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They say build your life on a solid foundation, and the same applies to your yoga practice. If you don’t have a comfortable, properly-sized yoga mat, it will be difficult to fully reap the benefits of daily yoga flows and asanas.
There are so many brands, materials, thicknesses, and sizes of yoga mats on the market that it can be hard to know what’s what. When it comes to sizing, you really don’t want your feet hanging off the end of your yoga mat or your head digging into the hard floor.
The most important questions to ask are:
- How tall are you?
- How wide do you want your mat?
- How much padding do you prefer?
Let’s explore how to choose the best yoga mat size for your practice and the common sizes available from top brands.
Contents
- 1 Yoga Mat Quick Picks
- 2 Common Yoga Mat Sizes
- 3 There’s No “One Size Fits All”
- 4 Which Yogis Need Longer Mats?
- 5 How to Measure Your Ideal Yoga Mat Length
- 6 Do You Need a Wider Yoga Mat?
- 7 Wider Yoga Mat Sizes
- 8 Slim Carry Mats
- 9 Thicker Mat vs. Thinner Mat
- 10 Extra Large Yoga Mats on a Budget?
- 11 Yoga Mat Size FAQs
Yoga Mat Quick Picks
| Product's name | Width x Length | Material | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Standard Size Jade Fusion Yoga Mat, Luxurious Comfort & Sturdy Workout Mats for Home Gym,... | 24 x 68 | Natural rubber | See latest price |
 | Best Extra Long Mat Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat, Purple, 85" | 26 x 85 | PVC | See latest price |
 | Best 26 Width Eco-Friendly Mat Yoloha Cork Aura Yoga Mat - 72" x 26" - 6mm thick – Non Slip,... | 26 x 72 or 80 | Cork | See latest price |
 | Best Extra Wide Mat Yoga Accessories Extra Wide and Extra Long 1/4'' Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat... | 36 x 84 | Closed Cell Foam | See latest price |
 | Best Travel Width Mat YOGA DESIGN LAB | Travel Yoga Mat | 2-in-1 Mat+Towel | Lightweight,... | 24 x 70 | Recycled Plastic Upper and Rubber Base | See latest price |
 | Best Large Yoga Mat Budget Pick CAMBIVO Extra Wide Yoga Mat for Women and Men (72"x 32"x 1/4"), SGS... | 32 x 72 | TPE | See latest price |
Common Yoga Mat Sizes
A standard yoga mat measures 24″ wide by 68″ long. In theory, this size should work well for someone is about 5’8″ tall, but it’s not always that simple.
Best Standard Size
#1- Jade Fusion Yoga Mat, Luxurious Comfort & Sturdy Workout Mats for Home Gym, 68" Yoga Mat Thick,...
See latest priceThe Jade Harmony Professional mat is the most reliable and eco-friendly option available. At the standard yoga mat size of 24″ x 68″, it fits most average adult bodies and has amazing grippy traction that holds up even in sweaty hot yoga classes. The material is an all natural rubber that doesn’t contain any synthetics found in PVC mats. Jade Yoga also plants a tree for every mat sold!
There’s No “One Size Fits All”
If you’ve found that the standard yoga mat size doesn’t fit your body type or your practice style, don’t worry- there are tons of other options! After all, every yogi’s body and preferences are different.
Tall yogis may prefer an extra long 72″ to 85″ mat, whereas beginners might want an extra 1″ or 2″ on each side for comfort during floor sequences.
Someone with broad shoulders or a fluffier middle may want more mat extension in every direction. There’s something for everyone!
Yoga mats come in a wide range of dimensions and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Sure, the standard 68″ x 24″ is the most common in yoga studios, but there is really no ideal size of a yoga mat.
It depends on your height, size, weight, and unique yoga styles. Some manufacturers adjust their sizing based on market demands, while others just offer the regular dimensions.
Which Yogis Need Longer Mats?
The most common variation on yoga mats is the length. Just a couple extra inches (for example, the extension from 68″ to 71″ or 72″) can make a big difference for taller yogis. If you are practicing couples yoga or acro yoga, that may be another reason to search for a longer and wider mat.
There are also the extra long (84″ or 7-foot mats) for extra tall yoga practitioners. Nobody wants their hands and feet hanging off the mat during downward facing dog or when lying flat on the mat. In some poses, this could even lead to slipping or misalignment.
Long and tall, the Manduka Black Mat Pro comes in a 26 x 85″ size that is great for taller yogis who want to stretch out. These are really durable, heavy mats that have a higher price point, but Manduka is known to be top-of-the-line and the most well-respected brand name for PVC mats. This mat is 6mm thick and ultra supportive for any serious yogi, pilates, or fitness aficionado.
How to Measure Your Ideal Yoga Mat Length
At the end of the day, I’ve never heard a yoga student say they wish their mat was shorter. Too long will always be better than too short.
If optimal comfort and space is your goal, choose a mat that is 2-5″ longer than your height.
- If you are 5’5″ or shorter, choose the standard 68″ mat
- A 72″ mat is best for yogis between 5’6″ and 6′ tall
- If you are over six feet tall, an 84″ or 85″ long mat could be perfect for you
Do You Need a Wider Yoga Mat?
