What is the standard yoga mat size? The average yoga mat width is typically around 24 inches. While this is the most common dimension, yoga mats come in various widths to suit different needs and body types. Do you need an extra wide yoga mat? It depends on your size, how you practice, and the kind of space you like to have. Knowing how wide a yoga mat is, and how wide it should be for you, can really improve your time on the mat.
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The Basic Facts About Yoga Mat Sizes
Let’s start with the most common sizes you will see. Yoga mats are made in different sizes. The size includes how long they are, how thick they are, and how wide they are. Here, we focus on width.
How Wide is a Common Yoga Mat?
The most common width for a yoga mat is 24 inches. This is what many people mean when they talk about the standard yoga mat size. It’s like the ‘medium’ size for mats.
- Standard Yoga Mat Width: Usually 24 inches wide.
- Yoga Mat Width in Inches: This is the number you see most often. 24 inches is about 61 centimeters.
- Yoga Mat Size in CM: So, a standard mat is about 61 cm wide.
This 24-inch width works for many people. It’s easy to roll up and carry. It fits well in small spaces. But it’s not right for everyone.
Learning About Different Mat Widths
Mats don’t just come in one width. You can find mats that are wider or even narrower.
Extra Wide Yoga Mats
Some mats are made wider than the usual 24 inches. These are often called extra wide yoga mats or just wide mats.
- Common Wide Widths: These mats can be 26 inches, 28 inches, or even 30 inches wide.
- More Space: The extra width gives you more room side-to-side. This is helpful for many reasons.
We will talk more about why a wide mat is good later on.
Other Dimensions to Know
While we focus on width, length and thickness also matter for a mat’s overall size.
- Long Yoga Mat Dimensions: Standard mats are usually 68 inches long. But you can get long mats that are 72 inches or even 80 inches long. Length matters if you are tall.
- Thick Yoga Mat Dimensions: Mat thickness changes how soft or hard the mat feels. Thick mats (like 1/4 inch or more) give more cushion. Thin mats (like 1/16 inch) are good for travel or feeling the floor more. The thickness doesn’t usually change the width, but thick mats can feel bigger in general.
Grasping Why Width Matters During Practice
Why should you care if your mat is 24 inches or 28 inches wide? It makes a big difference in how you feel and move on the mat.
Space for Movement
Yoga involves many different shapes and movements. You stretch your arms out wide. You step your feet back and forth. You might lie down with arms and legs spread.
- Staying On The Mat: If your mat is too narrow, your hands and feet might go off the sides. This can make you feel unsteady. It can stop you from doing the pose fully.
- Feeling Safe: When you have enough space, you feel more secure. You don’t worry about slipping off the edge. This helps you relax and focus on the pose itself.
- Full Range of Motion: A wider mat lets you stretch out completely. Think about poses like Warrior II or Triangle pose. Your arms reach out to the sides. On a narrow mat, your hands might be off the mat. On a wide mat, you stay fully on your surface.
Comfort and Stability
Comfort is key to a good yoga practice. Your mat is your personal space.
- Not Crowded: A wider mat prevents you from feeling squeezed onto a small strip. You have room to adjust your hands or feet slightly without going off the edge.
- Better Balance: In balancing poses, your feet might spread slightly or you might need a little side-to-side adjustment. Extra width gives you that forgiveness. If your foot is right on the edge of a narrow mat, you are more likely to wobble.
- Lying Down Poses: Poses where you lie on your back or stomach, like Savasana (resting pose), feel much better on a wider mat. Your arms can rest by your sides or overhead without falling onto the hard floor.
How Poses Are Affected
Let’s look at some specific poses and how mat width plays a role.
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Your front foot points forward, back foot turns out. Your arms reach out to the sides, parallel to the floor. If your mat is narrow, your hands might be off the edges. A wide mat keeps your hands over the mat surface.
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): Similar to Warrior II with arms out. You reach down to your front leg. Again, arm span is important.
- Plank Pose (Phalakasana): Hands are under shoulders, body is a straight line. If you need to adjust your hand position slightly wider for stability, a narrow mat limits you.
- Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Hands and feet on the ground, hips high. Sometimes people like their hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. A wider mat allows this.
- Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lying flat on your back, arms resting to the sides, palms up. On a narrow mat, your hands and lower arms might be on the cold, hard floor instead of the soft mat.
Having enough width lets you do these poses fully and comfortably. It removes a small but real distraction (worrying about falling off the mat) so you can focus on your breath and body.
