Arm span

Arm span or reach is a measure of the physical reach of a person. It is defined as the distance from one end of an individual's arms (measured at the fingertips) to the other when raised parallel to the ground at shoulder height at a 90° angle. The arm span measurement is usually very close to the person's height.

Measurement

The measurement of the arm span is taken with the person standing against a wall, arms fully extended at right angles to the body. The distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other is recorded using a measuring tape. This measurement is used in various areas such as health, sports, and fashion.

Health and Medicine

In the field of health and medicine, the arm span to height ratio is used as a simple method to identify potential cases of Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue. A significantly larger arm span compared to height can be an indicator of this syndrome.

Sports

In sports, particularly in boxing and basketball, a greater arm span is considered an advantage. In boxing, a longer reach allows a boxer to hit their opponent from a safer distance where the opponent may not be able to reach them. In basketball, a longer arm span is beneficial for both offensive and defensive plays.

Fashion

In fashion, arm span is used for sizing of clothes, particularly for shirts and jackets. It is also used in the design of equipment such as gloves and protective gear.

See also

• Human height
• Anthropometry
• Marfan syndrome
• Boxing
• Basketball