In terms of width, 24″ is really standard across the board. It seems to be a sweet spot for most average sized adults. But there is no shame in wanting some extra space to widen your hands or feet and stretch out a bit. Some brands have emerged with 26″ wide mats to give some extra wiggle room.
Best 26” Width Eco-Friendly Mat
#3- Yoloha Cork Aura Yoga Mat - 72" x 26" - 6mm thick – Non Slip, Sustainable, Soft, Durable,...
See latest priceOne of the prettiest and most eco-conscious mats available, Yoloha offers beautiful cork-based 26″ mats in both 72″ length and 80″ length. The cork is non-toxic, thick, and super supportive. It’s grippy and dense, yet still lightweight (only about 2.8 lbs). The extra width and length makes this a super comfy and versatile yoga mat for most body types. You can also try a round yoga mat, these are different and beautiful.
Wider Yoga Mat Sizes
Anyone with broad shoulders or a wider body type may opt for an extra wide mat. Measure your body width laying down flat with hands and arms comfortably out to the side. Add 2 to 3″ to find a nice mat width.
Best Extra Wide Mat
#4- Yoga Accessories Extra Wide and Extra Long 1/4'' Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat (Purple)
See latest priceThe widest mat on the market is 36″, or 3 full feet wide. YogaAccessories expands the boundaries even longer with this 84″ (a full 7 feet) long mat that gives you the extra width and length simultaneously. At 1/4″ thick, this mat is extremely dense, comfortable, and allows you to fully stretch out. It is latex-free and phthalate-free with a non-slip surface.
Slim Carry Mats
On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you practice yoga on the go or you are a petite yogi, you may prefer a shorter and skinnier mat. It rolls up smaller and is lighter weight when carrying it.
Best Travel Width Mat
#5- YOGA DESIGN LAB | Travel Yoga Mat | 2-in-1 Mat+Towel | Lightweight, Foldable, Eco Luxury | Ideal for...
See latest priceMade with 15 recycled plastic bottles and a sustainable natural rubber base, this mat is made of completely eco-friendly materials and has a super absorbent upper microfiber layer. At just 1.5mm thick, it could be hard on a wooden floor, however the 24″ width and 70″ length makes for a lovely traveling practice surface.
Thicker Mat vs. Thinner Mat
A standard mat thickness is around 4-5 mm (around 1/8″). Thick yoga mats range from 5 mm to 6 mm (around 1/4″), and thinner travel mats can be as slim as 1-3 mm (about 1/16″).
When choosing a yoga mat, the amount of padding will ultimately determine what size yoga mat you will be carrying around. Thick mats obviously roll up quite densely and may be heavier to carry.
You should also consider where you practice most. A thinner mat works great on a carpeted floor or the beach, but thick mats give you more cushion for hard surfaces.
An extra large and wide mat may be perfect for yoga at home or in a park, but at a studio with designated mat spaces this may enroach on other’s space. Floor space can sometimes be a premium commodity, especially in crowded classes. Nobody is going to kick you out of yoga class for bringing a big 84″ x 36″ mat, but that additional foot in each direction could annoy your neighbors.
Extra Large Yoga Mats on a Budget?
In terms of budget, longer and wider mats are sometimes marked up a bit in price due to the extra material needed to manufacture them. Fortunately, there are still a few budget options available for yogis who want extra elbow room yet don’t want to drop $70+ on the more expensive mats.
Best Large Yoga Mat Budget Pick
#6- CAMBIVO Extra Wide Yoga Mat for Women and Men (72"x 32"x 1/4"), SGS Certified, Non-slip Large TPE...
See latest priceThis TPE-based yoga mat is under $40, extra long, dense, and extra wide. It is perfect for restorative yoga classes as well as Pilates and fitness. The double-sided non-slip grip prevents the yoga mat from sliding on the floor. At 6mm mat thickness, it is a really comfortable option for people with joint or muscle sensitivity. It also comes with a carrying strap!
Yoga Mat Size FAQs
What is the standard yoga mat size?
A standard size yoga mat is 24″ wide by 68″ long, however yoga mats come in a wide range of widths, lengths, and thicknesses for different body types.
Is a 4mm or 6mm yoga mat better?
The standard mat thickness for yoga mats is 4mm or 1/8″. These offer the best combination between portability and cushioning. Thicker mats (6mm or 1/4″) are best for people who need extra cushion. These are typically more expensive, premium mats that provide the most support while still being open-cell and lightweight.
Is 4mm yoga mat good?
4mm or 1/8″ thick yoga mats offer plenty of cushion for the average yogi. They roll up small enough to fit in a yoga mat bag and are typically found in standard yoga mat sizes. If you have sensitive joints or prefer more padding, you should opt for a thicker 6mm mat.
What’s the difference between 3mm and 5mm yoga mat?
The main difference between a 3mm and 5mm yoga mat is the amount of density and padding in the material. A 3mm natural rubber mat works great for light travel, but may be uncomfortable on harder surfaces. On the other hand, 5mm foam yoga mats are m