A bungee cord is a versatile and durable piece of equipment that’s suitable for projects of all scales and varieties. However, many people may not be sure how to choose the right bungee cord size. Because they’re so stretchy, it can be difficult to ascertain the perfect size bungee cord for securing loads or using for outdoor activities like kayaking. In this guide we’ll walk you through the different bungee cord sizes and measurements, and recommend the best bungee cord sizes for whatever project you have at hand. 

What to consider when choosing bungee cord sizes

Bungee cord sizes are measured in both length and diameter so that you can choose the perfect cord for your project. Getting the balance just right is important so that you don’t run the risk of snapping your bungee cord or not having enough tension for the cord to work its magic. As we discuss in our post about what bungee cords are made from, different bungee cord sizes will have different break strengths. Keep reading for more information about the length and diameter of bungee cords and what this means for how you should choose the best cord for your project. 

Length

A pretty straightforward measurement to understand, the length of a bungee cord is simply how long the cord is without being stretched. Lengths commonly range from 10m to 100m, however particular length requirements can be fulfilled through custom orders. The ideal length for a bungee cord is slightly shorter than the distance they need to span, as this will allow the cord to stretch and hold tension. It’s safer to go longer than shorter, as over stretching a bungee cord can cause breakage. If you find that a bungee cord is too long for your project, easily cut it down to size with a hot knife rope cutter. 

Diameter

The diameter of a bungee cord relates to how thick the cord itself will be. You can get bungee cords with diameters as thin as 2mm, increasing in size to a 12mm diameter for more hard-wearing cords like the Superflex bungee cord. The thickness of a bungee cord will need to increase in relation to the weight of what it will be supporting. For example, a 2mm bungee cord will be more than suitable for storing garden tools, but a thicker cord is necessary for more extreme conditions such as stopping garden furniture blowing away. 

What size bungee cord do you need for different purposes?

Bungee cord for backpacks

Bungee cords can be used to secure extra items to your backpack that you don’t have room for inside. However, some backpacks are pretty small, and may require that you wrap a bungee cord around it multiple times. So, a bungee tie or luggage elastic may be more suitable for use with backpacks. 

Bungee cord for roof racks

Roof racks need a bungee cord to tie everything down and ensure that your things won’t go flying from the top of your vehicle. The length of your bungee cord will depend on the size of your roof rack, vehicle, and how much cargo you have to secure. However, it’s best to opt for a thicker diameter to ensure your belongings are as secure as possible. Alternatively, bungee straps are the perfect shape to lay flat against your things and reduce the risks of your things slipping and moving around. 

Bungee cord for exercise

Bungee fitness is an innovative form of exercise that’s amazing for building muscle and resistance training. Exercises like bungee running provide a low impact workout that’s easy to take part in both at home and in larger groups. If partaking in bungee running, you will want a thick bungee cord that won’t snap under the tension of your workout. A length of around 5 to 10 metres, but this will be dependent on the space you have available. Bungee exercise outdoors will afford you to use a much longer bungee cord than you would inside. 

Ready to order the perfect sized bungee cord for your next activity? Get in touch with us to discuss your options and find the best match for you.