A Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Loft on a Golf Club

The loft angle of your golf club is one of the most important specifications and has a direct impact on your ball flight. Loft refers to the angle between the shaft and the clubface. The more loft on a club, the higher the ball will fly. Knowing how to accurately measure loft is an important skill for any golfer looking to understand their equipment. In this guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of using a loft gauge to measure loft on your woods, irons, and wedges.

What You Need

Before measuring loft, you will need to gather the following materials:

• Loft gauge — This specialized protractor tool is designed specifically for measuring golf club loft. It has a flat base that sits flush on the clubface and an adjustable arm to align with the shaft.
• Clubface square — A small plastic or metal square that sets the clubface perfectly perpendicular to the ground, an essential setup for an accurate loft reading.
• Black permanent marker — To mark reference points on the shaft and clubface.
• Notepad — To record your loft measurements for each club.

Step 1 — Mark the Shaft

The first step is to properly mark the shaft as a reference point. Place your club in the clubface square on the ground and make sure the leading edge is flush and the face is perfectly square. Take your permanent marker and make a line or dot on the shaft exactly perpendicular to the ground when viewed from the toe side. This line will be your reference point when placing the loft gauge.

Step 2 — Position the Loft Gauge

With the club still square on the ground, take your loft gauge and place the fixed flat base flush against the clubface. Align the pivoting adjustable arm parallel with the black line or dot you made on the shaft. The arm should gently rest on the shaft above the hosel. If needed, slightly rotate the clubface square to perfectly align the loft gauge arm.

Step 3 — Set the Loft Gauge

With the base flat and arm aligned, set the loft gauge by rotating the dial until the adjustable arm fits snugly against the shaft. You want a secure fit without overly tightening. The white indicator will point to the loft reading in degrees.

Step 4 — Record the Measurement

With the loft gauge properly set, record the loft measurement in your notes. Be sure to document which club you are measuring. Repeat this process to measure loft on every wood, iron, and wedge in your set.

Step 5 — Mark the Clubface

Now, take a vertical permanent marker line on the center of the clubface from the top edge to bottom. This will serve as an accurate representation of the loft plane when viewing the bottom of the clubhead.

Step 6 — Confirm Alignment

As a final check, place the club back in the square and look at the centered clubface line compared to the hosel and shaft. They should align correctly, confirming accurate loft gauge setup. If they are off, repeat the steps above.

Step 7 — Measure Bounce Angle

While you have the sole of the club exposed, you can also measure bounce angle with the loft gauge. Bounce angle helps determine how a club interacts with the turf. Place the loft gauge flat on the sole with the arm resting on the leading edge. Record this bounce angle measurement.

Understanding Loft Specs

Now that you have loft measurements for each club, it is important to understand optimal loft ranges based on club type:

• Driver loft: 8–10.5 degrees for men, 10–13 degrees for women
• Fairway woods: 13–18 degrees
• Hybrids: 18–22 degrees
• 5–6 irons: 28–32 degrees
• 7–9 irons: 34–40 degree
• Pitching wedge: 44–48 degrees
• Lob wedge: 58–64 degrees

Compare your measurements to these standards. Knowing your exact lofts will help customize your equipment to optimal launch, distance, and shot shape.

Adjusting Loft

If your lofts fall out of the expected range, you have options to adjust. Keep in mind adjusted lofts may alter swing weight and feel.

• Bend the clubhead hosel — A clubfitter can use a loft bending tool to adjust loft a few degrees up or down by bending the hosel
• Adjustable hosels — Many modern drivers allow loft to be tweaked up or down by rotating the hosel
• Reshafting — Installing a new shaft positioned higher or lower in relation to the clubhead will alter loft

Carefully consider any loft adjustments, as even 1–2 degrees can make a significant difference in flight.

Conclusion

Knowing your precise club loft is invaluable data for properly gapping your bag, achieving ideal launch angles, and selecting shafts to match each club. By using a high-quality loft gauge and methodically following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can measure loft like a professional. Keep your notes handy and refer back to your specs when making any equipment changes or swing adjustments. Precise loft measurement is a best practice for golfers of all skill levels looking to optimize their equipment.