Different People, Different Needs, Different Widths
Not everyone needs the same mat width. Your body size and type, the type of yoga you do, and how you travel with your mat can all affect the best width for you.
Body Size and Shape
This is perhaps the biggest reason to consider a wider mat.
- Broader Shoulders or Hips: If you have a wider frame, a 24-inch mat might feel cramped. When you lie down, your shoulders or hips might spill over the sides. When you are on your hands and knees, your knees might be very close to the edges.
- Taller People: While length is most important for tall people, sometimes taller individuals also have longer arm spans. This can make a wider mat more comfortable in poses where arms are outstretched.
- Feeling Restricted: Even if you don’t feel like you have a “wide” body, some people simply prefer more space to move freely. A narrow mat can feel limiting.
Type of Yoga Practice
The style of yoga you practice can also guide your mat choice.
- Active or Flow Yoga (Vinyasa): These styles involve lots of movement, stepping, jumping, and quick transitions. More space can be very helpful to avoid stepping off the mat accidentally during flows. An average yoga mat width of 24 inches might feel too small if you move around a lot.
- Restorative or Yin Yoga: These styles involve holding poses for a long time, often with props. You spend a lot of time lying or sitting on the mat. Comfort is key. A wider mat gives you more room to settle into poses and use props without feeling like you are right on the edge. Lying down poses are much more comfortable on a wider surface.
- Hot Yoga: You sweat a lot in hot yoga. You might use a towel over your mat. A wider mat can give more room for the towel and help contain sweat better than a narrow mat where hands and feet might be off the sides.
Travel and Portability
Sometimes, a standard or even narrower mat is better.
- Travel Yoga Mat Width: Mats made for travel are often thinner and lighter. They can also be narrower than standard mats. A common travel yoga mat width might be 24 inches or even slightly less (e.g., 22 inches) to make them more compact when folded or rolled. If you need a mat specifically for carrying around easily or packing in a suitcase, a narrower one might be better.
- Studio Classes: If you go to a studio often and carry your mat, the size and weight matter. A very wide mat (30 inches) can be bulky to carry and store compared to a 24-inch mat.
Other Mat Features
Remember, width is just one part of the mat.
- Thick Yoga Mat Dimensions: While thickness doesn’t change the width, a thick, wide mat is a large item. A thin, wide mat is still wide but lighter. Consider the total size and weight.
- Material: The mat material affects grip, weight, and how it rolls or folds. Some materials are naturally wider or narrower.
Wide Yoga Mat Benefits
Choosing a wider mat offers several clear advantages for your practice.
- Increased Freedom: You have more room to stretch and move without touching the floor.
- Greater Stability: Less chance of hands or feet slipping off the edges, improving balance and safety.
- Enhanced Comfort: More space to lie down and relax completely in poses like Savasana. Your limbs stay on the cushioned surface.
- Better for Certain Poses: Poses with wide arm or leg stances are easier and feel more natural.
- Suits Larger Bodies: Provides the necessary space and support for individuals with wider frames.
- Reduced Distraction: You can focus on your practice rather than adjusting to stay on a narrow mat.
These wide yoga mat benefits can lead to a more enjoyable and effective yoga session.
Standard vs Wide Yoga Mat: A Comparison
Let’s put the common 24-inch wide mat next to a wider option, say 28 inches. This standard vs wide yoga mat look helps see the pros and cons of each width.
| Feature | Standard Mat (24 inches wide) | Wide Mat (26-30 inches wide) |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Less side-to-side room | More side-to-side room |
| Movement | Might feel limited in wide poses/fast flows | Lots of space for full range of motion |
| Comfort | Limbs might go off edge in resting poses | Limbs stay on mat in resting poses, feels less cramped |
| Portability | Easier to carry and store, generally lighter | Can be more bulky and heavier to carry and store |
| Price | Often less expensive | Can be more expensive |
| Availability | Most common size, easy to find | Less common than standard, but becoming more popular |
| Body Size | Good for average or smaller frames | Better for larger frames or those who prefer space |
This comparison shows that the best choice is personal. A 24-inch mat is great for many, especially if portability or budget is key. But a wider mat offers clear advantages in space, comfort, and stability during practice.
Picking the Right Width for You
How do you decide which width is best? Think about these things:
- Your Body: Are you tall? Do you have wide shoulders? Lie down on the floor and stretch your arms out to the sides. How much space do you take up? Try lying with your hands resting comfortably by your sides. Do they touch the floor next to where a mat would be?
- Your Practice: Do you do active yoga with lots of movement? Do you do calm yoga where you lie down a lot?
