String Instrument Sizing Guide

It is always important to choose the right size instrument, but how do you know what the right size is? Don't worry, this guide is here to help!    

Wherever possible, we recommend coming into our store to be professionally fitted by one of our trained consultants. It is the relation of height to arm-span that determines the most appropriate size for a player. A trained teacher will also be able to help you select a suitable size instrument. However, we understand that sometimes it is not possible to make it to the store in person. The below charts are a guide only for what is typically found to be a suitable size for young players of a particular age group. If you are unsure or borderline between two sizes, it is always safest to select the smaller size. You can get lasting damage to the neck, back and shoulders from playing on a size that is too big. However, nothing can happen from playing on a size that is too small and so is the safer choice.

Violin Sizing


The measurements in the table below are the measurement from the neck to the middle of the palm.


 Size

Measurement (cm)

Age (years)

1/32

under 35

3 and under

1/16

35 - 40

3 - 5

1/10

40 - 43

4 - 5

1/8

43 - 47

4 - 7

1/4

47 - 51

6 - 9

1/2

51 - 57

8 - 10

3/4

57 - 60

10 - 12

4/4

60+

12+


For more help with sizing, check out our How to Choose the Correct Size Violin Video


Viola Sizing

Size

Measurement (cm)

Age

11"

47 - 51

6 - 9

12"

51 - 57

8 - 10

13"

57 - 60

10 - 12

14"

60+

12+


For help with sizing an adult for viola, check out our How to Size an Adult for a Viola Video 


Cello Sizing

 Size

Age (years)

1/16

4

1/10

4 - 6

1/8

6 - 7

1/4

7 - 8

1/2

8 - 10

3/4

10 - 13

7/8

13+ (as required)

4/4

13+


For more help with sizing, check out our How to Choose the Correct Size Cello Video


Double Bass Sizing

For help with sizing for double bass, check out our How to Choose the Right Size Double Bass Video