Average Weight of a Skateboard: 2026 Sizes & Parts
Ever picked up a skateboard and wondered just how much it weighs? It feels like a simple question, but the answer can be surprisingly complex. The truth is, the average weight of a skateboard depends entirely on its parts, its style, and its purpose. Whether you’re a skater trying to perfect your kickflip or just someone needing to ship a board across the country, understanding its weight is key.
A standard street skateboard typically weighs between 7 and 8 pounds. However, this is just a starting point. From the featherlight decks designed for technical tricks to the heavy cruisers built for stability, the weight can vary significantly. Let’s break down where that weight comes from and what it means for you.
The Average Weight of a Complete Skateboard
When we talk about a complete skateboard, we mean the whole setup: deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape all assembled and ready to ride. For a typical popsicle shaped board used for street or park skating, the total weight usually falls somewhere between 7 and 8 pounds (around 3 to 3.6 kg).
Of course, not all skateboards are the same. Here’s a quick look at different types:
- Standard Street Skateboards: As mentioned, these usually land in the 7 to 8 pound range. This weight offers a good balance for performing tricks while remaining stable.
- Longboards: These larger boards, built for cruising and downhill riding, are much heavier. A longboard can easily weigh between 8 and 11 pounds (3.6 to 5 kg) or more, thanks to its bigger deck and wheels.
- Mini Cruisers: On the other end, compact plastic or wood cruisers might weigh only 6 to 8 pounds.
Ultimately, the average weight of a skateboard is a balancing act. Lighter boards are easier to pop and flip for tricks, while heavier boards provide more stability and momentum, which is great for cruising or riding at high speeds.
Breaking It Down: Skateboard Component Weights
A skateboard is more than the sum of its parts, but its weight is exactly that. The final number on the scale comes from each individual component working together.
Skateboard Deck Weight
The deck is the wooden board you stand on and is usually the single heaviest part of a standard skateboard.
- Average Weight: A typical 7 ply maple deck weighs between 2 and 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg) on its own.
- Key Factors: The deck’s material, size, and construction have the biggest impact. A wider 8.5 inch deck will be heavier than a slim 7.5 inch deck. While most are made from maple, some use lighter materials like bamboo or carbon fiber, which can reduce weight by 10 to 20 percent.
Skateboard Truck Weight
Trucks are the T shaped metal axles that mount to the deck and hold the wheels. Being solid metal, they contribute a significant amount of weight.
- Average Weight: A pair of standard aluminum trucks typically weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds (0.45 to 0.68 kg) combined.
- Key Factors: Material is everything here. Standard trucks are made of aluminum for a good mix of strength and weight. Heavy duty steel trucks will weigh more, while premium trucks made with lighter metals like magnesium or titanium, or those with hollow axles, can be noticeably lighter.
Skateboard Wheel Weight
Wheels might seem small, but a set of four adds up.
- Average Weight: A set of four standard street wheels (around 52mm to 54mm) usually weighs about 0.5 to 1 pound (0.22 to 0.45 kg) total.
- Key Factors: Size is the main driver of weight. Small, hard wheels for street skating are light. Large, soft wheels for a longboard (60mm or more) contain much more polyurethane and can easily double the weight of a smaller set.
Other Bits and Pieces
Don’t forget the small stuff. While minor, these components round out the total weight. Mailing just wheels, bearings, or hardware? Those often fit in USPS Flat Rate boxes, which can be cheaper at certain weights and distances.
- Grip Tape: A sheet of grip tape adds about 0.25 pounds.
- Bearings: A set of eight steel bearings is almost negligible, weighing only about 0.2 pounds total.
- Hardware: The eight nuts and bolts that mount your trucks add another 1 to 2 ounces.
What’s the Skateboard Weight Without Wheels?
Sometimes you might need to know the weight of a board without its wheels, perhaps for packing it in a suitcase or shipping the deck and trucks separately. Since a set of wheels weighs around 1 pound, you can simply subtract that from the total.
A standard skateboard without wheels will typically weigh between 6 and 7 pounds. This is the combined weight of the deck, trucks, and hardware. Knowing this can be particularly helpful for shipping. A one pound difference might not seem like much, but it can change your shipping costs. See how to calculate shipping costs. If you need to mail a board, you can see how different weights affect your price by using an online shipping calculator to compare rates from carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. You can also schedule a free USPS pickup so you don’t have to carry the board to a post office.
Key Factors That Influence Skateboard Weight
So, what makes one board a lightweight trick machine and another a heavy cruising tank? Several factors contribute to the final average weight of a skateboard.
- Deck Material and Size: As we covered, the deck is a huge factor. Maple is the standard, but bamboo and composites are lighter alternatives. Longer, wider boards will always weigh more than smaller, narrower ones.
- Truck Construction: Solid steel trucks are durable but heavy. Lighter alloys like magnesium or designs with hollow kingpins can shave off precious ounces, making the board feel more responsive.
- Wheel Diameter and Width: This is a big one. Moving from a 52mm street wheel to a 70mm cruiser wheel adds significant mass, which helps with maintaining speed but makes tricks harder.
- Added Accessories: Some skaters add accessories like riser pads, rails, or lights to their boards. While each piece is small, they can collectively add noticeable weight to the setup.
Understanding these factors is crucial if you’re building a custom skateboard or trying to figure out shipping costs. Sending a board across the border? Here’s a practical guide to shipping to Canada. A heavy longboard with large wheels and steel trucks will cost more to ship than a minimalist street deck. Before sending a board, it’s a great idea to compare shipping rates online to ensure you aren’t overpaying and to learn which is cheaper, UPS or USPS, for your route and size.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skateboard Weight
What is a good weight for a beginner skateboard?
For a beginner, a standard board weighing between 7 and 8 pounds is a great starting point. This weight is manageable to carry, stable enough to learn on, and still light enough to start learning basic tricks like ollies.
Do lighter skateboards break more easily?
Not necessarily. While some ultralight, high tech decks are designed for performance over longevity, many lightweight components are made from advanced materials like titanium or carbon fiber that are extremely strong. However, a very thin or heavily modified deck could be more prone to breaking under heavy impact.
How much does a longboard typically weigh?
A longboard is significantly heavier than a standard skateboard due to its larger size. The average weight of a skateboard designed for longboarding is usually between 8 and 11 pounds, with some downhill or electric models weighing even more.
How does the average weight of a skateboard affect tricks?
Weight has a direct impact on performance. A lighter board is easier to lift off the ground, flip, and rotate, making it ideal for technical street skating. A heavier board has more inertia, which can make it feel sluggish for flip tricks but provides more stability for riding ramps (vert) and cruising at high speeds.
Is the average weight of a skateboard important for shipping?
Absolutely. All shipping carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, determine their prices based on a package’s weight and dimensions. A heavier skateboard will cost more to ship than a lighter one. Knowing the exact weight helps you find the cheapest rates; when you’re ready to buy and print, use this shipping label guide.