For most new players, choosing a proper length cue isn’t high on the to do list. Most often we just want to shoot some pool and have a good time. But shooting with a cue that isn’t right for your height can negatively affect your game. And if you’re looking to progress your skills as a player, then finding out which cue length is right for you is a must.
Pool cues come in a variety of different lengths but the industry standard is 58”. For the majority of players a 58” cue is perfect. However, players that are above or below average height may find that a different length cue works best.
Other common pool cue lengths are 48” and 52”. Jump cues on the other hand are typically around 40” while shorty cues can be as short as 24” and are great for children or when playing in tight spaces.
As mentioned earlier, playing with a cue that isn’t the right length for you can negatively impact your game. The problem is that a lot of new players don’t know which length is right for them. There are a lot of factors to consider when buying your own cue but length is one that shouldn’t be overlooked.
So how do you know which length cue is best for you? Lets look into that now.
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How To Choose A Proper Length Cue
Unfortunately there is no scientific way to determine which cue length is best for every individual. Most of the time, deciding on cue length comes down to height, arm length, and personal preference.
For taller players such as myself (6’1”), a 58” cue works just fine. But let’s say you’re 7ft tall with really long arms, or below average height with shorter arms. Chances are a 58” cue wont feel like a good fit for you.
The only way to determine which cue length is best for you is to play with a few cues of various lengths before you buy one. But if you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the pool cue size chart below to see which cue length is recommended for your height.
(Note: This pool cue size chart is not exact and should only serve as a starting point for selecting a proper length cue.)
| Height | Cue Length |
| Under 4’ | 36” – 42” |
| 4’ – 4’11” | 48” |
| 5’ – 5’8” | 52” |
| 5’8” – 6’4” | 58” |
| Above 6’4” | 62” or custom cue |
Recommendations For Taller Players
If you’re over 6’4” a longer cue is probably going to feel better to you. But unfortunately there aren’t many options when it comes to cues over 58” long.
One option you do have is an extension. An extension simply screws into or slides over the butt end of your cue, depending on which model you buy, and provides you with 3”-12” of extended grip.
Other extensions are positioned between the butt and the shaft. Either style works the same and would be a great alternative to shelling out a ton of cash to have a custom made cue.
One of the best ones I have come across is the 12″ cue extension by VGEBY (Amazon). This one simply slides onto the butt end of your cue, making it quick and easy to get on and off. It’s also made of aluminum so its super strong but also lightweight. If you’re interested in checking it out, click the link above or the pic below to check it out on Amazon.
If you cant afford to buy a custom cue but don’t like the idea of an extension, you can always check out the Elite Extra Long Cue (Amazon). It’s 62” long with a 31” shaft and 31” butt. The shaft is made from hard rock maple and the entire cue weighs in at 19oz. It also comes with a case so you can travel with it without worrying about it getting damaged.
Recommendations for Shorter Players
If you are under 5’8” then chances are a 58” cue may be a little on the long side. Fortunately for you, its easy to find cues under 58” long. 52” and 48” cues are common and cues under that length aren’t hard to come by either.
If you’ve tried playing with a 48” cue and feel that its still too long, you can always look into shorty cues. Shorty cues, as mentioned earlier, come in various lengths, the shortest being 24” long. These cues are great for people below average height, for children, or for playing in tight spaces. They come in 1-piece and 2-piece construction depending on what you prefer and are relatively inexpensive.
If you’re still not sure which cue length to try, you can always buy a pack of shorty cues. This pack by Aska comes with four different cues ranging in length from 36” to 52”.
This is a great way to get a feel for which cue length is right for you before you drop a ton of cash on a high quality cue.
If you need more info on buying your first cue, check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Pool Cue. Here you will find all the information you need to help make an informed decision about which cue is right for you.
If you have any other questions about cue length, feel free to reach out or check out our other helpful articles for all of your billiard related questions.
