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Transport / Manual Wheelchair Measurement Guide

 
Back Width
Measure from the bottom of the seat to the top.
 
Seat Width
Measure at the widest point of the body from knee to hip, then add approximately an inch to add some “wiggle room.” Keep in mind that bulkier clothing (such as a winter coat) will require additional width to maintain equivalent space.
 
Seat Depth
Measure from the backside to the inside of the knee, then subtract approximately two inches. You may add several inches if you prefer more leg overhang to allow for easier leg lifting.
 
Wheel Camber
The higher the camber the more stable and agile, but also the more limited it becomes passing through narrow spaces. A typical daily wheelchair uses three degrees of camber.
 
Hanger Angle
Measure horizontally. A tighter angle facilitates tighter steering. The preferred angle will depend on the knee’s ability to bend. The resulting angle will also determine how far the toes extend from the body.
 
Front Seat to Floor
Measure from the underside of the knee to the sole of the foot. Subtract the thickness of the compressed cushion, and add approximately two inches for footrest clearance (unless the wheelchair will be foot-propelled).
 
Rear Seat to Floor
Measure from the ground to the seat bottom. This determines the seat‘s slope angle (known as its "dump" or "squeeze).