- Your Space: Where do you practice? Do you have a lot of floor space?
- How You Carry It: Will you take it to a studio? How far will you carry it?
- Your Budget: Wider mats can cost more.
- Try It If You Can: If possible, try a friend’s wider mat or see if a studio has different sizes you can try.
Don’t just guess. Think about how you use the mat and how you want to feel on it. For many people, moving from a 24-inch mat to a 26 or 28-inch mat makes a big, positive change in their practice.
Looking Closely at Mat Width Details
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the numbers and what they mean.
Grasping Yoga Mat Width in Inches and CM
We talked about inches and centimeters. Most mats list their size in inches.
- 24 inches: This is the classic width. It’s about two feet wide.
- 26 inches: Adds 2 inches of width. That’s about 5 cm more space.
- 28 inches: Adds 4 inches of width compared to standard. That’s about 10 cm more space.
- 30 inches: Adds 6 inches of width. That’s about 15 cm more space.
Six extra inches might not sound like a lot, but on a yoga mat, it feels huge. It’s the difference between your hands being on the mat or on the floor in Warrior II. It’s the difference between your arms fitting comfortably by your sides in Savasana or hanging off the edge.
Average Yoga Mat Width vs. Your Ideal Width
Remember, the average yoga mat width is 24 inches because it’s the most common. It’s ‘average’ for what people buy, not necessarily ‘average’ for what feels best for the average person.
Think about shoes. The average shoe size for men is around 10, and for women around 8. But if your foot is size 12, an average shoe size won’t fit you. You need the size that fits your foot.
The same is true for yoga mats. The 24-inch average is a starting point. You need the width that fits your body and your practice.
Long Yoga Mat Dimensions and Width Together
If you are tall, you definitely need a longer mat. But often, taller people also benefit from a wider mat.
- A mat that is 72 inches long (standard long) and 24 inches wide might be long enough for your height, but still too narrow for your width or arm span.
- Many companies that make longer mats also offer them in wider sizes, like 72×26 or 74×28 inches. If you need a long mat, check if it also comes in a wider version. Getting both length and width right is key for tall yogis.
Travel Mats: Giving Up Width for Portability?
Travel yoga mat width is often smaller. Why? Because travel mats are designed to be light and fold up small. Making them narrower helps with this.
- A typical travel mat might be 24 inches wide, but only 1/16 inch thick. This makes it light and easy to pack.
- Some travel mats are even narrower, maybe 22 inches wide.
- You might choose a travel mat for ease of carrying, even if it feels a bit narrow during practice. It’s a trade-off between portability and practice space.
- However, some companies now make travel mats that are still standard width (24 inches) but very thin. So you don’t always have to sacrifice width for travel. Look at the specific mat’s listed dimensions.
Thick Yoga Mat Dimensions and Width
Thick mats provide more cushioning. This is good for sensitive knees or joints.
- Thickness is often measured in millimeters (mm) or inches.
- Standard thickness is about 4-5mm (around 1/8 inch).
- Thick mats are 6mm (around 1/4 inch) or more. Some are 8mm or even 10mm thick.
- A thick mat that is also wide (e.g., 8mm thick and 28 inches wide) is a substantial piece of equipment. It will be heavier and bulkier than a standard thin, narrow mat.
- When choosing a thick mat, also consider the width and how you will store and transport it.
Benefits of a Wide Yoga Mat in More Detail
Let’s look closer at why a wider mat makes a difference in your practice.
More Space for Your Body
Imagine lying down on your back, arms resting comfortably by your sides. On a narrow mat, your hands might be on the cold floor. On a wide mat, your entire arms can rest on the soft mat. This small difference can make a big pose like Savasana feel much more relaxing.
When you are on your hands and knees (for poses like Cat-Cow or starting position for Downward Dog), a wider mat means your knees are not right on the edge. You can shift your weight slightly side-to-side without worry.
Stability in Standing and Balancing Poses
Think about poses like Warrior III or Tree Pose. You stand on one leg. You might move your arms or other leg. If your standing foot is too close to the edge of the mat, it feels less stable. A wider mat gives your standing foot more room to be centered or slightly adjusted, which helps with balance.
In poses like High Lunge or Warrior I, your feet are usually hip-width apart, front foot forward, back foot back. But some people prefer their feet a bit wider side-to-side for more stability, like standing on train tracks instead of a tightrope. A wide mat allows you to take that slightly wider stance if it feels better for your balance.
