CalculatorsOptimal Saddle Height Calculator

Optimal Saddle Height Calculator

The LeMond method is a measured starting saddle height, not a knee-angle fit. Multiply inseam in millimetres by 0.883, then fine-tune so the knee is slightly bent at the bottom of the stroke.

Inputs

Inseam (in)

Results

Saddle height: 29 in

How the number is made

Saddle height (mm) = inseam (cm) × 10 × 0.883. Measure along the seat tube from the bottom-bracket centre to the top of the saddle, in line with the seat tube.

Only LeMond is calculated: 0.883 × inseam, from BB centre to the saddle top along the seat tube. Heel-on-pedal is a feel check, not a second equation. Shoe stack, pedal stack and crank length are not subtracted. A longer crank changes knee angle even when this mark stays put.

Related calculators

Crank Length Calculator
A longer crank raises the knee at the bottom for the same saddle mark.
Cleat Fore-Aft Calculator
Cleat position changes how that saddle height feels at the ball of the foot.

Questions

Where do I measure?

Bottom-bracket centre to the top of the saddle, following the seat-tube angle, not vertically to the floor.

What about the heel-on-pedal trick?

It is a coarser check. If your heel just brushes the pedal at the bottom, you are near this LeMond number.

Do I subtract crank length?

No. The number is only 0.883 times inseam, from the bottom-bracket centre to the saddle top. Shoe stack and crank length are not subtracted.

Related gear

Bike fit measuring rod
A tape from the BB centre beats counting saddle-rail marks.
$15–$40

Disclaimer — no professional advice, no liability

These calculators are simplified estimates for education. They are not a bike fit, a structural inspection, or a torque specification that overrides the number printed on a part. Confirm chain length, spoke length, tire fit and bolt torque on the bicycle before you ride.

These calculators, pages and any related content are provided “as is” and “as available”, solely for general educational and informational purposes. They are simplified mathematical estimates, not a professional bike fit, a structural inspection, a manufacturer torque specification or a training, nutrition or medical plan.

Results can be wrong, incomplete or inapplicable to your frame, wheels, tires, drivetrain or suspension. You must independently verify every figure, assume all risk, and confirm chain length before you cut, spoke length before you lace, tire and rim compatibility before you inflate, and the torque printed on the part before you tighten it.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the site operator, authors, contributors and affiliates disclaim all warranties, express or implied, and accept no liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for property damage, injury, death, business interruption or financial loss, arising out of or related to the use of, or reliance on, these tools or their outputs.

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain warranty exclusions or liability limitations, including for personal injury. In those places, our responsibility is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. If you do not agree, do not use this site.