A common question many people ask is: What is the perfect length for a rope?

The real and only answer is: It depends. Rope is a tool, and the ideal length depends on its intended use.

TK Version of the Perfect Length
This length is optimized for efficiency. You start with a lark’s head around your partner’s upper chest, and when passing the rope through the bight, you should be able to do so with one full arm extension. For someone with a petite frame (under 100 lbs), this is typically around 24 feet.

The Reality of Rope Lengths
Most people you tie will have different shapes and sizes. Rope lengths I use for most body type is 30 feet. It’s always easier to adjust by having a little extra rope than needing to add some.

Different Lengths for Different Uses
Here are some common rope lengths I use:

45 ft – Long ropes for extended ties or larger bodies.
30 ft – Standard length, ideal for different styles and body shapes.
15 ft – Short length, great for connections, wrists, or tying legs to something.
7 ft – Very short, used for connections or creating objects like a gag ball, handcuff.

Different Lengths for Different Ropes
15 ft – For a hojo-jutsu bundle. I use 3mm paracord for practice and 2mm Dyneema for EDC.
3 times arm span – For a sash rope, a military-style rope used for various applications like a Swiss seat.