regular practice will get your results whether you are using an 11 piece golf set or you putters from the top shelf at the golf store.

Understanding the Putter Length Chart

Putter length charts are not arbitrary suggestions, they are based on sound biomechanical principles that will enhance your putting stroke.

How a putter length chart is created

Golf club manufacturers and fitting companies analyze thousands of golfers’ measurements to come up with these charts. They analyze how height and arm length relate to the best posture for putting, so that they can offer putters in appropriate lengths.

Factors the chart considers: height, posture, and wrist-to-floor measurement

While height is the primary factor, the best charts also take into account your natural putting stance and wrist-to-floor measurement. The length of your arm and how it relates to your height is also a key factor in choosing the right putter length.

Standard vs. Custom Length Ranges

Nearly all putters for golf are offered in a variety of standard sizes ranging from 32" to 36". However, custom lengths can be as short as 28" for very short golfers to 38" for very tall players. A quality golf club store will offer both standard and custom length options to fit every golfer.

The impact of proper putter length extends far beyond comfort, it can directly affect your putting performance.

Eye alignment and ball position

The correct-length putter lines up your eyes over the ball or a fraction inside the target line. This alignment is critical to reading greens properly and starting the proper line putts. Correctly fitted for a natural alignment, this is where a golf premium putter helps your game.

Stroke consistency and control

With a putter length that fits your body, you'll naturally have a more consistent stroke. Your hands, arms and shoulders align harmoniously to establish repeatable mechanics that help to improve your distance control and accuracy.

Comfort and reducing strain during play

The right length eliminates awkward bending or reaching during your putting stroke. This reduces back strain during long rounds and keeps you comfortable throughout 18 holes. Proper fit also reduces tension in your arms and shoulders.

Additional Factors Beyond the Putter Length Chart

Although the putter length chart is a solid guideline, there are some other elements that play into your perfect putter length.

Arm length and stance adjustments

If you have long arms relative to your height, you may need a shorter putter; if you have shorter arms, you might need a longer putter. The most suitable length also depends on your natural stance.

Stroke style (arc vs. straight back)

Players with arcing strokes tend to do well with slightly shorter putters for improved control, while straight-back-straight-through putters may work best with standard or slightly longer putter lengths.

Putter head type (blade vs. mallet)

Blade style putters are usually good to go for traditional lengths, but mallets may need length adjustments because of their different visual alignment aids and weight distribution.

Putter Length Chart by Height

Golfer Height	Recommended Putter Length
Under 5'0"	31" – 32"
5'0" – 5'2"	32" – 32.5"
5'3" – 5'5"	33"
5'6" – 5'8"	33.5" – 34"
5'9" – 5'11"	34" – 34.5"
6'0" – 6'2"	35"
Over 6'2"	35.5" – 36"

How to Measure for the Right Putter Length

Accurate measurements are essential for determining your proper putter length. Here’s how to do it right at home.

Step-by-step guide to measuring wrist-to-floor at home:

Stand on a hard, level surface wearing golf shoes.
Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
Have someone measure from your wrist crease to the floor.
Take the measurement in inches.
Add 1–2 inches to account for the putter head and your putting stance.

Correct posture for accurate measurement

Stand tall with shoulders down, and arms hanging naturally. Let your arms hang at your sides to measure where your body stands naturally. This way, the measurement will account for the way you will actually set up over the ball.

How to measure your existing putter length

Lay your current putter flat on a smooth surface and measure from the top of the grip to the bottom of the sole of the putter head. This provides you with a frame of reference to use for your chart-recommended length.

Tips for Testing Your Putter Length

Once you've identified your recommended length, proper testing ensures you've found your perfect fit.

How to practice with your ideal length

Start with short putts around 3-6 feet to get comfortable with the new length. Concentrate on your set-up and make sure your eyes are directly over the ball. Gradually progress to feel out longer putts as you find your rhythm.

Signs your putter might still be too long or too short:

Too long: You're hunched over, your eyes are inside the ball, or you're gripping down significantly
Too short: You're reaching for the ball, your posture is too upright, or you feel unstable over short putts

Adjusting grip position for fine-tuning

Before you purchase a new putter, grip down a little on it and go through your routine to replicate a shortened-putter grip length. This way, you can compare and decide whether a length change would be beneficial for your stroke.

Conclusion

The putter length chart is the gateway towards better putting performance. The proper length putter can have a direct impact on posture, alignment and stroke consistency, leading to lower scores on the course. Make sure you measure your height and wrist-to-floor distance, consult the chart for your recommended length, and test thoroughly before making a final decision. Don't be afraid to experiment with different lengths during your fitting process. What matters most is finding a length that feels comfortable and promotes consistent putting.

While charts provide excellent guidance, your personal comfort and stroke consistency are the ultimate judges of proper putter length. A reputable golf club store will help you test different lengths to find your perfect fit.

FAQs

If you're between different lengths, start with the longer putter. It's easier to grip down slightly on a longer putter than to add length to a shorter one. Most golfers find better control with slightly shorter putters.

Yes, gripping down is a common way to effectively shorten your putter. This changes the swing weight and balance of the club, potentially altering your feel for the stroke. For substantial changes in length, a correctly fit putter is best.

Professional golfers often deviate from standard charts based on their unique techniques and preferences. But as with all the players, they still begin with similar measurements and discover their searches for distance through trial and error with club fitters.

Your indoor practice putter length should be the exact length as the putter you use out on the course. Training with the variance in lengths messes with your stroke mechanics/muscle memory. Play with the same golf premium putter for both practice and play.

Review your putter length every year, or when you see significant changes in your putting game. Whether it is a physical change, new mechanics or new equipment, there can be a need to change the length of the club. You may also want to check if you’ve drastically altered your putting stroke or if you’re feeling discomfort during your rounds.