Getting the right yoga mat dimension is important to support your yoga sessions. Beyond colors and style, the proper dimensions can give you stability, reduce the risks of injuries, and enhance overall comfort while you practice. It also gives you a sense of intimacy during practice or meditation.
So, how big is a yoga mat supposed to be? The answer will depend on your body and your needs. Some people may be fine with a standard mat, while taller individuals benefit more from using larger mats.
Find out more about choosing the correct length, width, and thickness to create the perfect mat for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The size of your yoga mat should depend on your body type, practice style, available space, and habits.
- A standard yoga mat is 68 to 72 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 4 to 5 mm thick.
- Thinner mats are suitable for those who practice a more vigorous and active style of yoga; thicker mats are suitable for restorative yoga and people who need joint support.
- Travel mats usually have a standard length and width that allow most movements but are thinner for portability.
- Extra-large yoga mats can reach up to 84 inches (7’) by 36 inches (3’) and are suitable for taller people.
- Non-slip mats usually have standard sizes but are made with material that provides traction, making them suitable for active flow or hot yoga.
How big is a yoga mat? The Standard Yoga Mat Size Chart
Three different aspects define the size of a yoga mat: its length, width, and thickness. Below are the measurements of a standard yoga mat that most people are comfortable with:
| Length | Width | Thickness |
| 86 – 72 inches | 24 inches | 4-5mm |
Length of a Standard Yoga Mat
You should aim to have a mat that can support your whole body. Your mat is meant to be an extra barrier between you and the floor, so it should be at least as long as your height. During your sessions, you stretch and extend your bodies, so taller people may need a longer mat.
If we convert the length of a standard yoga mat, which is 68–72 inches, to 5’8″–6′ in height, most people fall under this category, which is why it’s made as a standard measurement. If your height exceeds 6’, you will need a longer mat to support your body.
Width of a Standard Yoga Mat
Just like length, the width of your mat should provide ample space for comfort, safety, and alignment. A proper width allows you to move freely while practicing, especially in sessions with active flow.
A standard yoga mat width is around 24 inches or 2’, which is ample space for most people. However, a wider mat may be needed for those with bigger or broader statures.
Thickness of a Yoga Mat
A standard yoga mat thickness is around 4 to 5 mm, which is suitable for most yoga styles. Different thicknesses have different purposes when it comes to yoga mats:
- Thinner mats (1–3 mm) are ideal for those who want a firmer surface to practice on. They’re also lightweight, simple to store, and portable.
- Standard mats (4–5 mm) are the most commonly used thickness and are suitable for everyday use. They’re a suitable middle ground for those who want cushions with portability.
- Thicker mats (6 mm and more) are suitable for people who need more cushion, such as those prone to injury or with sensitive joints.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of yoga mat thickness for your consideration:
| Thickness | Pros | Cons | Best for |
| Thin | Portable
Lightweight Grounded |
Not as durable
Not enough cushion for people with joint issues |
Travel |
| Standard | A good middle ground
Adequate cushion Considerably portable |
Heavier than thin mats
Not enough cushion for people with joint issues |
Everyday Use |
| Thick | Cushion for people with joint issues
Durable |
Heavy
Hard to use for balance and stability |
Joint issues |
Different Types of Yoga Mats and Their Sizes
Now that we know the standard size of a yoga mat, let’s explore other types that are suitable for different purposes.
Extra-Large Yoga Mats
Extra-large yoga mats have more than 10 inches of a standard yoga mat measurement. Usually, an extra-large yoga mat’s size is 84 inches (7’) by 36 inches (3’). Sometimes, an extra-large yoga mat can also be square-shaped.
Extra-large mats are ideal for taller people who need more space. They’re also suitable for relaxation poses, meditation, and even other floor-based barefoot bodyweight exercises.
Travel Yoga Mats
Entirely different from the extra-large yoga mat, a travel mat is compact, thin, and lightweight. It needs to be portable and supportive. A suitable travel mat should also be simple to clean and have enough traction to grip different surfaces.
Travel mats usually have a standard length and width that allow most movements but are thinner for portability. We recommend using high-quality materials, such as natural rubber, that can still provide cushion, although thin.
Non-slip Mats
Non-slip mats are for practitioners who prioritize stability, balance, and a strong grip. The material provides traction even during sweatier sessions, making it suitable for active flow or hot yoga.
