CalculatorsSim Seating Position

Sim Seating Position

GT, formula and rally cockpits do not share a seat angle. The angle is a preset. Height scales how far the pedals sit from the hip, how far the wheel sits from the shoulder, and how long the leg is to the pedal face.

Inputs

Rider height (in)Cockpit style

Results

Seat back from vertical: 25 °
Pedals below the hip: 5.7 in
Wheel reach from the shoulder: 35.4 in
Hip to pedal face: 31.6 in

Related gear

Bucket seat with a recline that matches the preset
A flat rally seat will not hold a 48° formula recline. Buy the angle you are about to set.
$200–$700

How the number is made

Seat-back angle is measured from vertical: GT3 25°, F1 48°, rally 10°. Pedal drop (cm) = height × 0.08 (GT3), × −0.12 (F1) or × 0.14 (rally). A negative drop means the pedal face is above the hip. Wheel reach (cm) = height × 0.50, 0.42 or 0.56. Leg length (cm) = height × 0.47 × 0.95, 0.88 or 1.02.

0.47 × height is a typical inseam fraction, then the style shortens or lengthens it. These are starting marks for a rig, not a motorsport seating regulation.

Pedals below the hip. Negative means the pedal face is above the hip.

Set the seat before the monitors

Eye distance to a triple is a consequence of this layout. Folding the screens first and then sliding the seat makes the FOV calculator lie.

Related calculators

Aluminium Extrusion Cut List
The seat angle sits on rails whose length still comes from height.
Triple Screen FOV and Angle
Once the shoulders are placed, measure to the centre panel and run the angle.
Pedal Load Cell Rig Stiffness
The drop you just set is the lever arm the brake force uses.

Questions

Why is F1 pedal drop negative?

Formula seating raises the pedal face above the hip. The negative number is that rise, not a missing measurement.

Does the angle change with height?

No. Only the three distances scale. A tall driver in a GT preset is still at 25° from vertical.

Is leg length the inseam?

It starts from 0.47 × height, then the style multiplies by 0.95, 0.88 or 1.02. It is the reach to the pedal, not a tape measurement of the leg.

Disclaimer — no professional advice, no liability

These calculators are simplified estimates for planning a sim rig. They are not a structural sign-off, a wheelbase torque limit, or a guarantee that a quick release, profile or headset will fit. Check the hardware before you cut aluminium or bolt a base down.

These calculators, pages and any related content are provided “as is” and “as available”, solely for general educational and informational purposes. They are simplified mathematical estimates, not a structural sign-off for a rig, a wheelbase torque limit, a quick-release compatibility certificate or a professional seating setup.

Results can be wrong, incomplete or inapplicable to your wheelbase, wheel, pedals, screens, headset or aluminium profile. You must independently verify every figure, assume all risk, and confirm the profile, the bolt pattern and the torque printed on the part before you cut or tighten anything.

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