Finding the right putter length can dramatically improve your consistency on the greens, yet most amateur golfers use putters that are too long. An incorrect length forces you to make subtle, often unconscious, adjustments in your setup and stroke, leading to missed putts and frustration. This guide will walk you through exactly how to measure a putter and, more importantly, how to determine the ideal length for your specific body and putting style.
Before we grab a tape measure, let’s quickly talk about why this seemingly small detail has such a big impact. Your putter’s length dictates your entire putting posture. It influences how you stand, where your eyes are positioned over the ball, and how your arms hang. The ultimate goal in putting is to create a simple, repeatable, pendulum-like motion, and the correct putter length is the foundation for that motion.
If your putter is too long, it pushes you to stand up taller than you naturally would. Your arms will feel jammed into your body, or you'll have to grip down on the steel shaft, both of which introduce variables that kill consistency. Your eyes will likely end up inside the target line, which encourages a stroke that gets "stuck" and pushes putts to the right (for a right-handed golfer).
If your putter is too short, you’ll be forced to hunch over excessively, putting strain on your lower back. Your eyes will likely be positioned outside the target line, promoting an "over-the-top" stroke that pulls putts to the left. Getting the length right allows your body to settle into an athletic, balanced setup where your arms can hang freely and your eyes can get directly over the ball - the ideal position for seeing the line and making a pure stroke.
When you see a putter advertised as "34 inches," that measurement is taken in a very specific way, following guidelines set by the USGA. It’s not as simple as standing the putter straight up and measuring from the floor to the top of the grip. It all comes down to the club’s "lie angle."
Here’s the step-by-step process:
This method ensures that every putter is measured consistently, accounting for the built-in angle of the shaft. This is how manufacturers label their clubs and how club fitters compare different models.
The most common error is trying to measure a putter by holding it perpendicular to the floor. If you stand the putter up vertically so the shaft is straight up and down, and then measure from the ground to the grip, you will get an inaccurate reading. Because the putter shaft is installed at an angle (the lie angle), measuring it this way will give you a shorter number than its actual playing length. You must account for that angle by measuring along the shaft from the ground, as described above.
Knowing your putter's standard measurement is one thing, knowing the right measurement for you is what truly matters. Mass-produced putters are typically made in 33, 34, and 35-inch lengths, with 34 and 35 inches being the overwhelming majority found in golf shops. But these standard lengths are designed for an "average" golfer who may or may not exist. Let's find your personalized fit.
This is a simple B.Y.O.P. (Build Your Own Putter) fitting you can do at home. For this, it’s helpful to have a friend and a tape measure or yardstick.
This is the most important step. Without worrying about a club, I want you to get into a posture that feels comfortable and athletic for putting. Here's how:
This posture - the one your body assumes on its own - is your personal, perfect putting setup. All we need to do now is find a putter length that fits into it.
While you hold this perfect posture, have your friend measure the distance from the floor straight up to the top of your topmost hand (your left hand if you putt right-handed). Note this measurement.
For a huge number of golfers, this measurement will come in somewhere between 32 and 33.5 inches. You might be surprised how short this is compared to the 35-inch putter you have in the garage. This measurement is your ideal putter length.
Now, grab your current putter and get into that same, comfortable stance. Does it fit?
If you're still not sure, here are some on-course clues that your putter length isn't optimized for you.
If you discover that your 35-inch putter should really be a 33-inch putter, don't panic! Any golf shop can shorten a putter shaft and install a new grip for a small fee. It's one of the easiest and most impactful adjustments you can make to your equipment.
Measuring your putter the "official" way is great for knowing the technical specs, but finding the length that fits your natural, athletic posture is what will truly help you sink more putts. By letting your body determine the ideal length, you eliminate the need for compensations and clear the path for a simpler, more consistent stroke.
Getting your equipment dialed in is a huge step in building confidence on the course. If you have more questions about how putter fittings work or how your setup impacts your stroke, that's exactly the kind of personalized advice we built Caddie AI to provide - giving you instant answers from an expert in your pocket, 24/7.
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