Measure from the outside edges of the grips, end to end

The width of your handlebars is the distance between the outermost points of each grip. Place a measuring tape or ruler flat against the outside of one grip, then stretch it straight across to the outside of the other grip. That measurement is your handlebar width. Most road bike handlebars fall between 38 and 46 centimetres; mountain bike and hybrid bars typically range from 58 to 76 centimetres.

The reason you measure the outside edges matters: manufacturers list width this way, and it's the dimension that determines whether the bars will fit your bike frame and your body. Measuring the inside edge or the centre of the grips will give you a smaller number and won't match what you see on product listings or replacement bars.

Key Takeaways

  • Handlebar width is measured from the outside edge of one grip to the outside edge of the other grip in a straight line.
  • Road bike bars are usually 38–46 cm wide, while mountain and hybrid bars are typically 58–76 cm wide.
  • You need an accurate measurement if you're replacing bars, because width affects how the bike handles and whether the bars clear your frame.
  • A measuring tape, ruler, or even a piece of string and a ruler will work; the bars don't have to be on the bike to measure them.

Why handlebar width matters for fit and control

Handlebar width directly affects how your bike steers and how stable you feel. Bars that are too narrow make the bike feel twitchy and harder to control, especially on rough terrain or at speed. Bars that are too wide make steering sluggish and can cause your shoulders to work harder, leading to fatigue on longer rides.

Width also determines clearance: if your bars are wider than your frame, they may hit your thighs when you turn sharply, or they may not fit through doorways or bike racks. Matching the right width to your shoulder width and riding style is part of getting a bike that feels natural to ride.

Tools you need to measure accurately

A measuring tape is the easiest tool. Lay it flat across the handlebars from outside grip edge to outside grip edge, keeping it level and perpendicular to the bar. A rigid ruler or straightedge works just as well if your bars are short enough.

If you don't have either, a piece of string works fine: lay it across the outside edges of both grips, mark where it touches each grip, then measure the string against a ruler. The bars can be on or off the bike; removing them isn't necessary unless you want to be extra precise about the grip edges.

Measuring bars that are still on your bike

You don't have to remove the handlebars to measure them. Position the bike so the bars are level and horizontal—not tilted forward or back. Place your measuring tape or ruler across the outside edges of both grips, keeping it parallel to the ground. Make sure the tape is tight and straight, not sagging in the middle.

If your grips are thick or padded, measure to the very outside of the padding. If your bars have bar ends or extensions, measure only the main bar width, not the extensions. Extensions are separate components and don't count toward the standard width measurement.

What to do if your bars have flared or dropped ends

Some handlebars—particularly modern mountain bike bars—flare outward at the ends or drop downward. Measure the width at the widest point of the grip itself, not where the bar curves or flares. If the grip ends before the flare begins, measure to the end of the grip.

Manufacturers list width at the grip, so that's the number you should match when shopping for replacements. The flare or drop is a separate feature and doesn't change the handlebar width specification.

Comparing your measurement to standard sizes

Once you have your measurement in centimetres, you can compare it to what's available. Road bars come in widths like 40, 42, 44, and 46 cm. Mountain and hybrid bars are usually 58, 62, 66, 70, or 76 cm. Some brands offer sizes in between, and a few make bars wider than 76 cm for riders with very broad shoulders.

If your bars fall between two standard sizes, you're measuring correctly—many bikes ship with bars that don't land on a round number. When you replace them, you can choose the closest standard size or look for a brand that offers the exact width you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I measure my handlebars with or without the grips?

Measure with the grips on. The grips are part of the bar assembly, and their thickness affects the total width. If you're replacing bars and want to reuse your grips, measure the new bars with grips already installed so you know the final width will match your old setup.

Does it matter if my bars are angled or tilted when I measure?

Yes. Make sure the bars are level and horizontal before you measure. If they're tilted, your tape will follow the angle and give you an inaccurate reading. Level the bars, then measure straight across from outside edge to outside edge.

What if the two grips are different widths?

This is rare, but if it happens, measure to the outside edge of each grip separately and note both numbers. Most bars are symmetrical, so if you're seeing different widths, double-check that you're measuring to the actual outside edge and not to the bar itself underneath the grip.

Can I measure just the bar without the grips to get the true width?

You could, but it won't help you. Manufacturers list handlebar width with grips included, because that's the dimension that matters for fit and clearance. Measuring the bare bar gives you a smaller number that won't match any product listings.

Is there a difference between measuring drop bars and flat bars?

No. Measure both types the same way: from the outside edge of one grip to the outside edge of the other, in a straight line. The shape of the bar doesn't change how you take the measurement.