Freedom in Flow
In Vinyasa yoga, you link poses together with breath. This means moving smoothly from one shape to another.
- Moving from Downward Dog to Plank to Chaturanga: If your hands are wide in Downward Dog, a narrow mat forces you to bring them closer together for Plank or Chaturanga, or your hands go off the sides. A wide mat lets you keep a consistent hand width if that feels better.
- Stepping Forward: Stepping your foot forward from Downward Dog to a lunge or Warrior can be tricky on a narrow mat. You need to land your foot between your hands. More width gives you a bigger target area to step into.
A wider mat removes the worry of stepping or placing hands/feet off the mat, letting you move more freely and confidently.
Accommodating Different Yoga Styles and Needs
- Restorative/Yin: As mentioned, comfort for long holds is improved. You can fully relax onto the mat surface.
- Props: If you use blocks, bolsters, or blankets, a wider mat gives you more room to place props next to or under you while still staying on the mat yourself.
- Beginning Yogis: New students often feel less stable and might wobble or need to adjust their hands and feet more. A wider mat provides a larger, safer area to explore poses without fear of falling off.
- Advanced Yogis: Even experienced yogis can benefit from the extra space in complex poses or inversions where precise hand/foot placement might be slightly wider than standard.
These detailed wide yoga mat benefits show that it’s not just a luxury; it can be a functional improvement for many practitioners.
Making Your Choice: Standard vs Wide Yoga Mat
Deciding between a standard vs wide yoga mat comes down to weighing the pros and cons based on your personal situation.
Consider the cost difference. Wider mats often cost more because they use more material. Is the extra space worth the extra money for you?
Consider storage. Do you roll your mat and keep it in a corner? A 30-inch wide mat rolled up is noticeably bigger than a 24-inch one. Do you have space for it?
Consider transport. If you walk or bike to class, a wider, heavier mat is harder to carry than a standard one. If you drive, this is less of an issue.
Think about how your current mat feels. Do you often find your hands or feet on the floor? Do you feel like you have to squeeze yourself onto the mat? If yes, a wider mat is likely a good idea.
If you are happy with the space on a 24-inch mat, there is no need to change. The goal is to find the mat that helps you practice better.
Final Thoughts on Yoga Mat Width
Knowing how wide is a yoga mat is more important than it might seem at first. The average yoga mat width of 24 inches is a good starting point, but it’s not the only option, and it’s not the best option for everyone.
From the standard yoga mat size to the extra wide yoga mat, understanding the different widths available (and the yoga mat width in inches or yoga mat size in cm) helps you choose a tool that truly supports your practice.
Whether you need a mat for travel (considering travel yoga mat width), or a thick mat for cushion (looking at thick yoga mat dimensions), the width is a key part of the overall size and feel.
The wide yoga mat benefits – more space, stability, and comfort – are real and can make a significant difference in your yoga journey.
Don’t settle for a mat size just because it’s the most common. Think about your body, your practice, and your needs. Choosing the right width, alongside the right length and thickness, is an investment in your comfort, safety, and ability to fully explore every pose. Practice better by choosing a mat that fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a wide yoga mat?
Try lying down on the floor. Stretch your arms out to the sides. How much space do you take up? Measure that width. If it’s close to or more than 24 inches, a wider mat might be more comfortable. Also, during your practice, notice if your hands or feet often go off the sides of a standard mat, or if you feel squeezed.
What is the widest yoga mat I can buy?
While the most common wide sizes are 26-28 inches, some companies make mats that are 30 inches wide. Very rarely, you might find custom or extra-specialty mats even wider, but 30 inches is generally the widest readily available size.
Are wide yoga mats heavier?
Yes, generally a wider mat will be heavier than a standard 24-inch mat of the same length, thickness, and material. More material means more weight. Consider this if you need to carry your mat often.
Can a yoga mat be too wide?
For some people, yes. A very wide mat (like 30 inches) can be more expensive, heavier, harder to carry, and might not fit in standard mat bags. If you have a smaller frame or don’t feel cramped on a 24-inch mat, a very wide one might be unnecessary and bulky. The best width is the one that feels right for you.
Does mat width affect durability?
No, the width itself doesn’t usually affect how long the mat lasts. Durability depends more on the mat’s material, thickness (how much wear it can handle), and how you care for it.
Where can I find wide yoga mats?
Many yoga brands and online retailers sell wider mats. Look for terms like “wide,” “extra wide,” or check the dimensions listed in the product details. You might find them under categories for taller or larger individuals, but they are suitable for anyone who prefers more space.