Kids love riding bikes. As a bonus, it gets kids fit, gets them outside, offers them some independence, and most all of riding is fun. 

But kids don’t stay the same size for long. That’s why choosing the right bike for your kid, can initially seem quite confusing, but is also crucial to their being able to ride their bike safely and with confidence.

If you buy a bike that is too small your child may feel silly sitting on it, and also feel cramped. Conversely, buying a bike that is too large will be unwieldy, difficult to control, and undermine their fledgling confidence on the pedals.

Kids’ Bike Sizing Chart

Use the sizing chart below to figure out how kids’ bikes are measured and defined, and to know best what you’re looking for when shopping for a particular bike. An important thing to know is that kids’ bikes are measured using the outside diameter of the tire (diameter). This is in contrast to adult bikes, whose measurements refer to frame size.

Guide to Kid’s Bike Sizes

Age Child’s Height Tire Diameter (outside)

Age 2 - 5 26 - 34 inches 12 inches

Age 4 - 8 34 - 42 inches 16 inches

Age 6 - 9 42 - 48 inches 18 inches

Age 8 - 12 48 - 56 inches 20 inches

Youth 56 - 62 inches 24 inches

Go Big or Go Small?

One of the real challenges in buying a kid’s bike is knowing that they will outgrow it not long after they get it. So, you’re faced with a dilemma. Do you buy a good bike that will likely be too small? Or do you get a big-box clunker, a cheap and temporary solution? In that case, you’re hoping that the bike doesn’t fall apart or otherwise be such a poor choice that it turns your kid off to cycling altogether.

It is a question with no easy answer, but perhaps a couple different options that you can explore to help yourself out. First, do you have other kids, older or younger, that bikes can be passed through? If that’s the case, it makes the question a lot easier on whether or not to spend money on a decent bike. How about extended family, cousins and the like? Are there families in the neighborhood with kids that you can maybe set up some sort of bike exchange with? 

Another option is resale. If you have connections with other cyclists who have kids, they are more likely to know and appreciate the value of a good bike. Offering it for sale, just like you would an adult’s bike, is a good way to recoup some of your investment. 

Finally, certain bike shops and online retailers (including Performance Bike) offer programs for people buying kids’ bikes.  The basic premise is that when you buy a kid’s bike, you get either guaranteed trade-in value on the old bike when it is outgrown, and/or straight out discounts on future bikes as the kid continues to move through the bikes into the larger sizes.

Watch Now: How to Purchase a Kid’s Bike

What You Need to Know About Road Bike Sizing and Fit

What to Consider When Buying Bike Tires

Finally - a Clear Guide to Bike Sizing

Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit

How to Fit a Bike

Protective Covers for your Bike Cleats - Should You Use Them?

What Is a Bike Chain Master Link and What Does It Do?

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

Hybrid Bike Sizing and Fit Guide

Solving Bike Handlebar Issues With an Adjustable Stem

Bike Rodeo Events

How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Bike Shorts

What Is a Mountain Bike?

Mentoring Relationships for Children

Baby Shoes: US, UK, and European Size Chart for Baby Shoes

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

Kids love riding bikes. As a bonus, it gets kids fit, gets them outside, offers them some independence, and most all of riding is fun. 

But kids don’t stay the same size for long. That’s why choosing the right bike for your kid, can initially seem quite confusing, but is also crucial to their being able to ride their bike safely and with confidence.

If you buy a bike that is too small your child may feel silly sitting on it, and also feel cramped. Conversely, buying a bike that is too large will be unwieldy, difficult to control, and undermine their fledgling confidence on the pedals.

Kids’ Bike Sizing Chart

Use the sizing chart below to figure out how kids’ bikes are measured and defined, and to know best what you’re looking for when shopping for a particular bike. An important thing to know is that kids’ bikes are measured using the outside diameter of the tire (diameter). This is in contrast to adult bikes, whose measurements refer to frame size.

Guide to Kid’s Bike Sizes

Age Child’s Height Tire Diameter (outside)

Age 2 - 5 26 - 34 inches 12 inches

Age 4 - 8 34 - 42 inches 16 inches

Age 6 - 9 42 - 48 inches 18 inches

Age 8 - 12 48 - 56 inches 20 inches

Youth 56 - 62 inches 24 inches

Go Big or Go Small?

One of the real challenges in buying a kid’s bike is knowing that they will outgrow it not long after they get it. So, you’re faced with a dilemma. Do you buy a good bike that will likely be too small? Or do you get a big-box clunker, a cheap and temporary solution? In that case, you’re hoping that the bike doesn’t fall apart or otherwise be such a poor choice that it turns your kid off to cycling altogether.

It is a question with no easy answer, but perhaps a couple different options that you can explore to help yourself out. First, do you have other kids, older or younger, that bikes can be passed through? If that’s the case, it makes the question a lot easier on whether or not to spend money on a decent bike. How about extended family, cousins and the like? Are there families in the neighborhood with kids that you can maybe set up some sort of bike exchange with? 

