Every Star Wars fan is familiar with the lightsaber, a luminescent blade of magnetically contained plasma, but they are often clueless of how long is a lightsaber when searching for their own high-quality one.
Apart from the length, however, in choosing a Jedi weapon, it is also crucial to consider several other factors, such as the blade’s color. Every minor detail matters if you want to have the best lightsaber for the best experience.
A lightsaber consists of two main parts: the hilt and blade. It is essential to measure the length from one end to another to get the perfect number that you need.
Why? Continue reading to find out the answer to your question. Learn more about the process of finding the ideal lightsaber length below.
How Long is a Standard Lightsaber
The full-size and standard length of the lightsaber blade is between 32 inches to 37 inches. The average hilt is typically 9 inches to 13 inches in length and 1.2 inches to 1.7 inches in diameter. These are mid-range sizes and are based on what is mostly sold in the market.
If we look into the Star Wars series, the lightsaber blade is often proportional to the user’s body since the kyber crystal is accustomed to him or her. This is how young Jedi wields a sword that complements them perfectly. Some sabers with blade adjusters also exist and are used to modify the weapon’s length according to its user’s growth.
Throughout the franchise, you have seen many versions of the lightsaber. Since the first installment aired in May 1977, the lightsaber has evolved alongside the Star Wars universe. Nowadays, there are tons of lightsabers in all shapes and sizes in the market to cater to the different lightsaber versions seen in the film.
Not all lightsabers are the same in length
While all lightsabers may look more or less similar, each one is not quite the same in terms of detail and length. Depending on the brand and the model, you can get different blade lengths from 16 inches to 40 inches.
For example, Ultrasabers are known to have extra long blades around 36 inches while Force FX lightsabers have blades that are approximately 33 inches.
Lightsaber length and style classification
Now, let’s classify the lightsabers by looking at their design, structure, and use, as seen in the movie. This will give you more idea of the length depending on the type of lightsaber you are going after.
Standard
This is the most common lightsaber used by the Jedi, the Sith, and other Force users. The length of the blade is around 36 inches. It gives the user a variety of movement combinations and fighting stances as well as a decent reach for stabs and thrusts. Luke Skywalker and Dart Vader wield this kind of saber.
Double Bladed
The double bladed is a distinct lightsaber style which is also called a saber staff. It features two blades coming out of both ends of the hilt that is around 21 inches to 23 inches.
Users of this sword need advanced mastery of the weapon to keep track of both blades simultaneously. This sword is first seen in The Phantom Menace and is wielded by the Sith Dark Lord, Darth Maul.
Training Lightsaber
This one is a unique lightsaber that is used by Jedi younglings for their training. Its appearance is similar to the standard lightsaber, only with an underpowered blade and a blade length between 17 to 24 inches.
This causes nothing more than minor burns and bruises. However, in times of danger, it can be altered and utilized to work as a standard lightsaber.
Shoto
The shoto is referred to as a short sword. The blade of this lightsaber measures about 9 inches. This sword works mainly as a secondary weapon in combat.
It is suitable for parrying and following up strikes at an extremely close distance. Force users that have shorter stature also use this, with the most recognized one being Grandmaster Yoda.
Light-Whips
This one is an extremely rare form of a lightsaber. Practical force users seldom use it. The blade length of this light-whip ranges from 2 to 3 meters. It enables extreme flexibility and can be very lethal. Nonetheless, it gives little defensive ability.
Lightsaber Pike
While this type is more uncommon than the light-whips, it is more well-known because of the characters who wield it. The blade length is notably short with an extended hilt and an appearance comparable to the double-bladed lightsaber. It is exclusively used by the Guards of the Jedi Temple but is also utilized as a ceremonial weapon.
Crossguard
The modification design of this lightsaber is an ancient one and can be easily identified with the trio of blades emitted by the hilt. It allows an extra point of the offense and a layer of protection for the wielder. The main blade length is 36 inches and the smaller blades coming out of the sides could be around 6 to 8 inches.
How Long Should a Lightsaber Be
When searching or designing a lightsaber for yourself, the decision will always depend on you, the wielder. For store-bought lightsabers, base your choice of blade length on your height. Your options are 32 inches and 36 inches.
Get 36 inches if you are over 6 feet tall, 32 inches or 36 inches will work for under 6 feet, and 32 inches is suitable for under 5.5 feet. A 24 inches lightsaber is ideal for children.
If you intend to make a lightsaber, you can get your blades from custom saber companies. They can provide you almost any size you want. For an optimal lightsaber length that is tailored just for you, some Star Wars fans have discovered a simple and easy method to figure out the perfect lightsaber length.
Finding the perfect lightsaber length with the golden ratio
The Golden Ratio is an irrational number, a value which is approximately 1.618, that creates a balanced and aesthetically-pleasing composition. It is used in design such as logo development, cropping and resizing images, and many more. This ratio can sometimes be seen daily from the lines on your fingers to a flower in the garden.
Now, how can we relate this to finding the perfect lightsaber length? Fun fact, the ratio between a person’s navel height and the total height is a golden cut.
To get this number, you divide your height in centimeters to 1.61802. What you will get is the optimal lightsaber length, the distance from the navel to the floor.
Of course, this method only works on human proportions and not on aliens with different symmetries! While it is all a matter of personal preference, this is a good starting point that gives you a specific number when you are unsure what lightsaber length to get.
At this point, you are sure to have the answer to how long is a lightsaber? With many options in the market, it will be easier to find a top-notch lightsaber after reading through this. Whether you are going for a standard lightsaber or a DIY saber, it is possible to find the perfect length that will work best for you.
Now, go forth and begin your adventure, young one. Good luck, and may the force be with you.