Aerial Silks Length Calculator, and Guide: What Size Aerial Fabric is Right for You?
Your aerial fabric length is key to performance, safety, and freedom. Whether you're training in studio, setting up your home rig, or performing in show, selecting the right size sets you up to reach new heights.
Use the Orbsoul Aerial Silk Calculator below to size up your space and discover the silks that are best for you.
The heights that shape you: setting the stage
Your aerial space shapes your experience. Whether you’re strength training at home or owning the spotlight with every drop, the height of your rig and length of fabric sets the stage for your aerial artistry.
Here’s what you can expect to do across different heights:
10ft (3m) & Lower
This is the most common and versatile height range — ideal for aerial yoga & Pilates, strength training, perfecting wraps, poses, climbs, inversions, spins and controlled entries and exits. It’s a safer, more stable space to build strength, fine-tune technique, and grow your aerial skillset. While this height is perfect for beginners, even advanced aerialists use lower heights to safely master new wraps, transitions, and sequences before bringing them up high into the air.
10–20ft (3–6m)
Moving beyond 10ft opens your practice up to vertical dynamic movements, offering you the ability to explore drops, windmills, extended climbs, and smooth flowing sequences. It gives you enough height to build momentum and transition between poses with control as you captivate your audience.
20 ft (6 m) & Higher
Recommended for advanced aerialists and professionals practicing extended dynamic drops, multi-rotation movements like salto, double star & catcher’s lock roll. Perfect for long choreographed sequences and breathtaking performance artistry seen in the elite circus arts.
Find your perfect length.
| Fabric Length | 5m (5.5 yd) |
8m (9 yd) |
10m (11 yd) |
12m (13 yd) |
14m (15 yd) |
16m (17.5 yd) |
18m (19.5 yd) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigging Height |
Yoga Hammock +
Sling Only
6–10 ft1.8–3 m
|
6–10 ft1.8–3 m
|
10–13 ft3–4 m
|
13–16 ft4–5 m
|
16–20 ft5–6 m
|
20–25 ft6–7.5 m
|
26 ft+8 m+
|
| Working Tail Length | 7.5 ft2.3 m | 12.5 ft3.8 m | 15.8 ft4.8 m | 19 ft5.8 m | 22.3 ft6.8 m | 25.6 ft7.8 m | 28.9 ft8.8 m |
| Extra Tail on Ground | 00 | 3–6 ft1–2.3 m | 3–6 ft1–2 m | 3–6 ft1–2 m | 3–6 ft1–2 m | 1.5–6 ft0.5–2 m | 3 ft1 m |
All data is calculated with the inclusion of classic aerial silks hardware & knot.
How much tail should you have?
When choosing your silk length, the amount of fabric resting on the floor — referred to as 'extra tail' or 'pool' — influences your flow.
Less Tail - optimizes your agility
Maximize your freedom of movement with a shorter tail on the ground. Reduced fabric weight allows for faster spins and smooth movement when you are at peak agility. When working at higher heights (above 13ft), less tail is recommended to reduce weight and silk drag. Less tail is also ideal for aerial hammock and sling setups to keep your silk streamlined and knots clean
More Tail - enables complex wraps and creative exploration
Longer tails excel in lower rig heights, offering abundant silk for your intricate wraps, poses, and locks. Ideal for confident beginners learning new skills safely, and aerial professionals mastering technique to build a breathtaking repertoire. Having plentiful tail to work with creates space for you to explore all-new aerial shapes and offers you the creative freedom to choreograph your next groundbreaking aerial routine.
Your Journey Starts Here
No matter where you are in your aerial practice, the right silk length can elevate your training at any height. With a setup tailored to your space and goals, you’ll find your freedom in the air. When you're rigging your next space, come back to this guide, use the calculator, and find the length that supports your space, your goals, and your next breakthrough.
About the Author:
Mackenzie Stirling is the co-founder of Orbsoul Ltd. and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Orbsoul is rooted in engineering, design & the enrichment of aerial arts.