Another option is resale. If you have connections with other cyclists who have kids, they are more likely to know and appreciate the value of a good bike. Offering it for sale, just like you would an adult’s bike, is a good way to recoup some of your investment. 

Finally, certain bike shops and online retailers (including Performance Bike) offer programs for people buying kids’ bikes.  The basic premise is that when you buy a kid’s bike, you get either guaranteed trade-in value on the old bike when it is outgrown, and/or straight out discounts on future bikes as the kid continues to move through the bikes into the larger sizes.

Watch Now: How to Purchase a Kid’s Bike

What You Need to Know About Road Bike Sizing and Fit

What to Consider When Buying Bike Tires

Finally - a Clear Guide to Bike Sizing

Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit

How to Fit a Bike

Protective Covers for your Bike Cleats - Should You Use Them?

What Is a Bike Chain Master Link and What Does It Do?

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

Hybrid Bike Sizing and Fit Guide

Solving Bike Handlebar Issues With an Adjustable Stem

Bike Rodeo Events

How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Bike Shorts

What Is a Mountain Bike?

Mentoring Relationships for Children

Baby Shoes: US, UK, and European Size Chart for Baby Shoes

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

Kids love riding bikes. As a bonus, it gets kids fit, gets them outside, offers them some independence, and most all of riding is fun. 

But kids don’t stay the same size for long. That’s why choosing the right bike for your kid, can initially seem quite confusing, but is also crucial to their being able to ride their bike safely and with confidence.

If you buy a bike that is too small your child may feel silly sitting on it, and also feel cramped. Conversely, buying a bike that is too large will be unwieldy, difficult to control, and undermine their fledgling confidence on the pedals.

Kids’ Bike Sizing Chart

Use the sizing chart below to figure out how kids’ bikes are measured and defined, and to know best what you’re looking for when shopping for a particular bike. An important thing to know is that kids’ bikes are measured using the outside diameter of the tire (diameter). This is in contrast to adult bikes, whose measurements refer to frame size.

Guide to Kid’s Bike Sizes

Age Child’s Height Tire Diameter (outside)

Age 2 - 5 26 - 34 inches 12 inches

Age 4 - 8 34 - 42 inches 16 inches

Age 6 - 9 42 - 48 inches 18 inches

Age 8 - 12 48 - 56 inches 20 inches

Youth 56 - 62 inches 24 inches

Go Big or Go Small?

One of the real challenges in buying a kid’s bike is knowing that they will outgrow it not long after they get it. So, you’re faced with a dilemma. Do you buy a good bike that will likely be too small? Or do you get a big-box clunker, a cheap and temporary solution? In that case, you’re hoping that the bike doesn’t fall apart or otherwise be such a poor choice that it turns your kid off to cycling altogether.

It is a question with no easy answer, but perhaps a couple different options that you can explore to help yourself out. First, do you have other kids, older or younger, that bikes can be passed through? If that’s the case, it makes the question a lot easier on whether or not to spend money on a decent bike. How about extended family, cousins and the like? Are there families in the neighborhood with kids that you can maybe set up some sort of bike exchange with? 

Another option is resale. If you have connections with other cyclists who have kids, they are more likely to know and appreciate the value of a good bike. Offering it for sale, just like you would an adult’s bike, is a good way to recoup some of your investment. 

Finally, certain bike shops and online retailers (including Performance Bike) offer programs for people buying kids’ bikes.  The basic premise is that when you buy a kid’s bike, you get either guaranteed trade-in value on the old bike when it is outgrown, and/or straight out discounts on future bikes as the kid continues to move through the bikes into the larger sizes.

Watch Now: How to Purchase a Kid’s Bike

Kids love riding bikes. As a bonus, it gets kids fit, gets them outside, offers them some independence, and most all of riding is fun. 

But kids don’t stay the same size for long. That’s why choosing the right bike for your kid, can initially seem quite confusing, but is also crucial to their being able to ride their bike safely and with confidence.

If you buy a bike that is too small your child may feel silly sitting on it, and also feel cramped. Conversely, buying a bike that is too large will be unwieldy, difficult to control, and undermine their fledgling confidence on the pedals.

Kids’ Bike Sizing Chart

Use the sizing chart below to figure out how kids’ bikes are measured and defined, and to know best what you’re looking for when shopping for a particular bike. An important thing to know is that kids’ bikes are measured using the outside diameter of the tire (diameter). This is in contrast to adult bikes, whose measurements refer to frame size.

Guide to Kid’s Bike Sizes

Age Child’s Height Tire Diameter (outside)

Age 2 - 5 26 - 34 inches 12 inches

Age 4 - 8 34 - 42 inches 16 inches

Age 6 - 9 42 - 48 inches 18 inches

Age 8 - 12 48 - 56 inches 20 inches

Youth 56 - 62 inches 24 inches

Go Big or Go Small?

