Wiper Blade Sizes Explained — Complete UK Guide

Affiliate disclosure: this page contains affiliate links, including Amazon links marked “Check Price” / “View on Amazon” / “Search on Amazon”. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

How Wiper Blade Sizes Work

Wiper blades are measured in inches (the UK and US standard) or millimetres. The most common sizes range from 10 inches (250mm) for rear wipers to 28 inches (700mm) for large driver-side blades.

Your car will have two different sizes for the front — a longer driver-side blade and a shorter passenger-side blade. This is because the driver needs maximum visibility, while the passenger side has a smaller sweep area.

Common Wiper Blade Sizes

InchesMillimetresTypical Use
10″250mmRear wiper (small cars)
12″300mmRear wiper (most cars)
14″350mmRear / short passenger
16″400mmPassenger side
18″450mmPassenger side
20″500mmPassenger / driver
22″550mmDriver side (compact)
24″600mmDriver side (medium)
26″650mmDriver side (most popular)
28″700mmDriver side (large)

Recommended Wiper Blades

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Always confirm the exact fitment for your model & year before buying.

Amazon
Find the exact wiper blade
Search on Amazon

Why Size Matters

Using the wrong size wiper blade causes several problems:

  • Too long: Blades collide with each other or the windscreen frame, causing damage and uneven wiping.
  • Too short: Reduced visibility area, with unwiped sections at the edges of your windscreen.
  • Wrong fitting: The blade won’t attach to the arm at all, or falls off while driving.

How to Measure Your Wipers

If you’re unsure of your size, measure the rubber blade from end to end (not including the arm connector) with a tape measure. Round to the nearest even inch. Alternatively, use our wiper blade finder — simply select your car make and model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wiper blade sizes universal?

No. Each car model requires specific sizes for driver, passenger, and rear wipers. The fitting type also varies between manufacturers.

Can I use a slightly bigger wiper blade?

Going 1 inch longer occasionally works, but risks the blades hitting each other or the windscreen frame. Always use the manufacturer-specified size.

Are wiper blade sizes the same for left and right-hand drive?

The blade sizes are the same, but the driver/passenger positions are swapped. In UK right-hand drive cars, the longer blade is on the right (driver) side.

Length is only half the answer — the connector on the arm decides which blades will physically fit. See how to identify your wiper arm fitting.

Recommended Products

Bosch Aerotwin Wipers

Bosch Aerotwin Wipers

Premium flat wiper blades for most cars

View on Amazon

Valeo Silencio Wipers

Valeo Silencio Wipers

Quiet, streak-free performance

View on Amazon

Related Video Guide

How we check fitment for this guide

We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →

FREE PDF GUIDE
Get the free Wiper Size & Fitting Guide
The 5 fitting types, how to measure, and a model size chart (front & rear) — we’ll email it instantly.
Wiper Size & Fitting Guide — Free PDF

Not sure which parts fit your car? Find out instantly.

Compatibility Checker →
Scroll to Top