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How to Measure For Golf Shaft Length: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick answer

  • Measure from the very top of the grip to the heel of the clubhead.
  • Use a solid measuring tape, not a soft one.
  • Keep the club flat against a straight edge for accuracy.

Who this is for

  • Golfers looking to dial in their clubs for better consistency and performance.
  • DIY club builders or folks tweaking their current set for a custom fit.

What to check first

  • Grab a club you want to measure. Any standard iron or wood will do.
  • Find a reliable measuring tape. A metal or fiberglass one is best. No fabric tape, please.
  • Check the grip. Is it a super thick aftermarket one? This can throw off your measurement if you’re not careful.
  • Make sure you have a flat surface and a straight edge or wall to work with.

How to Measure For Golf Shaft Length: A Practical Guide

Alright, let’s get your clubs measured up. Getting this right means better swings and fewer headaches on the course. It’s not rocket science, but precision matters. I learned that the hard way messing with my first set of clubs.

1. Prep the club. Lay the club on a flat surface. Butt it up against a wall or a straight edge. This keeps it from rolling and ensures you’re measuring straight. Don’t let it rest on its sole – that’s a rookie move and will give you a false reading.

  • What to look for: The club should be perfectly parallel to the ground and the wall. No wobbling or leaning.
  • Mistake to avoid: Letting the club lean or rest on its bottom. This is probably the most common error and completely skews the length.

2. Start the tape. Take your measuring tape and extend it from the absolute butt end of the grip. I mean the very top, the end you’d tap on the ground before a swing.

  • What to look for: The zero mark on your tape should be flush with the very top of the grip. Not the side, not the edge, but the absolute highest point.
  • Mistake to avoid: Starting the tape halfway down the grip or on the side. This is an easy way to shave off an inch or more you actually need.

3. Extend to the heel. Now, run that tape down the shaft, all the way to the heel of the clubhead. That’s where the shaft meets the clubhead, not the sole or the face. For irons, this is typically where the shaft enters the hosel. For woods and hybrids, it’s the point where the shaft meets the metal of the clubhead at the very bottom-front.

  • What to look for: The tape should align precisely with the point where the shaft enters the hosel or the clubhead.
  • Mistake to avoid: Measuring to the bottom edge of the clubhead or the face. That adds length that isn’t part of the functional shaft and will make your clubs seem longer than they are.

Common Mistakes When Measuring Golf Shaft Length

Getting this right is key for consistent ball striking. A few slip-ups can make all the difference.

  • Incorrect starting point — Why it matters: If you don’t start at the absolute butt of the grip, your total measurement will be off, leading to clubs that are too long or too short. — Fix: Always start the tape at the highest point of the grip, where your hands would rest.
  • Measuring to the sole — Why it matters: The sole is the bottom of the clubhead. Measuring to it adds extra length that isn’t part of the actual shaft length and can lead to incorrect club fitting. — Fix: Measure to the heel of the clubhead, where the shaft seamlessly joins the club.
  • Not accounting for grip thickness — Why it matters: Oversized or heavily built-up grips can make a club feel shorter than it actually is if you measure to the outer edge. Conversely, a thin grip might make it feel longer. — Fix: Always measure to the butt end of the grip itself, not the outer edge of a thick grip. If you’re using a significantly different grip than standard, you might need to make a mental adjustment or add/subtract based on the grip’s thickness compared to a standard grip.
  • Using a flexible tape measure — Why it matters: A soft, cloth tape measure can bend and flex, leading to inaccurate readings. Golf clubs need precise measurements. — Fix: Use a rigid metal or fiberglass tape measure. They provide a straight, true line for accurate measurement.
  • Club not positioned correctly — Why it matters: If the club isn’t perfectly straight or is resting on its sole, the measurement will be off. The shaft needs to be parallel to the measuring surface. — Fix: Ensure the club is laid flat against a wall or straight edge, with the shaft parallel to the ground.

FAQ

  • What is the standard way to measure golf shaft length?

The standard method is to measure from the absolute top of the grip (the butt end) down to the heel of the clubhead, where the shaft meets the club. This measurement is typically done with the club laid flat against a straight edge. [1]

  • How do I measure golf shaft length if the club has an oversized grip?

When measuring with an oversized grip, you still measure from the very top of the grip material itself, not the outer edge of the grip. The key is to find the true butt end of the shaft. If the grip is significantly thicker than standard, you might need to factor that in when determining your final club length, but the measurement point remains the same.

  • Should I measure to the hosel or the clubhead heel?

You should measure to the point where the shaft enters the clubhead. For most irons, this is the top of the hosel. For woods and hybrids, it’s the point where the shaft meets the metal at the lowest front part of the clubhead. This ensures you’re measuring the functional shaft length.

  • Does driver shaft length differ from iron shaft length measurement?

The measurement method is the same for drivers and irons: from the butt of the grip to the heel of the clubhead. However, drivers are typically much longer than irons, and the “heel” measurement point might be slightly different in how it’s defined on a driver head versus an iron hosel. The principle of measuring to where the shaft meets the head remains consistent. [2]

  • What’s the difference between measuring a club and measuring a shaft?

When you measure a club, you’re measuring the entire assembled unit from grip butt to clubhead heel. When you measure a shaft, you’re measuring just the shaft itself, typically from the butt end to the tip where it will be installed into the clubhead. For fitting purposes, measuring the assembled club is usually what you want.

  • How much does an extra inch of shaft length affect my game?

Even a quarter-inch difference can significantly impact your swing mechanics and consistency. Longer clubs can offer more distance but are harder to control. Shorter clubs are easier to control but may sacrifice some distance. It’s all about finding the sweet spot for your swing.

  • Can I measure my current clubs to determine the right length for new clubs?

Absolutely. Measuring your current clubs is the best way to establish a baseline. If your current clubs feel good, measure them carefully to replicate that length. If they feel off, measure them to understand what you don’t want.

Sources:

[1] How to Measure A Golf Shaft: Step-by-Step Guide: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-measure-a-golf-shaft-step-by-step-guide/

[2] How to Measure Golf Driver Shaft Length: Step-by-Step Guide: https://golfhubz.com/how-to-measure-golf-driver-shaft-length-step-by-step-guide/

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