Football Helmet Sizing: How to Measure and Find the Right Fit
Players, coaches, and parents alike want football helmets that are comfortable AND safe. Proper measurement is a crucial piece of achieving this. A helmet that shifts on impact can't do its job, no matter how well it is tested in a lab. The good news: getting the size right takes a tape measure and about five minutes. Here's exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Measure the head
You'll need a soft fabric tape measure but if you don’t have tape measure, a piece of string and a ruler work fine.
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Wrap the tape around the widest part of the head - about one inch above the eyebrows, above the ears, around the widest point in back.
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Keep the tape level and snug but not tight
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For players with thicker hair: compress the tape until you feel the hair push back slightly. That resistance point is the accurate measurement for helmet fit.
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Record the number in inches. Measure twice - if you get two different numbers, use the larger one.
Step 2: Find the size on the chart
Each Light helmet model has it's own sizing chart, which can be found on our 'get fitted' page. Match your head measurement to the corresponding size on the chart.
If you're in between sizes, choose the larger size and checkout our fit pad kits to make the helmet fit perfect.
Youth or varsity?
Youth football helmets are built for players below the high school level — typically under 14. Varsity football helmets are engineered for the bigger, faster impacts of high school football and above, typically 14 and up.
Varsity shells are tuned for higher-speed collisions, which is why varsity-only models like the Apache aren't certified for youth play. And starting in September 2027, NOCSAE rules will require youth helmets to weigh under 3.5 pounds - a standard LIGHT youth helmets are built around already.
Step 3: Check the fit
With the helmet on and buckled, check the following:
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Cheek pads: should sit firm against the cheeks. Pull the facemask side to side - the skin should move with the helmet, not slide under it.
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Up and down: grab the facemask and push up and down. The helmet should not slide independently of the head.
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Brow line: the front pad should sit about an inch above the eyebrows. If it's riding up over the forehead, it's too big.
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Snug without pain: pressure should be even all the way around. A hot spot after 10 minutes means the fit needs adjusting.
Still between sizes or unsure? LIGHT offers
virtual fittings with an equipment expert — a 10-minute call beats a season in the wrong shell.
Learn more about
sizing your specific model of Light Football Helmet.
Why helmet weight changes the fit equation
A properly fitted helmet still fatigues the neck over four quarters if it's heavy, and traditional helmets can run up to 6 pounds. LIGHT helmets can weigh roughly half that, which means less neck fatigue, better head positioning late in games, and a fit that stays comfortable from warmups through the final whistle. Every LIGHT helmet is top-ranked in independent Virginia Tech testing, so the weight savings never comes at the cost of protection.
Football helmet sizing FAQ
What size football helmet does my child need?
Measure the head circumference one inch above the eyebrows and match it to the manufacturer's chart for the specific model — sizing varies between models and brands. If between sizes, size up [CONFIRM] and fine-tune with fit pads.
How is a football helmet supposed to fit?
Snug all the way around with no independent movement. Cheek pads firm against the face, front pad about an inch above the brows, no sliding when you push the facemask in any direction.
Do football helmets run big or small?
Every model fits differently, which is why measuring beats guessing. Use the chart for the exact model you're buying.
When should a player move from a youth to a varsity helmet?
Generally at the high school level, around age 14. League rules govern this — varsity-only models aren't certified for youth play.
Can a helmet be adjusted after purchase?
Yes — fit pad kits let you dial in the fit within a size. LIGHT's LS2 Youth is also built with resizing technology to grow with the athlete across seasons.