When looking for a new yoga mat, it can be important to look for the ideal size to fit our needs. With so many yoga mats out there it can be hard to understand the various sizes yoga mats come in and from there try to understand which one to eventually buy. So what are the average dimensions of a yoga mat?
In general, the three yoga mat dimensions to look for are length, width, and thickness. Yoga mat length ranges from 68″/173cm to 72″/185cm. Yoga mat width ranges from 24″/61cm to 26″/66cm and thickness can range from the very thin 1.5mm travel mats to the very thick 10mm.
For more information on how to find your ideal yoga mat, here is How To Choose the BEST Yoga Mat in 8 Steps.
Dimensions of the popular yoga mats
Popular yoga mats come in a variety of sizes. By calculating their average, we will see that the average length of yoga mats is 179cm, the average width is 64cm and the average thickness is 4.6mm.
As a yoga teacher and studio owner, the mats I have and recommend are:
- Best overall – Manduka Pro – L 178cm, W 66cm, T 6mm
- Best eco-friendly – Jade Harmony – L 173cm, W 61cm, T 4.7mm
- Best alignment – Liforme – L 185cm, W 66cm, T 4.2mm
- Best budget – Lululemon Reversible – L 180cm, W 66cm, T 5mm
- Best non-slip – BYOGA Strong – L 178cm, W 66cm, T 6mm
- Best for travel – Manduka travel – L 178cm, W 66cm, T 2.5mm
Of all these mats the most noticeable difference is their material and thickness.
More specifically, the thickness of all these yoga mats is great for most types of yoga, as they are all above 4mm (with the exception of the very thin Manduka travel mat).
Yoga Mat Dimensions
The vast majority of yoga practitioners are fine with the standard yoga mat size.
Yoga Mat Length
The standard length of yoga mats tends to range from 68″/173cm and 71″/178cm. This range is suitable for most practitioners of standard height.
You could aim for a yoga mat that is at least your height, however, I will point out that I am 1.76m and yet I happily practice on my Jade Harmony which is 3cm shorter at 1.73m.
And so if you’re like me and you’re anywhere up to my height, most yoga mats are absolutely fine length-wise.
The time to look out for a long yoga mat is if you are a taller yogi.
Worry not! There are long yoga mat options out there to choose from.
If you are 6 feet tall and above consider a long yoga mat. The reason is that it is nice to practice on a yoga mat that is close to your height. The 5 main options are Manduka Pro, BYOGA Strong, BYOGA every day at 85″, Manduka ProLite at 79″, and lastly the Luxury Cork mat at 80″.
Yoga Mat Width
The average yoga mat width is 25″/64cm. This is based on data from the most popular yoga mats, where half were found to be 24″/61cm and the other half 26″/66cm. Both dimensions are perfect for most yoga practitioners and they will be comfortable in yoga mat carriers.
I have been practicing yoga for 11 years and I haven’t noticed any particular difference when I practice on my 24″/61cm Jade Harmony and on my 26″/66cm Manduka Pro.
The only time you may notice a difference is if you tend to practice in yoga studios that have crowded classes, where yoga mats are very close to one another. There you are most likely to desire wider mats so as to give you more space.
However, in reality, I have been practicing yoga for 11 years and I haven’t noticed any particular difference when I practice on a 24″/61cm or a 26″/66cm. And so I don’t know how much difference one makes over the other.
Extra wide yoga mat
There are the extra wide yoga mats on the market which take up quite. alot of floor space.
One such example of an extra wide mat is the Gorilla Mats Premium Large Yoga Mat. This is an incredible 84″/213cm by 60″/152cm. Think of a rather large square yoga mat!
Of course, don’t expect to carry this to your local studio.
This could be a good option if you have a designated yoga/workout room in your home. But other than that, I personally don’t see the advantage of going for such a wide yoga mat. At least if you are a yoga practitioner.
Yoga Mat Thickness
As a general rule, the best thickness of a yoga mat is between 4mm and 6mm. Both are thick enough to offer sufficient cushioning for our joints. Anything less may not feel comfortable on hard floors and anything more may be too thick and not be suitable for dynamic yoga practices.
From the image above you can see the difference between the various thickness options of yoga mats.
In my opinion, when looking into yoga mat dimensions, thickness is the most important factor to look into.
Thicker yoga mats (10mm+)
The thickest option is the very thick BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat. This is a thick foam mat which is a good option for anyone who has sensitive joints and wants that extra cushioning. However, keep in mind that such a thick yoga mat may not be ideal for more dynamic yoga practices like Ashtanga yoga or Vinyasa.
This type of yoga mat is ideal for grounding practices like Yin or Restorative yoga classes, especially if you practice on a hard surface, such as a wooden floor and you want a thicker mat.
Thick yoga mats (6mm)
I may be slightly biased as this is my favorite thickness of yoga mat. It all started with my Manduka Pro. I realized that it offers exceptional cushioning and is great for my Ashtanga practice.
And so then when I started doing yoga mat reviews, I decided to try the Sugarmat which was also 6mm. I loved the feeling and the texture of this mat. And of course, the fact that it is 6mm meant that it offers great cushioning for all types of yoga practice.