A normal non-slip mat usually has standard dimensions of 72 inches by 24 inches and a 4-5 mm thickness. However, certain brands also offer extra-large options to accommodate taller individuals.
How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat Size for Your Needs
After learning about all the available yoga mat dimensions and types, now’s the time to choose the right size for you. Here are some considerations to help you make that decision.
Consider Your Body Type and Height
The first factor is your body type and height. Make sure your mat can support your body while you do extended stretches and poses. Standard dimensions are adequate if you have a smaller stature.
People of larger stature should use mats at least the same length as their height. They might also benefit from wider margins to support lateral poses.
Consider Your Yoga Style
A different yoga style may need different mats and sizes. Here are common yoga styles and the best types of mats suitable for them:
| Yoga Style | Description | Best Yoga Mat |
| Iyengar | Focus on correct alignment during poses and slow movements; great for beginners | Standard length and width, slightly thin for more balance and grounding, non-slip material |
| Ashtanga | More vigorous style with a series of poses. | Standard length and width, slightly thin for more balance and grounding, non-slip material |
| Vinyasa | Poses that flow from one pose to another without stopping | Standard length and width, thin mats for more balance and grounding, non-slip material |
| Bikram | Hot yoga that stretches and strengthens muscles, as well as detoxifying your body | Standard length and width, normal thickness, and non-slip material |
| Hatha | Gentle yoga class focuses on simple poses and breathing technique | Standard length and width, thicker yoga mats |
| Restorative | Simple poses focusing on relaxation | Extra large and thick for more spaces and cushion during meditation |
As you can see, the more active and advanced the poses, the thinner the mat needs to be. This is because thicker mats tend to have too much cushion, which leads to less stability during advanced poses. On the other hand, slower-paced yoga with simple poses can benefit from thicker and extra-large yoga mats from sensu.co
Consider Your Practice Space and Habits
Another important factor to consider is your practice space and habits. If you tend to work out in compact places, you might want to avoid larger mats.
For example, if you usually join public yoga classes, use standard-sized mats instead of bigger ones that take up too much space. On the other hand, if you practice in a larger studio, you can use large mats that support more poses.
Next, consider your habits. If you tend to use your mat for other activities, pick a thicker mat that can withstand more wear and tear. Additionally, go slightly bigger to use it for different purposes.
FAQs
How Long Should a Yoga Mat Be?
The length of a yoga mat should depend on body types, yoga style, and personal preferences. Your mat should support your entire body during poses and meditation. If you are average height, the standard yoga mat is enough. Taller yogis may need extra-long mats to compensate for their heights.
What Size Yoga Mat is Best for Beginners?
The best yoga mat size for beginners is the standard mat, which is 24 inches wide by 68 inches long. The standard mat is suitable for most yoga styles and body types.
How Thick Should a Yoga Mat Be for Beginners?
Beginners should use the standard thickness for yoga mats, which is 4 to 5 mm. This thickness allows beginners to explore most yoga styles before settling on one.
How Long Does a Yoga Mat Last?
How long a yoga mat lasts depends on its material, thickness, and usage. If it’s thinner, made of cheaper material, and used often, you may need to replace it earlier. Generally, yoga mats can last 1 year with extensive use or 2 to 3 years with regular use. Clean them after every session and store them properly to extend their lifetime.
What is a Yoga Mat Towel, and Do I Need One?
A yoga mat towel is a towel that goes on top of your yoga mat to absorb moisture. Some people prefer to use this towel to protect the quality of their mats or for extra grip during vigorous sessions.
Should I Choose a Thicker or Thinner Yoga Mat?
Your choice should depend on your style of yoga and your personal preferences. You may choose a thinner mat to be more grounded and practice flow yoga. You may go with thicker mats for those who want extra cushion for meditation, restorative yoga, or joint issues.
Final Take
No one size fits all for yoga mats, so always consider your individual needs. Taller individuals with bigger stature should choose longer and wider mats. People who prefer dynamic flow and balance-focused yoga should pick thinner mats for stability. Those who prefer restorative and meditative yoga should use a thicker mat.
Select the perfect mat according to your body type, practice style, available space, and habits. The right mat size will enhance your performance and make you more comfortable during your yoga sessions.
