Violin Size Chart
A violin that is too big makes playing uncomfortable and slows progress; too small and a growing player is cramped. The standard way to size a violin is by arm length, measured with the arm stretched out to the side. This calculator turns your measurement into a violin (and viola) size, shows the typical age range and body length, and explains how a teacher confirms the fit.
Violin size calculator
Young String Player Pack
Printable violin sizing card, growth and size tracker, beginner practice log and a violin parts diagram worksheet with answer key.
- Sizing card (PDF)
- Growth tracker (PDF/DOCX/XLSX)
- Practice log (PDF/DOCX/XLSX)
- Parts worksheet (PDF/DOCX)
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Violin size chart
| Size | Arm length to palm | Body length | Typical age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 14–15.5 in (36–39 cm) | about 9 in (23 cm) | 3–4 |
| 1/10 | 15.5–17 in (39–43 cm) | about 10.25 in (26 cm) | 4–5 |
| 1/8 | 17–18.5 in (43–47 cm) | about 11 in (28 cm) | 4–6 |
| 1/4 | 18.5–20 in (47–51 cm) | about 11.75 in (30 cm) | 5–7 |
| 1/2 | 20–22 in (51–56 cm) | about 12.5 in (32 cm) | 7–9 |
| 3/4 | 22–23.5 in (56–60 cm) | about 13 in (33 cm) | 9–11 |
| 7/8 | 23.5–24 in (60–61 cm) | about 13.5 in (34 cm) | 11–12 / small adults |
| 4/4 | 24 in (61 cm) and up | about 14 in (35.5 cm) | 12 to adult |
Ranges vary slightly between makers and teachers, and some sources place boundaries half an inch differently. Body length is the length of the violin’s body, not including the neck and scroll.
How to measure arm length
- Stand straight and hold the left arm straight out to the side, palm up, at shoulder height.
- Measure from the side of the neck (where the violin sits) to the middle of the palm.
- Some teachers measure to the wrist crease instead — about 2 inches (5 cm) shorter; choose that option in the calculator.
- Measure both arms if unsure and use the left arm, which holds the violin.
The traditional fit check: with the violin in playing position, the player should be able to curl their left hand comfortably around the scroll with the elbow slightly bent. If the arm is fully straight to reach the scroll, the violin is too big.
Viola sizes
Violas are measured by body length in inches rather than fractions. Adult violas range from about 15 to 17 inches, with 15.5–16.5 inches most common. Children who play viola often start on a small violin fitted with viola strings, then move to a 12-, 13- or 14-inch viola. As with violins, arm length and hand size matter more than age — and players with smaller hands often choose a smaller viola even as adults.
Worked example
An eight-year-old measures 21 inches from neck to palm. That falls in the 1/2 range (20–22 inches), so a half-size violin is the starting point. At 21.75 inches the calculator notes that the next size is close; the teacher checks the scroll reach and decides to stay on the 1/2 for a few more months. The same measurement suggests a 13–14 inch viola, or a violin strung as a viola, if the child chooses viola instead.
Renting vs buying for growing players
- Many music shops offer rental programmes that let children trade up to the next size as they grow.
- Fractional instruments are outgrown every one to two years, so renting or buying used makes sense.
- Check that a rental includes a set-up by a luthier: bridge height, string spacing and fitted pegs matter more than the label.
- Buy full-size instruments once growth has slowed, ideally trying several.
Signs a violin is the wrong size
- The player has to straighten the left arm fully to reach the scroll.
- The left wrist collapses or bends sharply in playing position.
- Fingers can’t reach notes in first position without stretching.
- The instrument slides off the shoulder or the chin can’t rest comfortably.
- On a too-small violin, fingers feel cramped and the elbow is folded tightly.
Teachers usually check size at the start of each school year, as children can move up a size in a single growth spurt.
Adult beginners
Most adults play a full-size (4/4) violin. Adults with shorter arms or small hands sometimes find a 7/8 more comfortable, and it sounds very similar. Try instruments in person if you can, paying attention to reach and to how the neck feels in your hand; a good set-up by a luthier makes more difference to a beginner than small differences in size.
Bows and accessories by size
| Violin size | Bow length (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1/16 | 19.5 in (50 cm) |
| 1/8 | 21 in (53 cm) |
| 1/4 | 22.5 in (57 cm) |
| 1/2 | 24.5 in (62 cm) |
| 3/4 | 27 in (69 cm) |
| 4/4 | 29.5 in (75 cm) |
Shoulder rests, strings and cases are also sized — make sure they match the violin size.
Privacy
The calculator runs in your browser; measurements are not saved.
Frequently asked questions
What size violin for an 8-year-old?
Often 1/2 size, but measure arm length to be sure.
How do I measure for a violin?
Arm straight out to the side, measure from the neck to the middle of the palm.
What arm length is full size?
About 24 inches (61 cm) or more to the palm.
Is a 7/8 violin worth it?
It suits older children and small adults who find full size a stretch.
How are violas sized?
By body length in inches, typically 15–17 inches for adults.
Are my measurements saved?
No. They stay in your browser.
Can an adult play a 3/4 violin?
Some adults with small hands do, but most play 7/8 or full size; try before buying.
Do cellos use the same sizes?
Cellos also come in fractional sizes, but they are measured differently — by height and seated position.