Your Zwift avatar is a virtual representation of yourself, and some people take that very seriously. Think of everything that goes into your avatar’s “look”–your jersey and shorts, headwear, hairstyle and color, skin color, sock style and length, shoes, gloves, sunglasses, facial hair… it’s a lot!
Zwift has a challenging job here, making a system that creates avatars people can feel good about.
What about the avatar’s actual body? Sure, your avatar is “decorated” with all the clothing and accessories listed above, but have you ever wondered how Zwift sizes avatars?
We did a little research to figure it out.
3 For Men, 2 for Women
Zwift’s avatar sizing is actually quite simple. There are only three avatar body types for men, and two for women. Here’s what they look like:
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- Men’s “Large”
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- Men’s “Medium”
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- Men’s “Small”
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- Women’s “Medium”
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- Women’s “Small”
What determines which avatar you see? It’s the rider’s weight and height. It appears body types change at a particular BMI.
Men’s Avatar Sizing:
- Small: BMI <21
- Medium: BMI 21-26
- Large: BMI >26
Women’s Avatar Sizing
- Small: BMI <22
- Medium: BMI >22
That’s it. Your body parts don’t slowly grow larger or smaller as you change weight or height–you are given one of three (or two if you’re female) body types based on your BMI.
Example: men with a BMI of 26 or more will all have the same avatar body. Even if your BMI is 40 it will look the same as someone with a BMI of 26.
Want to calculate your BMI? Go here >
About Height
Your height setting affects your speed in Zwift and helps determine (along with weight) which avatar body type you get. But it does NOT change the visual height of your rider in game.
All avatars are the same height, regardless of your setting. This was probably done so kits and bike frames wouldn’t need to be scaled for each rider, but wouldn’t it be cool if you could see people’s actual size in game? It would add some nice variety to the visuals.
Your Thoughts
Any questions about avatar sizing, or thoughts on why Zwift does it this way? Comment below!
Height affects your speed – I’m curious about this. And does it play into drafting? Tall vs short, what are the differences in speed and draft?
See more info here: https://zwiftinsider.com/tests/
I can only imagine the shitstorm that would occur if Zwift had a “Women’s Large” avatar. Smart folks running Zwift.
I like how they added variety but kept it simple. Let’s not overthink the trivial stuff.
Very nice. Thanks!
You said it!
You said it, Barry!
Dear,
why the discrimination in size between male and female cyclists?
♂️ homme : S, M, L
♀️ femme : S, M
😡
Now if.you tell me why there is so much stuff in my back pockets!
All your kudos!!
My BMI is 19.99 but my Avatar looks a lot bigger than the Small women’s avatar with a bigger butt! I’m not sure the calculations that Zwift uses are correct.
A question i was going to ask! Some riders have nothing, others are stuffed. Is it random?
I want a fat avatar, as I want to be accurately represented in the game. Looks kind of silly having the skinny little guy puttering along on the screen when I know that actually lot like Chris Farley on a little bike. Call it fat shaming if you will, I call it motivation to do better.
Ok, I understand you’re just providing the info, Eric, and I appreciate the link to the data. But I’m curious & question the validity of a 15 cm difference in height being a 30 second difference on the Richmond loop (any route, the test for the article was Richie V).
If I’m riding on the drops, the aero difference in height would be most likely be negligible. In fact, “all things being equal” would mean that the 5’6″ guy at say 170, would be wider than the 6′ guy at 170 (lanky frame = skinny = less drag/faster). If again, all things equal, same weight, same power exerted…real world, if I had to bet – I’d think the lanky dude would gain an additional small benefit from equal power with the probability of longer crank arms (same watts at the pedals, would result in greater torque output at the wheel)…if measured at the hub, I’d think it’d be a wash.
Nonetheless, the shorter dude is gonna be wider, I’m surprised Zwift penalizes height like that…wait, how tall are the Zwift power-programers?? ;P
Obviously, a bunch of short programmers! 🙂
You’re always a step ahead! I was just wondering about this the other day. I’m also wondering about why it’s only my avatar which gets up onto the bars when drafting… is that true for everyone (e.g. that some movements are only seen by you)? If so, what about the water-bottle drinking? I’ve only ever seen someone elses’ avatar take a drink one time, but mine can do it 10 times in a race….
Yes, your avatar sitting up in the draft is only seen by you. That’s an indicator for you that you’re drafting. Also makes it easier to spot your rider in a pack.
As for water bottle drinking–far as I know, everyone sees everyone else drinking…
Hello again,
We have to ask you again about the L discrimination.
We have not received yet any answer yet.
Please, get back to us.
______________
https://twitter.com/Ellesfontduvelo/status/1097898680391294977
Hello @GoZwift @zwiftinsider
We can not have an answer about that? Nor via Twitter, nor on the article?
Why this difference a L avatar for man and not for female? It does look like #Zwift is not concerned about #womenequity nor #diversity FYI @fatatookay
I’m not Zwift–I just run a fansite ABOUT Zwift. You’ll need to take up your concerns with Zwift HQ directly.
Shouldn’t the women’s sizes be small and large? Medium, by definition, is the middle position. If there aren’t two extremes, there isn’t a middle.
That’s a good point, Jim. I called it “medium” because of the BMI cutoff (roughly same spot as men’s medium) and because the women’s medium avatar looks about the same size as the men’s. But you’re right–it would technically be the “large”.
It would also be good to have a smaller size rider for kids. I know a number of kids who ride from age about 7 or 8 and up and they are represented by adult looks. For my skinny 8 year old it looks completely ridiculous. On a side note they also can’t weigh less than 45kg which is a bit tough when you are a 25kg kid!!!
I’ve been married over 20 yrs. Do you know why? I’ve never called my wife LARGE regardless of her BMI, I can get away with medium occasionally (and survive). 😉