Start choosing a sim racing seat with your seated hip width and the space your shoulders need. Compare these with the seat's usable internal dimensions and fit guidance, rather than its overall outside width. Then check seat depth, backrest support and mounting compatibility.
Height, clothing size and photographs do not tell the whole story. A seat that is too wide may allow unwanted movement, while one that is too narrow can create pressure points. A few careful measurements help you narrow down the options before trying a seat.
The two width measurements to take first
Sit on a firm, level chair in your usual driving clothes, with your knees bent in a comfortable position. Measure across the widest part of your hips while seated. This is a width measurement, not your waist or hip circumference.
Next, measure across your shoulders and note where a seat's shoulder bolsters would sit. You need room to reach and turn the wheel without your upper arms being forced inwards. Record both measurements, and check how each seat manufacturer defines the dimensions on its drawing.
How much space should you leave around your hips?
Aim for comfortable support without squeezing or excessive freedom to move. There is no universal clearance that works for every seat: bolster shape, cushion firmness, clothing and your preferred driving position all affect the fit.
Your shoulders need enough room for unrestricted steering movements. A supportive hip area does not mean the entire seat should feel tight. If you can try the seat, check that you can turn the wheel comfortably while keeping your back supported.
Why padding matters when comparing dimensions
Distinguish the bare shell dimensions from the usable space between the cushions. The shell helps describe the underlying shape, while the upholstery determines much of what you actually feel. A shell measurement alone can overstate the room available to the driver.
Padding compresses under load and may settle with use, depending on its material and construction. Ask whether the published width includes cushions and whether any pads are removable or adjustable. Judge support in the assembled seat, rather than assuming that a tight fit will become comfortable later.
Seat height changes the driving position
Width is only one part of seat fit. Seat height and inclination affect the relationship between your hips, pedals and wheel. Check that you can apply full pedal travel without locking your knee, lifting your hips or losing backrest support.
Your eye position also changes when you move the seat. Establish a comfortable driving position first, then align the screen and in-game view with it. Our sim racing monitor stands offer options for positioning the display around your setup.
Choosing a seat for a shared rig
If several drivers share the cockpit, check the fit for each person. The seat needs to accommodate the widest driver comfortably, while providing suitable support for the others. Appropriate removable cushions can help with small differences, but cannot make every seat fit every body.
A reclining seat and a compatible slider can make position changes easier. The adjustable backrest on the Core Recline Seat gives different drivers another adjustment option. It does not change the seat's fixed width, so measure that separately.
Check mounting compatibility before ordering
A comfortable seat still needs to fit the cockpit. Check its mounting type, hole spacing and bracket requirements, along with clearance around the widest part of the seat. Include space for slider travel, the reclining handle and tools needed to reach the bolts.
The SIMGASM Club uses 40 × 80 mm main profiles and measures 500 × 1350 × 620 mm, approximately 19.7 × 53.1 × 24.4 in (W × L × H). The Pro uses 40 × 160 mm main profiles and measures 580 × 1320 × 750 mm, approximately 22.8 × 52.0 × 29.5 in. Check the actual available seat space: overall cockpit width is not the same as internal mounting clearance.
Try a short session before fine-tuning
Once the seat is correctly assembled and secured, try a short session of up to around thirty minutes. Pay attention to pressure points, sliding and the effort needed to stay in position. Stop and adjust sooner if you become uncomfortable.
Pressure at the hips may indicate insufficient width or an unsuitable bolster shape. Sliding can come from seat fit, cushion support, pedal position or seat inclination. Lower-back fatigue can have several causes, so review the whole driving position rather than changing only the backrest angle. See our guide to why you slide around in your sim racing seat for further checks.
Use your measurements to compare our sim racing seats. If your current frame limits the available adjustments, explore the aluminium sim racing cockpit range too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I match hip width to seat width?
Compare your seated hip width with the usable width at the same height in the seat, including the cushions. Follow the manufacturer's fit guidance and allow comfortable support without squeezing. No single centimetre allowance guarantees the right fit.
Is driver height enough to choose a seat?
No. Drivers of the same height can have different hip widths, torso lengths and shoulder shapes. Height is useful context, but direct measurements and a fit check are more informative.
How can I measure my hips on my own?
Sit on a firm chair and place two books vertically against the outside of your hips without squeezing. Mark or hold their positions, stand up carefully, then measure the distance between their inner faces.
Can cushions fix a seat that is too wide?
Suitable cushions may help with a modest fit adjustment. They should stay securely in place and provide consistent support. If a large amount of extra padding is needed, a different seat shape or size may be a better match.
Does clothing affect the measurement?
Yes. Measure in the clothes you normally wear for sim racing, and keep the same clothing when trying the seat so the comparison remains useful.
Need help interpreting your measurements? Send them to the SIMGASM team together with your cockpit model and preferred driving position.
