How to Measure a Skateboard for a Carrying Bag
Quick answer: To measure a skateboard for a carrying bag, place the complete board on a flat surface, measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, then measure straight across the widest part of the deck. Record both centimeters and inches, and compare the actual board dimensions—not the product name—with the bag’s stated fit range.
A two-minute measurement can prevent the most common fit problems: a carrier that will not close, a board that shifts too much, or straps that sit directly against the trucks. This guide is for street decks, double-kick boards, cruisers, fish boards and surfskates. CarryColor bags are not designed for longboards.
Table of Contents
What You Need
- A flexible tape measure
- A flat floor or table
- Your skateboard fully assembled
- A note app or paper for recording measurements
Measure the board in the condition you plan to carry it. Trucks and wheels affect how the board sits inside a carrier even though deck dimensions are measured from the wooden deck itself.
How to Measure a Skateboard for a Bag
Step 1: Measure the total deck length
Place one end of the tape at the tip of the nose and follow the top surface to the tip of the tail. Because the deck curves upward at both ends, a flexible tape is easier to use than a rigid ruler. A skateboard manufacturing guide describes deck length as a tip-to-tip measurement taken across the top of the board and following the concave. See the board measurement reference.
Step 2: Measure the widest part
Measure straight across the deck at its widest point, usually near the front truck area. Do not bend the ruler into the concave for the width measurement. Write down the result even if the board was sold with a rounded size such as “8.25-inch deck.”
Step 3: Note the truck and wheel profile
Measure how far the trucks and wheels project from the deck. This is not usually the advertised bag width, but it helps you understand whether the retention straps can sit flat and whether the wheels will create pressure points.
Step 4: Convert units carefully
Use the exact relationship 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches, or multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimeters. For example, 80 cm is approximately 31.5 inches and 28 cm is approximately 11 inches.
Step 5: Compare the measurements with the carrier
Compare your board’s nose-to-tail length and widest deck measurement with the published carrier range. CarryColor Base is intended for an approximately 80 × 28 cm board. CarryColor Pro provides adjustable length coverage from approximately 80–100 × 28 cm. Both use 4 cm board-retention straps. Measure before ordering because model names such as cruiser or surfskate do not guarantee one standard size.
How Much Extra Space Should a Skateboard Bag Have?
A carrying bag should be secure without forcing the fabric or fasteners. The goal is controlled contact: the deck should not slide freely, but the retention system should close without being stretched to its limit.
| Check | Good fit | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Nose and tail sit inside the intended coverage | Board extends beyond the usable range |
| Width | Deck is centered without folding the side edges | Fabric pulls tightly around the deck |
| Retention | Straps close flat and stay tensioned | Straps sit on sharp truck hardware or loosen |
If you are between sizes, the adjustable CarryColor skateboard bag collection is the better starting point than trying to force an oversized board into a fixed carrier.
Five Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring only between the trucks. A carrying bag must account for the entire nose-to-tail length.
- Using the wheelbase as total length. Wheelbase measures truck-hole spacing, not deck length.
- Rounding down. Record the tape reading before simplifying it.
- Ignoring the widest point. Width can vary along a shaped deck.
- Assuming every cruiser fits. Board categories describe riding style more than exact dimensions.
Before You Order: 30-Second Checklist
- Length recorded in centimeters and inches
- Width measured at the widest point
- Board type confirmed as non-longboard
- Trucks and wheels checked for strap clearance
- Carrier range compared with actual measurements
- Skateboard-not-included notice understood
After choosing a size, review Skateboard Bag vs Backpack for help deciding whether a slim carrier or full backpack better matches your daily load. For session packing, use our skatepark essentials checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I measure a skateboard with the trucks attached?
Measure deck length and width from the deck, but keep the board assembled while checking carrier fit. The trucks and wheels determine how the retention straps sit and how far the complete board projects from the bag.
Is skateboard width the same as wheel width?
No. Skateboard width normally refers to the deck at its widest point. The wheels and axles may extend beyond the deck, so inspect their position separately when checking clearance.
Will an 80 cm bag fit every standard skateboard?
No. “Standard” is not one exact measurement. Measure the actual deck. A fixed 80 cm carrier is best for a board close to that length; a longer board may require adjustable coverage.
Can I use a CarryColor bag for a longboard?
No. CarryColor bags are intended for double-kick skateboards, cruisers, fish boards and surfskates within the stated dimensions. They are not suitable for longboards.
Final Takeaway
The best way to measure a skateboard for a bag is simple: nose to tail, widest point across the deck, then a real-world strap-clearance check with the board assembled. Record the exact numbers and choose the carrier by dimensions rather than by board label. When your measurements are ready, compare CarryColor skateboard bags.