How long should your chopsticks be? That depends. The best chopsticks are those that fit your hand and feel comfortable to hold and use. Eating with chopsticks becomes easier and looks and feels more graceful when they’re the right size.

Here is how to measure your hands for chopsticks. Spread your thumb and index finger at a right angle, then measure the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the index finger. For adults, the ideal chopstick length is 1.5 times that distance.

You can also estimate what chopstick length to choose based on your height. It is generally recommended that adults of small to average height should choose medium-sized chopsticks with a length of about 21–23 cm (8.3–9 in), and taller individuals should choose large chopsticks with a length of about 23–25 cm (9–9.8 in).

However, since hand size varies from person to person, we recommend measuring your hand as described and choosing your best pair of chopsticks based on that.

To find the optimal length of chopsticks for kids, measure the length of the child’s hand from the base of the wrist to the longest finger and add 3 cm (1.2 in). Choosing properly sized kids’ chopsticks helps children have fun learning how to use chopsticks and practicing their skills.

You can also estimate an appropriate size for children’s chopsticks based on age. Below are guidelines for choosing the right size.

• Ages three to four: 15–16 cm (5.9–6.2 in)
• Ages five to nine: 17–18 cm (6.7-7.1 in)
• Ages ten to fifteen: 19–20 cm (7.5–7.9 in)

Teenagers can transition to adult-sized chopsticks.