How to Choose a Yoga Mat Width for Your Body
By Yoga Accessories | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Buying Guides
Find the right yoga mat width for your body and practice. Learn how shoulder width, height, and floor space affect your choice, with clear decision rules.
Quick answer
If your shoulders or hips are wider than the standard 24 inches, or you simply want more room to move, choose an extra wide yoga mat that gives you at least a few inches of clearance on each side.
Why width matters more than you think
Most standard yoga mats are about 24 inches wide. That width works fine for many people, but if you have broad shoulders, wider hips, or you simply like to spread out in poses like Warrior II or Goddess, you might find your hands or feet hanging off the edge. That can affect your balance and make you feel less stable.
A wider mat also gives you more hygienic protection from the studio floor. If you practice in a shared space, having extra mat surface means your hands and feet are less likely to touch the floor when you transition between poses.
Consider your height and arm span
Your height affects the length you need, but it also influences how much width feels comfortable. Taller practitioners often have longer limbs and broader frames, so a standard width can feel cramped. If you're over six feet tall, you might also need a longer mat, and many extra-long mats come in wider widths too.
Think about your arm span. When you're in poses like Downward Dog or Plank, your hands are placed wider than your shoulders. If your arm span is larger than average, a wider mat gives your hands more room to land safely.
Balance width with portability
The trade-off with a wider mat is that it's bulkier and heavier to carry. If you walk or bike to the studio, a standard-width mat might be more practical. But if you drive or have a dedicated home practice space, the extra width is usually worth it.
Wider mats also take up more floor space. Before you buy, measure the area where you practice at home to make sure your new mat will fit comfortably without overlapping furniture or walls.
Decision rules for choosing mat width
- Measure your shoulder width: Stand with your feet together and measure across your shoulders at the widest point. Add 4 to 6 inches to that number to find the minimum mat width that will feel comfortable in poses like Plank or Chaturanga. If your shoulder width plus 4 inches is more than 24 inches, look for a mat that is at least 28 inches wide.
- Check your height and limb length: If you are over six feet tall, your reach is longer, so you'll likely benefit from a mat that is both longer and wider. Standard mats are 68 to 72 inches long; consider a 7-foot mat if you need extra length. For tall practitioners, an extra wide mat often comes with extra length, so you get both benefits in one product.
- Think about your practice style: If you practice mainly floor poses like Yin or restorative yoga, width matters less because you're not spreading your limbs as far. But if you practice Vinyasa or Ashtanga, where you move through standing poses and transitions, extra width gives you more confidence and stability. If you're primarily a floor-based practitioner, a standard width may be fine; focus on thickness and grip instead.
- Consider your home space: Measure your practice area before buying. An extra wide mat (around 30 inches) takes up more floor space, so make sure it fits in your designated area without crowding. If space is tight, a standard-width mat might be more practical, even if you prefer a wider surface.
A wider option to consider
- 1/4'' Extra Wide & Long Deluxe Yoga Mat by YOGA Accessories: This mat is seven feet long and a full three feet wide, providing extra personal space and added hygienic protection against a gym or yoga studio floor. If you're over six feet tall or simply prefer more room, this extra wide and long mat gives you the space you need to move freely without worrying about touching the floor.
1/4'' Extra Wide & Long Deluxe Yoga Mat by YOGA Accessories
Who should choose an extra wide mat?
Best for
- Practitioners with broad shoulders or wider hips who feel cramped on a standard 24-inch mat
- Tall people (over six feet) who also need extra length and appreciate the added width for limb room
Not for
- Those who prioritize portability and walk or bike to class with their mat
- Practitioners with very limited home floor space who cannot accommodate a wider mat
