How Long Should a Pool Cue Be

  • By: Rob
  • Date: April 23, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.
Affiliate Disclaimer

LoveCueSports is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

As you begin your search for the perfect pool cue, you may notice that cues come in a variety of lengths.

The ideal pool cue length for you will depend on a number of factors, including your height, the size of your pool table, and your personal playing style.

If you are tall, you will likely need a longer cue in order to reach the balls on the other end of the table.

If you are shorter, a shorter cue may be more comfortable for you to use. So, how long should a pool cue be?

Most experts recommend that adult beginners choose a cue that is between 55 inches (1.4 meters) and 58 inches (1.47 meters) long.

This length will allow you to comfortably reach the center of the cue ball while also providing enough power for your shots.

Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about cue length so that you can make the best decision for your game.

How Long is a Regular Full-Sized Pool Cue

The length of a pool cue is measured from the tip of the cue to the joint, which is the point where the cue meets the shaft.

A regular, full-size pool cue is typically 58 inches (1.47 meters) long. This length is ideal for most adult players and It is also the preferred length for competitive play.

Girl holding a pool cue

And because the 58-inch cue (Amazon link) is a popular choice, you’ll have no trouble finding a wide selection of styles and designs to choose from.

If you are just starting out, you may want to choose a cue that is slightly shorter or longer than 58 inches.

This length cue will provide you with plenty of power and control while also allowing you to comfortably reach the cue ball.

However, if you are shorter than average or have a smaller frame, you may find that a 58-inch cue is too long.

In this case, you may want to consider a shorter cue that is between 55 and 57 inches (1.4 – 1.45 meters) long.

Shorter cues are also ideal for players who prefer a more maneuverable stick. And because they are lighter and easier to handle, shorter cues can be a good choice for players with joint pain or other mobility issues.

Keep in mind that shorter cues may not be allowed in competitive play. So, if you plan on playing in tournaments or leagues, you’ll need to stick with a cue that is 58 inches (1.47 meters) long.

Is a Longer Pool Cue Better

While a longer pool cue may give you more reach and power, it is not necessarily the best choice for every player. In fact, a cue that is too long can actually be detrimental to your game.

If you are taller than average or have a large frame, you may find that a 58-inch cue is too short. In this case, you may want to consider a longer cue that is between 59 and 61 inches (1.5 – 1.55 meters) long.

Longer cues can also be a good choice for players who prefer a more stable stick. And because they are heavier and have more mass, longer cues can help you generate more power on your shots.

guy holding his pool cue

However, there are also some drawbacks to using a longer cue. First of all, they can be more difficult to control. And if you don’t have a good grip on the cue, you may find that your shots are less accurate.

In addition, longer cues can be unwieldy and difficult to maneuver around the table. If you are new to the game or don’t have a lot of experience, you may want to stick with a shorter cue until you get a feel for the game.

Does Pool Cue Length Matter

A pool cue’s length is important because it affects your stroke. A cue that is too long or too short can make it difficult to control the accuracy and power, as well as the amount of control you have over your shots.

The length of the pool cue also determines leverage. This is the amount of mechanical advantage you have over the cue ball.

A longer cue will provide more leverage, making it easier to apply spin and control the speed and direction of the cue ball.

A shorter pool cue will provide less leverage, making it more difficult to control the cue ball. This is why most professional players prefer a longer pool cue.

Finally, the length of your pool cue can also affect your posture and stance. A cue that is too long or too short will force you to adopt an awkward stance in order to reach the cue ball. This can lead to back pain and other problems.

How To Choose Pool Cue Length Based on Your Height

As a general rule, the length of your pool cue should be about the same as your arm span. This will ensure that you have the most leverage and control over your shots. If you are unsure of which pool cue length to choose, follow the guidelines below.

Player Height (in feet)Pool Cue Length (in inches)
4’0″ – 4’6″48″ – 52″
4’7″ – 5’0″52″ – 54″
5’1″ – 5’4″54″ – 56″
5’5″ – 5’8″56″ – 58″
5’9″ – 6’2″58″ – 60″
6’3″ and taller60″ and longer

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. The best way to determine the right pool cue length for you is to try out different lengths and see which one feels the most comfortable and gives you the best results.

What Are Some Other Considerations for Pool Cue Length

In addition to your height, there are a few other factors you should consider when choosing pool cue length.

These include the size of the table you will be playing on, the type of game you will be playing, and your personal preferences.

The size of the table you are playing on is an important factor to consider because it will determine the pool cue length you need. You should also know if the pool cue is straight and how to straighten it.

A standard pool table is 8 feet (2.44 meters) long, while a regulation-sized billiards table is 9 feet (2.74 meters) long.

If you are playing on a smaller table, such as a bar table or kid’s pool table, you may want to choose a shorter cue.

Conversely, if you are playing on a larger table, such as a tournament-size table, you may want to choose a longer cue.

The type of game you will be playing is also an important factor to consider. If you are playing eight-ball or nine-ball, you will want to choose a pool cue that is at least 58 inches (1.47 meters) long.

If you are playing straight pool or snooker, you may want to choose a cue that is 60 inches (1.52 meters) long or longer. A pool cue is different from a snooker cue.

Conclusion

How long should a pool cue be? It depends on your height, your pool table, and your personal preference.

A 58-inch pool cue is a good general-purpose size, but you may want a shorter or longer cue depending on your specific needs.

The best way to find the right length for you is to try out several cues and see what feels comfortable. Keep in mind that you can always have a cue custom-made to your exact specifications.

+ posts

Rob is an avid player and fan of all cue sports, particularly 8-ball, and snooker. He has competed in a few local 8-ball tournaments and although he is not a professional, he can compete with the best of them.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Can Pool Table Slate Get Wet

Previous Post

Can Pool Table Slate Get Wet

Next Post

Best Training Cue Ball to Skyrocket Your Game 2024

best-training-cue-ball