Check out my YouTube review here. I also have the very beautiful 6mm Sugarmat yoga mat. The main advantage of this mat is how pretty it is, but of course, the 6mm thickness makes it a great mat. Check out my YouTube Sugarmat review here.
Average yoga mat (4-5mm)
From the table at the beginning of the article, you may have noticed that 4.7mm is the average thickness of the most popular yoga mats.
And interestingly, that is the thickness of two very popular yoga mats. The Manduka PROlite and the Jade Harmony, both from a well-respected brand.
And so if you do decide to go for this thickness, then know that this is the most commonly used thickness for all types of yoga.
Just keep in mind that if you have sensitive joints or bad knees, then perhaps this thickness may not be ideal for you. You are better looking out for a thicker yoga mat.
If you are looking for specific recommendations, I wrote an article on the best yoga mats for bad knees that you may find interesting.
Thinner mats (1mm travel mat)
These are best for travel as they can simply be folded and placed in your backpack, or a yoga mat bag. And that is why a thinner mat is perfect for anyone looking for ideas on how to travel light.
There are too thin to be used for regular practice. I have found that they are best whether placed on a communal yoga mat in a yoga studio or if you are practicing on not-too-hard surfaces, like cork, as you will need more padding.
Of course, if you are traveling and can only have hand luggage, then this may be your only option of a yoga mat.
As a side note, I wrote an article titled Yoga Mat on a Plane (Helpful tips and what airlines say). Check it out if you are planning on traveling with your yoga mat!
For a more detailed explanation of thickness, check out my article: How To Choose The PERFECT Yoga Mat Thickness
Yoga Mat Materials
Yoga mats come in a wide variety of materials, from traditional cotton to more modern synthetic materials. Each type of material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right mat for your needs.
PVC mats
PVC yoga mats are a popular choice for yoga enthusiasts of all levels. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that is durable and easy to clean.
PVC mats are also often softer and more cushioning than other types of yoga mats, making them more comfortable for some users.
However, PVC mats can sometimes be slippery, and they may not provide as much grip as some other mat materials. In addition, PVC is a synthetic material that is not biodegradable, so it is not the most environmentally friendly option.
My favorite Manduka Black mat pro is a typical example of a good quality PVC mat, which is also considered one of the more expensive mats. It’s great for ashtanga yoga, and if you start to sweat a lot you can always use yoga towels to help absorb moisture.
Natural rubber
A natural rubber mat is made from rubber that comes from trees. The main benefits of a natural rubber yoga mat are that it comes from eco-friendly materials and is also biodegradable.
Natural rubber is also very sticky thanks to its surface texture, which helps to prevent slipping during yoga poses. In addition, natural rubber is cushioning and supportive, making it ideal for yoga students of all levels.
Some drawbacks of natural rubber mats are that they can be expensive mats, and they may require more care to maintain their stickiness. Additionally, rubber mats tend to not be latex-free, so keep this in mind if you have a latex allergy.
My favorite Jade is a typical example of a good quality rubber mat.
Cotton yoga mats
The perfect accessory for your yoga practice, a cotton yoga mat provides both comfort and traction. Made from natural materials, an organic cotton yoga mat is gentle on the skin and helps to absorb sweat during your practice.
The textured surface of the mat provides excellent grip, preventing you from slipping or sliding during your poses. In addition, the cotton fabric is highly absorbent, making it ideal for use in hot yoga classes. And because it’s machine-washable, you can easily keep your mat clean and fresh.
TPE mats
TPE yoga mats are the perfect choice for eco-conscious yogis. Made from thermoplastic elastomer, TPE mats are completely free of PVC, latex, and other harmful chemicals.
They are also recyclable and biodegradable, making them a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. In addition to being environmentally friendly, TPE mats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. Plus, they are considered to be a sticky mat, making them great for good traction for hands and feet in poses like downward dog.
Yoga mats come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and materials
When shopping for a yoga mat, it is important to consider your individual needs. Are you looking for a mat that is thick and cushioned or one that is thin and lightweight?
Do you prefer a natural material such as cotton or jute, or a synthetic material such as PVC? And what color will best suit your yoga practice? With so many options available, it can be daunting to choose the right mat. However, by taking the time to consider your needs, you can find the perfect yoga mat for your practice.
There are three main factors to consider when choosing a yoga mat: thickness, material, and price. The thickness of a yoga mat ranges from 4-6 millimeters. Thinner mats are lighter and easier to transport, but they may not provide enough cushioning for some yogis. Thicker mats provide more support and padding, but they can be heavy and difficult to carry.
When it comes to material, most yogis prefer natural fibers such as cotton or jute. These materials are absorbent and allow the skin to breathe during practice. Synthetic materials such as PVC are also popular because they are easy to clean and maintain.
And finally, depending on your budget, go for the mat that best meets your needs.
Ultimately, the best yoga mat is the one that meets your individual needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, regardless of yoga mat dimensions, the best yoga mat is the one that you feel most comfortable using.
So if you are still looking for inspiration, you may like my video:
