Katana Size Guide: Blade, Handle and Overall Length
A katana is defined by its blade: a curved, single-edged blade longer than 2 shaku, about 60.6 cm (23.86 in). Most modern katanas are about 38 to 42 inches overall, with blades of roughly 27 to 29 inches. This guide covers how to read the measurements on our listings, what those numbers usually look like, what published sizing charts say about height, and how to check that a sword fits your wall or stand.
The measurements in our listings
Our sword listings give up to four numbers. Here is what each one tells you:
- Overall length of sword with scabbard: the full length of the sword sitting in its scabbard. Use this one when you plan a wall rack, a stand or a storage space.
- Overall length of sword without scabbard: the length of the bare sword from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle.
- Blade: the blade length, usually listed with the material, for example "Stainless Steel Factory Edge Blade: 26.5"".
- Handle: the handle length, usually listed with the wrap or material, for example "Leather Wrapped Plastic Handle".
Blade plus handle should come to roughly the length without the scabbard. The guard can add a little, so a gap of half an inch or so is normal. Our listings don't say exactly where the blade is measured from. Traditionally, Japanese blade length (nagasa) is measured in a straight line from the tip to the munemachi, the point where the blade meets the tang. So treat small differences between listings as normal, not as a sign that one sword is bigger.
Not every listing includes all four numbers. If the number you need is missing, or two numbers don't add up, ask us before you buy.
Typical katana dimensions
Japanese swords are grouped by blade length, measured in shaku. The modern shaku is 30.30 cm, a little under a foot.
| Measurement | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Blade length that defines a katana | More than 2 shaku, about 60.6 cm (23.86 in) |
| Common modern blade length | About 27 to 29 in |
| Common modern overall length | About 38 to 42 in |
| Late 14th and early 15th century blades | About 70 to 73 cm (28 to 29 in) |
| A standard practice-sword (iaito) handle | 8.5 sun, about 24 cm (9.44 in) |
The katana has a long grip for two hands and a gentle curve. It was worn with the edge facing up, which is one way it differs from the older tachi, worn edge down.
Choosing by height and purpose
If you train, size matters. Sword makers and practice-sword retailers publish charts that match blade length to height. This one comes from a retailer of iaito, the blunt practice swords used in iaido (inch figures converted from the published centimetres):
| Your height | Suggested blade length |
|---|---|
| 150–155 cm (about 4'11"–5'1") | 2.20 shaku, 66.6 cm (about 26.2 in) |
| 155–160 cm (about 5'1"–5'3") | 2.25 shaku, 68.2 cm (about 26.9 in) |
| 160–165 cm (about 5'3"–5'5") | 2.30 shaku, 69.6 cm (about 27.4 in) |
| 165–170 cm (about 5'5"–5'7") | 2.35 shaku, 71.2 cm (about 28.0 in) |
| 170–175 cm (about 5'7"–5'9") | 2.40 shaku, 72.7 cm (about 28.6 in) |
| 175–180 cm (about 5'9"–5'11") | 2.45 shaku, 74.2 cm (about 29.2 in) |
| 180–185 cm (about 5'11"–6'1") | 2.50 shaku, 75.8 cm (about 29.8 in) |
| 185–190 cm (about 6'1"–6'3") | 2.55 shaku, 77.3 cm (about 30.4 in) |
| 190–195 cm (about 6'3"–6'5") | 2.60 shaku, 78.8 cm (about 31.0 in) |
| 195 cm and over (about 6'5" and over) | 2.70 shaku, 81.8 cm (about 32.2 in) |
The same chart suggests longer handles for taller people, from 7.5–8 sun (22.7–24.3 cm) at the short end to 9.5–10 sun (28.8–30.3 cm) at the tall end. One sword maker adds that height alone is not enough. Arm and forearm length, where your hands sit on the grip, the sword's weight, its balance and your experience all matter. As a starting point for handle length, it suggests measuring from your elbow to your wrist.
If the sword is for display, height charts don't really apply. What matters is how the sword looks in your room and whether it fits the space. Our katanas are sold as display and collector pieces unless a listing says otherwise.
Wakizashi and tanto sizes
Katanas often come with shorter companions. Blade-length ranges for each:
| Sword | Blade length | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Katana | Over 2 shaku (over about 60.6 cm / 23.9 in) | Daitō (long sword) |
| Wakizashi | About 30–60 cm (12–24 in) | Shōtō (short sword), 1–2 shaku |
| Tanto | About 15–30 cm (5.9–11.8 in) | Under 1 shaku |
A katana worn with a wakizashi is called a daishō. The pair was reserved for the samurai. For how modern sets are put together, see Samurai Sword Sets Explained. Set listings are labelled in different ways, so check each set's product page for the length of every piece.
Measuring your wall or stand
- Use the "with scabbard" length. A displayed katana normally sits in its scabbard, so that is the space it takes up.
- Add clearance. Leave room at each end so you can lift the sword off without knocking the wall, a shelf or a light fitting.
- Check the stand's size, not just the sword's. A multi-tier stand or wall rack must be wider than your longest scabbard, and deep enough for the guard. For example, our Shogun Sword Stand is listed at 24" high.
- Think about who can reach it. Mount or place blades out of reach of children.
For stand types, placement and orientation, see How to Display a Katana and browse our sword stands.
Examples from our range
Each of these listings gives consistent measurements. For each, blade plus handle matches the stated sword length, allowing for the guard. All measurements are as listed.
| Sword | With scabbard | Without scabbard | Blade | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Gold Samurai Katana Sword LE-59GD | 39.5" | 36.5" | 26.5" stainless steel, factory edge | 10" leather-wrapped plastic |
| Blue Samurai Katana Sword LE-85BL (also in red and black) | 41" | 37" | 26.5" stainless steel | 10.5" hardwood |
| Classic Samurai Katana Sword LE-2980 | 41" | 38.5" | 27.5" black-finish carbon steel | 10.5" leather-wrapped |
| Classic Samurai Katana Sword LE-2979 | 40.5" | 39" | 28" carbon steel, tanto-style tip | 11" metal |
| Samurai Reverse Jintachi Sword Black LE-9040BK | 43" | Not listed | 28" carbon steel | 13" cotton silk, hardwood |
Measurements vary from model to model, so check each product page before you buy.
To go further, browse the full sword collection with this guide to hand, and compare the "with scabbard" figure against the space you measured. If a listing is missing a number you need, contact us and we'll check it for you.
