Motorcycle Helmet Head Shape: Find Your Fit (Interactive Tool)

Published Categorized as Guides
Matte black full-face motorcycle helmet front angle

What's Your Head Shape? Helmet Fit Finder

Most helmet returns come from the wrong head shape, not the wrong size. Answer two quick questions and we'll tell you which brands fit your head.

Step 1 of 2

Look down at the top of your head in a mirror (or a photo taken from straight above). Which outline matches best?

Compare how long your head is front-to-back versus side-to-side.

Round OvalNearly as wide as it is long
Intermediate OvalSlightly longer than wide (most common)
Long OvalClearly longer front-to-back, narrow sides

Step 2 of 2

Think of a helmet that did not fit right. Where did it press or hurt?

Pressure points reveal a head-shape mismatch. Pick the closest.

Temples / sidesSore on the sides of the head
Forehead / backSore on the forehead and back of the head
Even / not sureNo clear hot spot
Your head shape

Head shape gets you the right interior fit; you still need the correct size (measure your head circumference about 1 inch above your eyebrows) and a safety certification (DOT, ECE 22.06, or Snell). Brand fit tendencies are general guidance, not a guarantee. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Every biker is aware of the importance of a helmet while riding. Not only for obeying the law, but it saves lives if any accident occurs. A helmet will save your life only if it fits properly to your head. And you know there are helmets for round heads shape, and long heads shape to choose from according to your head size. The best way to determine your head shape for a motorcycle helmet is to measure your head shape first. Then compare your head’s size with the helmet’s size. Helmet manufacturers usually include the correct size chart, refer to that. This article will help you know how to determine head shape for motorcycle helmet. Let's know how you can get the maximum protection with the correct helmet type and size.

How to Determine Your Head Shape for a Motorcycle Helmet?

Here, we will be giving you tips on how to get the best helmet for your head that fits properly. Among a range of helmet style, you'll be able to go for the right helmet sizes for round and oval heads, and others. How to Determine Your Head Shape for a Motorcycle Helmet

Measure Your Heads Size

Before buying a helmet, it is necessary to know your head’s size. You can seek help from your friend and family member to measure it. Or you can do it by yourself. Get a measuring tape and put it above the eyebrows and circle it around the back part of your head. Also, make sure the tape is above your ears. Take the measurement in centimeters if possible. It will give you a more accurate answer than inches. Then you can choose a full-face helmet, open-face helmet, or any other you seek for. By doing this, you will be aware of your head’s size to compare with the motorcycle helmet shapes and provided size chart. That will prevent you from buying a too-loose or too-tight helmet.

Know Your Head Shape

After measuring the head size, it is time to determine your motorcycle helmet head shape. Generally, there are three types of head shapes, Long Oval, Round Oval, and Intermediate Oval. Know Your Head Shape Long Oval If your head seems a bit longer from your forehead to the back of your head, then your head shape is long or oval. Helmets for these motorcycle helmet head shapes seem loose from the sides. But it is actually tight from the forehead to the back. Round Oval If your head shape looks round or identical to a football, consider your head shape as a round oval. In this case, your head shape is equally wide compared to its length. Intermediate Oval The last head shape is Intermediate Oval. Generally, it is the most common head shape around the world. When your head shape is neither too long nor too wide, then it is an intermediate head shape. Most of the helmets belong to this category. So, if you have this head shape, then your available helmet option will be vast. To determine your head shape you can simply ask a friend to take a photo of your head from above. After seeing the photo, you will be able to differentiate your head shape from others. Make sure to flat down your hair as much as you can. Because your straight hair might affect the look of your head shape.

Seek for professional assistance

If you can’t manage yourself in any of the tasks mentioned above, simply go to a helmet store. The professionals there will help you to measure your head circumference and shape to compare with the helmet sizes. They'll also suggest you the right course of action that can help you pick the right helmet. After determining the right types of helmets and the helmet liner, they'll get your helmet fit. They can give you the right helmet while keeping your peripheral vision clear, free of hot spots. If you're to take suggestions, go for modular helmets that have cheek pads and soft chin straps.

Verdict

We’ve already got to know about how to measure the head size and shape for a motorcycle helmet. Remember, a random helmet can’t protect your head from an accident. Only an oval shape helmet can be comfortable for oval heads. It is very necessary to get a fit helmet that is neither too loose nor tight. It depends on your choice of which style or color to choose. We believe our suggestions on how to determine your head shape for a motorcycle helmet will help you choose the right shape for you. Getting the right
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The Research Desk

Reviewed by Tom Renner

We read the safety standards, cross-check independent crash data like Virginia Tech, and buy the gear we test. No sponsored rankings, ever. Meet the team →

Avatar of Tom Renner

By Tom Renner

Our team isn't pro racers or crash-test engineers, and we'll never pretend to be. What we do is read the ECE and Snell test protocols, track Virginia Tech and SHARP ratings and CPSC recalls, and comb through what actual riders, surfers, sledders and arborists say about the gear on their heads. HelmetsAdvisor is that homework done in public - standards, fit data, recalls, and real owner reports synthesized so you can pick a helmet in ten minutes instead of ten forum tabs.

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