Dance Pole Diameter: 40mm vs 45mm vs 50mm
45mm is the right choice for most people. It is the size most studios use, and both the IPSF and POSA competition rules specify 45mm poles. Choose 40mm (X-Pole) or 42mm (Lupit) if you have small hands and struggle to wrap the pole. 50mm is an older club size that is harder to grip. If you also train at a studio, matching its pole size makes moving between the two easier.
Pole diameters compared
| Diameter | Who it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 45mm | Most dancers | Studio and competition standard (IPSF, POSA) |
| 42mm | Small to medium hands | Lupit only; a middle option |
| 40mm | Small hands | X-Pole and others; easier to wrap for climbs and holds |
| 50mm | Larger hands, heels and club styles | Older size; harder to grip; fewer home options |
| 38mm | Very small hands | Rare in the US and UK |
What competitions use
The IPSF apparatus rules specify a constant 45mm diameter on a brass pole about 4 m tall, with one static and one spinning pole 3 m apart. POSA’s 2025 rules also specify 45mm chrome or nickel-free stainless poles, static on the left and spinning on the right as the audience sees them. Neither requires a particular brand.
How to choose for your hands
- If your fingers and thumb barely meet around a 45mm pole, try 40 or 42mm.
- If you have average or large hands, 45mm will feel normal.
- Switching sizes changes how moves feel, so train mainly on the size you will use most.
- Brand matters too: X-Pole makes 40mm and 45mm; Lupit makes 42mm and 45mm. See X-Pole vs Lupit.
Frequently asked questions
What diameter dance pole should I buy?
45mm for most people, because it matches most studios and competitions. Choose 40mm or 42mm if you have small hands.
What diameter do pole competitions use?
Both IPSF and POSA rules specify 45mm poles, with one static and one spinning pole. IPSF specifies brass; POSA specifies chrome or nickel-free stainless steel.
Is a 40mm pole easier for beginners?
Smaller hands often find 40mm easier to wrap and grip. If you train at a studio with 45mm poles, moves may feel different when you switch.
Who makes 42mm dance poles?
Lupit, whose Classic G2 comes in 42mm and 45mm. It is a middle option between 40 and 45mm.
Are 50mm poles still used?
Some older studios and clubs use 50mm, but it is harder to grip and few home poles come in that size.
Sources
Keep reading
Best pole for home · X-Pole vs Lupit · Pole finishes · Static vs spinning pole