Curling Stone Size Chart
Recommended Curling Stone Specifications
| Category: | |
| Weight: | |
| Diameter: | |
| Height: | 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) |
| Running Surface: | |
| Material: | Granite (primarily from Ailsa Craig, Scotland) |
| Notes: |
Curling Stone Size Chart: Complete Guide to Dimensions, Weight & Specifications
Whether you’re a competitive curler, a coach, or a curious beginner, understanding curling stone size is essential. The right stone weight and diameter directly affect delivery technique, shot accuracy, and overall performance on the ice. This guide covers everything you need to know about standard curling stone dimensions across all competition categories.
Standard Curling Stone Dimensions
According to the World Curling Federation (WCF), a regulation curling stone must meet the following specifications:
- Weight: 17.24 kg to 19.96 kg (38–44 lbs)
- Circumference: Maximum 91.44 cm (36 inches)
- Diameter: Approximately 29.2 cm (11.5 inches)
- Height: Minimum 11.43 cm (4.5 inches)
- Running Surface Diameter: Approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 inches)
- Material: Granite — predominantly sourced from Ailsa Craig, Scotland, and Trefor, Wales
Curling Stone Size by Competition Category
While WCF-standard stones are used in most elite competitions, stone specifications can vary by age group and competition format. Here’s a breakdown:
Men’s & Women’s Curling
At the Olympic and World Championship level, both men’s and women’s teams use the same full-size WCF-regulation stones weighing between 38 and 44 lbs (17.24–19.96 kg). The heavier end of the weight range is more common at top-level play for consistent shot weight control.
Junior Curling (Under 18 & Under 15)
Junior programs often use lighter curling stones to help young athletes develop proper technique without risking injury. Under-18 players typically use stones between 28 and 38 lbs, while Under-15 programs may use stones as light as 22 lbs (10 kg). Club and regional associations set their own specific guidelines.
Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair curling uses the same standard-size granite stones as able-bodied competition. The key difference is in delivery — players use a delivery stick rather than sliding down the hack. The stone dimensions themselves remain identical to WCF standards.
Mixed Doubles Curling
Mixed doubles, which became an Olympic discipline in 2018, also uses standard WCF-regulation stones. Each two-person team delivers 5 stones per end, compared to 8 in traditional four-player curling, making stone weight consistency even more critical.
Curling Stone Size Chart: All Categories at a Glance
The table below summarizes the standard curling stone dimensions across all major competition categories for quick reference:
| Category | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Diameter | Height | Running Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Curling | 38–44 lbs | 17.24–19.96 kg | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| Women’s Curling | 33–44 lbs | 14.97–19.96 kg | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| Junior (Under 18) | 28–38 lbs | 12.7–17.24 kg | 11 in (27.9 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| Junior (Under 15) | 22–28 lbs | 9.98–12.7 kg | 10–11 in (25.4–27.9 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| Wheelchair Curling | 38–44 lbs | 17.24–19.96 kg | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| Mixed Doubles | 38–44 lbs | 17.24–19.96 kg | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| Senior / Masters | 33–44 lbs | 14.97–19.96 kg | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) | 4.5 in (11.43 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
Why Curling Stones Are Made from Granite
Curling stones are made from a rare, dense form of granite that can withstand the repeated impact of ice and other stones. The most prized source is Ailsa Craig, a volcanic island off the coast of Scotland. Ailsa Craig granite — specifically “Blue Hone” and “Ailsa Craig Common Green” varieties — is exceptionally non-porous, making it resistant to water absorption and frost damage. This gives the stones their legendary durability and consistent curl behavior.
What Is the Running Band?
The running band (or running surface) is the narrow, polished ring on the bottom of a curling stone that actually contacts the ice. A standard running band diameter is approximately 12.7 cm (5 inches), though this can be adjusted by sharpening or resurfacing to change the stone’s curl characteristics. A wider running band produces less curl, while a narrower one allows more curl.
How Much Does a Curling Stone Weigh?
A standard Olympic curling stone weighs between 17.24 kg and 19.96 kg (38–44 lbs). Most competitive sets are calibrated so that all eight stones in a set have nearly identical weights, minimizing variability between shots. Stones used in club play may have a wider weight range, but matched sets are always preferred for fair competition.
Can Curling Stones Be Customized?
Yes — within the limits of WCF regulations, curling stones can be customized in several ways. The running band can be re-profiled to alter curl behavior. Stones can be fitted with different handle colors for team identification. Handle tension (how tightly the handle rotates) can also be adjusted to suit a curler’s delivery preference. However, the core granite dimensions must always comply with official standards for sanctioned play.
How Long Do Curling Stones Last?
With proper care and maintenance, curling stones can last 75 to 100 years or more. The granite used in regulation stones is extraordinarily durable. Stones are typically resurfaced every few years to maintain an even running band. Club-level stones often remain in service for decades, making them one of the most cost-effective pieces of sports equipment per year of use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the official WCF curling stone diameter?
The WCF specifies a maximum circumference of 91.44 cm (36 inches), which corresponds to a diameter of approximately 29.2 cm (11.5 inches).
Are curling stones the same size for all competitions?
At the elite level, yes. Men’s, women’s, mixed doubles, and wheelchair curling all use the same WCF-standard granite stones. Size variations mainly occur in youth and adapted programming.
What makes Ailsa Craig granite special for curling?
Ailsa Craig granite has an exceptionally low water absorption rate and a unique micro-crystalline structure that makes it highly resistant to chipping and cracking on ice. This gives curling stones made from it superior longevity and performance consistency.
Do curling stones float?
No — curling stones are dense granite and sink in water. On ice, however, they slide with very little friction due to the narrow running band and the thin layer of water molecules created by the pebbled ice surface and friction.
What is the difference between a heavy and light curling stone?
In competitive play, “heavy” and “light” typically refer to shot weight (how hard the stone is thrown), not the physical mass of the stone itself. All stones in a matched set have nearly identical weight. “Throwing heavy” means delivering the stone with more force, while “throwing light” means a softer, slower delivery.
Conclusion
Understanding curling stone size and specifications is fundamental to the sport — from equipment selection at the club level to optimizing performance in elite competition. Whether you’re outfitting a junior program with lighter stones or preparing for an Olympic event with full WCF-regulation granite, using the correct stone dimensions ensures fair, consistent, and enjoyable play. Use the interactive tool above to quickly find the right specifications for your competition category.
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The size of the curling stone is an important factor because it affects how the stone moves on the ice and how it interacts with the curling rink’s conditions. While there isn’t a precise “size chart” like you’d find with clothing or shoes, curling stones do have standard dimensions and weights that are generally used in competitions.