Yoga Block Dimensions: Standard Size, Heights and Materials
For anyone buying blocks for home practice or a studio, or trying to work out which height a teacher means. Standard and slim sizes in inches and centimeters, the three heights each block gives, and how material changes weight and grip.
A standard yoga block measures 9 × 6 × 4 in (23 × 15 × 10 cm). Turned on its three faces it gives heights of 4, 6 and 9 in (10, 15 and 23 cm). Slim blocks are 9 × 6 × 3 in (23 × 15 × 7.5 cm), and brick-style blocks about 9 × 4.5 × 3 in (22.5 × 11 × 7.5 cm).
- Standard block
- 9 × 6 × 4 in
- In cm
- 23 × 15 × 10 cm
- Heights
- 4, 6 or 9 in
- Slim block
- 9 × 6 × 3 in
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Yoga block sizes
Three formats cover almost every block sold. Brands round the metric figures differently, so a "23 × 15 × 10 cm" block and a "9 × 6 × 4 in" block (22.9 × 15.2 × 10.2 cm) are the same product within a couple of millimeters.
| Block | Inches | Centimeters | Three heights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 9 × 6 × 4 in | 23 × 15 × 10 cm | 4, 6, 9 in (10, 15, 23 cm) |
| Slim (lite) | 9 × 6 × 3 in | 23 × 15 × 7.5 cm | 3, 6, 9 in (7.5, 15, 23 cm) |
| Brick (Iyengar style) | About 9 × 4.5 × 3 in | About 22.5 × 11 × 7.5 cm | 3, 4.5, 9 in (7.5, 11, 22.5 cm) |
The brick format traces back to B.K.S. Iyengar, who is credited with recommending props about the size of a house brick. A standard US brick is about 7.6 × 3.6 × 2.3 in, so the yoga version is somewhat larger. For comparison with real masonry, see brick sizes.
The three heights of a yoga block
Teachers usually cue a block by its position rather than in inches. Here is what each position means on a standard block:
- Low (flat): 4 in (10 cm). The block lies on its largest face, 9 × 6 in, and is at its most stable. Used under the hips in seated poses and under the sacrum in supported bridge.
- Medium (on its side): 6 in (15 cm). The block rests on its 9 × 4 in long edge. Used under the hands in standing forward folds and lunges.
- High (on end): 9 in (23 cm). The block stands on its 6 × 4 in end. Used in half moon and triangle when the floor is out of reach. This position is the least stable, so set it on a flat, firm part of the mat.
Two blocks stacked flat give 8 in (20 cm), which sits between the medium and high settings. Stacking blocks on end is unstable and best avoided.
Choosing the block size and thickness
- Check your reach. Stand with legs straight and fold forward. If your fingertips stop more than 6 in (15 cm) above the floor, you will use the 9 in height most. Standard and slim blocks both reach 9 in on end, but the standard block's flat height (4 in vs 3 in) adds an extra inch of lift in seated poses.
- Check your hands. In some poses you grip the block across its 4 in thickness. If that is awkward, a 3 in slim block is easier to hold.
- Decide where it will sit. Blocks under the shoulders or between the thighs are often more comfortable at 3 in. Blocks for sitting on (to raise the hips above the knees) are firmer and more comfortable at 4 in.
- Buy a pair. Many poses use one block under each hand. Two matching blocks also let you build a level platform for supported poses.
Yoga block materials and weight
| Material | Approximate weight | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| EVA or recycled foam | 0.3-0.8 lb (130-350 g) | Light, slightly soft, grippy; dents with use |
| Cork | 1.5-2.5 lb (0.7-1.1 kg) | Firm, stable, slightly textured; good for standing on end |
| Wood or bamboo | 2-4 lb (0.9-1.8 kg), less if hollow | Hard and stable; can be slippery when hands sweat |
The weights are typical ranges across brands, since the density of foam and cork varies. Heavier blocks stay put when you press into them at the high setting; light foam blocks are easier to carry to class and gentler under the spine or knees.
Blocks, mats and other prop sizes
A standard block fits crosswise on a 24 in (61 cm) mat with about 7.5 in (19 cm) to spare on each side, and two blocks side by side on their long edges take about 8 in (20 cm) of mat width. Mat sizes are in the yoga mat size guide. Other common props:
- Yoga straps: usually 6, 8 or 10 ft long (1.8, 2.4 or 3 m) and about 1 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) wide. 6 ft suits most users; tall or very stiff users use 8 to 10 ft.
- Bolsters: typically about 24 to 28 in (61 to 71 cm) long, with rectangular bolsters about 12 in wide and 6 in tall and round bolsters about 8 to 9 in in diameter.
Blocks, mats and straps take very little room to store: a pair of standard blocks occupies 9 × 6 × 8 in on a shelf. For a small fitness corner that also holds weights, see medicine ball sizes and the home gym size guide.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a yoga block?
Most are 9 × 6 × 4 in (23 × 15 × 10 cm), about the size of a large hardcover book. Slim blocks are 9 × 6 × 3 in (23 × 15 × 7.5 cm). The dimensions vary by a few millimeters between brands.
How tall is a yoga block?
It depends on which face it rests on. A standard block is 4 in (10 cm) tall lying flat, 6 in (15 cm) on its long edge and 9 in (23 cm) standing on end. A slim block gives 3, 6 and 9 in (7.5, 15 and 23 cm).
Should I get a 3 inch or 4 inch yoga block?
4 in blocks suit most people and give more height for tight hamstrings and hips. 3 in blocks are lighter, easier to grip with small hands and better for sitting on or for poses where the block goes under the shoulders or sacrum. Many practitioners keep one pair of each.
How much does a yoga block weigh?
Foam blocks weigh roughly 0.3 to 0.8 lb (130 to 350 g). Cork blocks are heavier, about 1.5 to 2.5 lb (0.7 to 1.1 kg), and solid wood or bamboo blocks heavier still. Check the listing, as density varies between brands.