One of the real challenges in buying a kid’s bike is knowing that they will outgrow it not long after they get it. So, you’re faced with a dilemma. Do you buy a good bike that will likely be too small? Or do you get a big-box clunker, a cheap and temporary solution? In that case, you’re hoping that the bike doesn’t fall apart or otherwise be such a poor choice that it turns your kid off to cycling altogether.

It is a question with no easy answer, but perhaps a couple different options that you can explore to help yourself out. First, do you have other kids, older or younger, that bikes can be passed through? If that’s the case, it makes the question a lot easier on whether or not to spend money on a decent bike. How about extended family, cousins and the like? Are there families in the neighborhood with kids that you can maybe set up some sort of bike exchange with? 

Another option is resale. If you have connections with other cyclists who have kids, they are more likely to know and appreciate the value of a good bike. Offering it for sale, just like you would an adult’s bike, is a good way to recoup some of your investment. 

Finally, certain bike shops and online retailers (including Performance Bike) offer programs for people buying kids’ bikes.  The basic premise is that when you buy a kid’s bike, you get either guaranteed trade-in value on the old bike when it is outgrown, and/or straight out discounts on future bikes as the kid continues to move through the bikes into the larger sizes.

Watch Now: How to Purchase a Kid’s Bike

Go Big or Go Small?

One of the real challenges in buying a kid’s bike is knowing that they will outgrow it not long after they get it. So, you’re faced with a dilemma. Do you buy a good bike that will likely be too small? Or do you get a big-box clunker, a cheap and temporary solution? In that case, you’re hoping that the bike doesn’t fall apart or otherwise be such a poor choice that it turns your kid off to cycling altogether.

It is a question with no easy answer, but perhaps a couple different options that you can explore to help yourself out. First, do you have other kids, older or younger, that bikes can be passed through? If that’s the case, it makes the question a lot easier on whether or not to spend money on a decent bike. How about extended family, cousins and the like? Are there families in the neighborhood with kids that you can maybe set up some sort of bike exchange with? 

Another option is resale. If you have connections with other cyclists who have kids, they are more likely to know and appreciate the value of a good bike. Offering it for sale, just like you would an adult’s bike, is a good way to recoup some of your investment. 

Finally, certain bike shops and online retailers (including Performance Bike) offer programs for people buying kids’ bikes.  The basic premise is that when you buy a kid’s bike, you get either guaranteed trade-in value on the old bike when it is outgrown, and/or straight out discounts on future bikes as the kid continues to move through the bikes into the larger sizes.

Watch Now: How to Purchase a Kid’s Bike

  • What You Need to Know About Road Bike Sizing and Fit

  • What to Consider When Buying Bike Tires

  • Finally - a Clear Guide to Bike Sizing

  • Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit

  • How to Fit a Bike

  • Protective Covers for your Bike Cleats - Should You Use Them?

  • What Is a Bike Chain Master Link and What Does It Do?

  • What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

  • Hybrid Bike Sizing and Fit Guide

  • Solving Bike Handlebar Issues With an Adjustable Stem

  • Bike Rodeo Events

  • How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Bike Shorts

  • What Is a Mountain Bike?

  • Mentoring Relationships for Children

  • Baby Shoes: US, UK, and European Size Chart for Baby Shoes

  • Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

What You Need to Know About Road Bike Sizing and Fit

What You Need to Know About Road Bike Sizing and Fit

What to Consider When Buying Bike Tires

What to Consider When Buying Bike Tires

Finally - a Clear Guide to Bike Sizing

Finally - a Clear Guide to Bike Sizing

Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit

Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit

How to Fit a Bike

How to Fit a Bike

Protective Covers for your Bike Cleats - Should You Use Them?

Protective Covers for your Bike Cleats - Should You Use Them?

What Is a Bike Chain Master Link and What Does It Do?

What Is a Bike Chain Master Link and What Does It Do?

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

Hybrid Bike Sizing and Fit Guide

Hybrid Bike Sizing and Fit Guide

Solving Bike Handlebar Issues With an Adjustable Stem

Solving Bike Handlebar Issues With an Adjustable Stem

Bike Rodeo Events

Bike Rodeo Events

How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Bike Shorts

How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Bike Shorts

What Is a Mountain Bike?

What Is a Mountain Bike?

Mentoring Relationships for Children

Mentoring Relationships for Children

Baby Shoes: US, UK, and European Size Chart for Baby Shoes

Baby Shoes: US, UK, and European Size Chart for Baby Shoes

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

Home

Entertainment

Careers

Activities

Humor

About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

Home

Home

Entertainment

Careers

Activities

Humor

About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

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  • Careers

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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies