Kite size calculator
The right kite for your weight and today's wind, in your units.
Kite size calculator
Your weight and the wind, in your units. Estimates a freeride kite size, its sweet-spot wind band, and a two-kite quiver. A starting point, not a substitute for local advice.
Suggested kite
9 m²
Based on the widely used freeride mid-line (2.2 × kg ÷ knots) that matches manufacturer charts between roughly 8 and 35 knots, adjusted for board and level. Kite model, board size, water state and your tuning all shift the answer. When in doubt at a new spot, ask a local and take the smaller kite.
How it works
The calculator uses the freeride mid-line that manufacturer size charts cluster around: kite size (m²) = 2.2 x weight (kg) / wind (knots), valid from roughly 8 to 35 knots. A directional surfboard floats more, so it takes about 15% off; a hydrofoil is so efficient it takes about 40% off. Beginners get pointed slightly smaller, because control beats power while you learn.
It also inverts the formula to show the sweet-spot wind band for the suggested kite, and sketches a two-kite quiver that covers the common 12-25 knot range at your weight.
Want the theory behind it? Read what size kite do I need and what wind speed you need to kitesurf. On gusty days, size for the gusts, not the average; gust factor explained covers why.
FAQ
How do I calculate what size kite I need?
The widely used freeride baseline is kite size in m² = 2.2 x your weight in kilograms / wind speed in knots, for a twin-tip at intermediate level. A 75 kg rider in 18 knots lands on about a 9 m² kite. Adjust down about 15% on a directional surfboard and about 40% on a hydrofoil, and pick the smaller side as a beginner.
What size kite should a 75 kg rider use in 15 knots?
Around 11 m² on a twin-tip (2.2 x 75 / 15 = 11). In 20 knots the same rider is on roughly 8-9 m², and in 12 knots needs about 13-14 m² or a light-wind setup.
Does the calculator work in m/s, km/h and mph?
Yes. Enter wind in knots, m/s, km/h or mph and weight in kg or lb; everything is converted internally (1 knot = 0.514 m/s = 1.852 km/h = 1.151 mph).
How accurate is a kite size calculator?
It gives a solid starting point that matches manufacturer charts between roughly 8 and 35 knots, but kite model, board size, water state, gustiness and your riding style all shift the answer by a size. Treat the output as the middle of a range and ask locals at a new spot.