Short answer: a full-size Pilates reformer measures roughly 240 to 250 cm long, 66 to 72 cm wide and 24 to 40 cm high. To use it safely you need about 300 cm x 150 cm of clear floor, because you need room to step on and off, extend the ropes, and lie with your arms out to the sides. Foldable models store at roughly 135 x 68 to 95 x 40 cm.
Actual machine dimensions
| Model | Open size | Folded size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onyx Foldable Pilates Reformer | 2370 x 680 x 280 mm | 1350 x 680 x 400 mm | 65 kg |
| Wooden Foldable Pilates Reformer | 2415 x 660 x 240 mm | 1350 x 950 x 400 mm | 65 kg |
| White Foldable Pilates Reformer | Full size, foldable | Compact | 75 kg |
| Maple Cadillac Pilates Reformer | 2540 x 720 x 2000 mm | Does not fold | Freight delivery |
| Pilates Wunda Chair | 790 x 690 x 1200 mm | Does not fold | 35 kg |
| Pilates Ladder Barrel | 1100 x 800 x 975 mm | Does not fold | Freight delivery |
The clearance you need on top of the machine
The machine footprint is not the space requirement. Plan for:
- 60 cm at the foot end so you can stand and step onto the carriage, and so the footbar can swing through its positions
- 40 cm at the head end for the rope risers and for reaching the straps
- 40 cm on at least one long side so you can mount and dismount, and so an instructor can stand beside you
- Arm span across the width for exercises with arms extended laterally, which is wider than the carriage
Adding those up, a realistic minimum working area is 3.0 m x 1.5 m. You can train in less, but you will be adjusting your position around furniture, which spoils the practice.
Ceiling height
Standard reformers are low and ceiling height is irrelevant unless you do standing work on the carriage, in which case allow your standing height plus 30 cm.
The Cadillac is different: the tower stands 200 cm tall. Add clearance for the frame and for anything you hang from it, and you want a 230 cm ceiling minimum. This is the single most common sizing mistake buyers make, so measure before ordering.
Storing a foldable reformer
Folded, a reformer stands roughly 135 cm long, 68 to 95 cm wide and 40 cm deep. That is a footprint slightly larger than an upright vacuum cleaner and it fits:
- Against a wall behind a door
- In a wardrobe or utility cupboard of standard depth
- Under a stairwell
- Vertically in a corner, which is how most owners store them
At 65 kg, folding is a two-handed job but not a two-person job for most adults. Plan for a hard floor or a mat runner if you will be moving it frequently on carpet.
Doorways and delivery access
Reformers ship by freight in a crate, not by parcel courier. The crate is larger than the machine. Before ordering, check:
- The narrowest doorway on the route from the street to the room, including any turn at the top of a staircase
- Whether the delivery vehicle can reach your address, since freight vehicles are large
- Whether you have help available on delivery day, as kerbside delivery is standard for freight
Our shipping policy sets out the customer's responsibility for ensuring proper delivery access. If you are unsure, email support@thereformia.com with your access details before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Pilates reformer?
Between 237 cm and 254 cm for the models in the REFORMIA range. Most full-size reformers across the industry fall between 230 cm and 260 cm.
Can a Pilates reformer fit in a small apartment?
Yes, if you choose a foldable model. Folded, it stores in about 135 x 68 x 40 cm, which fits in a cupboard or against a wall. You do still need roughly 3.0 x 1.5 m of clear floor while you are training, so you need somewhere to push furniture to.
What ceiling height do I need for a Cadillac reformer?
At least 230 cm. The tower itself is 200 cm and you need clearance above it.
Can one person move a foldable reformer?
Folding it, yes. Carrying it up a flight of stairs at 65 kg, no. Plan for two people for any stair move.