A knee pad sizing chart relies on two precise leg measurements — circumference above and below the knee — because brand sizing varies so widely that a “Large” in one model fits differently than a “Large” in another.
One wrong tape placement sends you back to the return counter. The fix is straightforward: measure the thickest part of your thigh about four inches above the knee cap, then do the same around your calf below the joint. Match those numbers to the brand’s specific chart below, and the pads stay put when you need them most. This guide covers the exact measurement method and gives you the real size ranges from six major brands so you land the right fit on the first try.
How To Measure For Knee Pads: The Method That Works Across Brands
Every reliable sizing process uses a soft measuring tape and two circumference readings — one above the knee and one below. Stand with your leg straight for most skating and sports pads; bend your leg slightly for volleyball models. Wrap the tape snugly, not tight enough to compress the skin, and record the number. Measure your dominant leg — the one you lead with — because legs differ slightly in size.
Where To Place The Tape
- Above the knee: Three to four inches (7–10 cm) above the center of the kneecap. This catches the lower thigh, where the pad’s upper strap or sleeve grips.
- Below the knee: Three to four inches (7–10 cm) below the kneecap center. This measures your calf, where the lower strap anchors.
- Alternative method: Some brands like 7iDP and Nike use only the thigh circumference above the knee. Check the specific chart below before you start.
ProTec Knee Pad Size Chart
ProTec covers skateboarding, inline skating, and roller derby with a widely-used chart. Measure with your leg stretched straight, approximately 1–2 inches above the knee and four inches below.
| ProTec Size | Above Knee | Below Knee |
|---|---|---|
| JR/Youth (XS) | 9–11″ (23–28 cm) | 6.5–8″ (16–20 cm) |
| Small | 12–14″ (30–36 cm) | 9–11″ (23–28 cm) |
| Medium | 15–17″ (38–41 cm) | 11–13″ (28–33 cm) |
| Large | 18–20″ (46–51 cm) | 14–16″ (39–41 cm) |
| X-Large | 21–23″ (53–58 cm) | 17–19″ (43–48 cm) |
SHRED Knee Pad Size Chart
SHRED uses a measurement point exactly four inches above the knee cap and a separate calf reading. These pads suit aggressive skating and park riding. If you’re on the line between two sizes, consider whether you prefer a snugger sleeve or a looser strap fit.
| SHRED Size | Above Knee (4″) | Calf |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 14¼–15½” | 11½–12½” |
| S | 15½–16½” | 12½–14″ |
| M | 16½–17½” | 14–15″ |
| L | 17½–19″ | 15–16″ |
| XL | 19–20″ | 16–17″ |
If your measurements land at the high end of a SHRED size, consider moving up one step for comfort during long sessions. For anyone exploring other sport-specific options, our review of the best BJJ knee pads covers models built for grappling and mat work.
7iDP Knee Pad Size Chart
7iDP bases its sizing on a single thigh circumference measurement. These are popular for downhill mountain biking and motocross, where staying put under impact matters more than a custom sleeve feel.
| 7iDP Size | Thigh Circumference |
|---|---|
| Small | 15–17″ (38–43 cm) |
| Medium | 17–19″ (43–48 cm) |
| Large | 19–21″ (48–53 cm) |
| X-Large | 21–23″ (53–58 cm) |
Troy Lee Designs Stage Knee Guard Size Chart
Troy Lee’s Stage Knee Guard uses a measurement 10 cm above the knee center for the lower thigh and 15 cm below for the calf. It also includes weight ranges, which is unusual and helpful for getting the strap tension right.
| Troy Lee Size | Lower Thigh (10 cm above) | Calf (15 cm below) | Weight Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS/SM | 34.5–39.5 cm | 32–37 cm | 70–140 lbs |
| M/L | 39.5–44.5 cm | 37–42 cm | 140–180 lbs |
| XL/XXL | 44.5–49.5 cm | 42–47 cm | 180–220 lbs |
Nike Volleyball Knee Pad Size Chart
Nike volleyball pads use a bent-leg thigh measurement and only the circumference above the knee. Stand with your leg slightly flexed, wrap the tape around the thigh just above the knee cap, and match the number to the chart.
| Nike Volleyball Size | Thigh Circumference (leg bent) |
|---|---|
| XS/S | 14–15.5″ |
| M/L | 15.5–17″ |
| XL/XXL | 17–18″ |
187 Killer Pads Size Reference
187 Killer Pads uses a different approach — they list the measurement range in inches that the pad itself fits, not a body-part label. This is common in roller derby and park skating. Choose the range that matches your thigh circumference just above the knee.
| 187 Size Range | Pad Fits Thigh |
|---|---|
| Entry | 9–11″ |
| Small/Medium | 10–12″ |
| Large | 12–14″ |
| XL | 14–16″ |
How Knee Pads Should Fit: The Success Check
The right fit is snug without cutting circulation. When you bend your knee, the pad should stay in place without sliding down or rotating around your leg. Straps should fasten at a middle hole — not the tightest or loosest — leaving room for adjustment as the sleeve breaks in. If the pad shifts during a squat test, the size is off. A pad that feels loose standing still will be dangerous in motion.
Inline Warehouse’s sizing guide reinforces the same method: measure the dominant leg, take both above and below readings, and always check the brand’s specific chart before ordering.
Common Sizing Mistakes That Waste Time And Money
- Assuming a “Large” is the same across brands. A ProTec Large fits someone entirely different than a Troy Lee Large. Always check the inch or centimeter column, never the letter.
- Measuring at the knee joint itself. That gives you a smaller number, and the pad will slide down. Stay 3–4 inches above and below the cap.
- Skipping the dominant leg measurement. Your lead leg handles more impact and may be fractionally larger. Measure it.
- Choosing padding instead of fit. Upsizing for more coverage usually only adds strap length, not protection surface area. The cap stays the same size.
- Ignoring activity posture. Standing straight for a volleyball pad gives a false reading — bend your leg when the brand asks for it.
FAQs
Can I use my clothing size to pick knee pads?
No. Pant size or shirt size is a rough reference at best and often leads to a wrong fit. The only reliable method is measuring your leg circumference above and below the knee against the brand’s specific chart.
What if my measurements fall between two sizes?
Choose based on your activity. For sports where pads need to stay locked during hard landings — skateboarding, mountain biking — go with the tighter size. For volleyball or extended wear, the looser size is usually more comfortable.
Do I need to measure both legs?
You only need to measure your dominant leg — the one you lead with when skating or lunging. It is often slightly larger than the other leg and determines the fit.
Why do some brands use thigh-only measurements?
Brands like 7iDP and Nike design their pads as sleeves that rely on compression above the knee rather than a strap below. For those models, the thigh circumference alone determines whether the pad stays in place.
Can I stretch a knee pad that feels tight?
Foam and neoprene sleeves break in slightly with use, but you cannot meaningfully stretch a pad without damaging the cap or stitching. If the fit is uncomfortable out of the box, exchange it for the next size up.
References & Sources
- Tactics. “ProTec Knee Pad Size Chart” Provides ProTec sizing with above and below knee measurements in inches and cm.
- SHRED. “SHRED Knee Pads Size Chart” Lists SHRED sizing with a 4-inch above-knee measurement point and calf circumference.
- 7iDP. “Knee Pads Size Chart” Provides single thigh circumference sizing for 7iDP knee pads.
- Troy Lee Designs EU. “Size Guide Stage Knee Guard” Lists lower thigh and calf measurements in cm with weight limits for the Stage Knee Guard.
- Nike. “Volleyball Knee Pads Size Fit” Bent-leg thigh measurement chart for Nike volleyball knee pads.