When purchase a new string instrument for kids, it is essential to get the correct size, so they can comfortably play and get enough motivation as they advance their skills. A violin that is too big will be heavy for a child to hold. Playing a heavy violin will make their arms tired and sore and may also hurt their neck and eventually their back. Also if they have trouble reaching the notes it will be very difficult to play in tune. Aside from the discomfort, none of this will be good for their motivation to play music! Violins usually come in nine different sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, and 1/32. 4/4 (full size) being the biggest and 1/32 size being the smallest. Most of adults use a full size violin. Violas come in a range of sizes, most often 16 1/2″, 16”, 15 ½”, 15”, 14”, 13”, and 12″, the largest common size is 16.5″. Adults generally play a 15.5″ to 16.5″ viola. Cellos come in a range of sizes in the same way(different measurement though) as violins do: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/10. Most of adults use a full size cello. To measure what size violin best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm or left wrist.  This is measured when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin.  Many teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The violin size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The violin size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.  By using our chart, you will find the size which most probably will be the best for your child.
  • Violin Size Chart
Age of Player Player’s Arm Length Violin Size Violin Length(Body and Total) Bow Length
12 years and up 23” (59cm) and longer 4/4 full size 14” (30.5cm) and 23”-23.5” (60cm) 29.5” (75cm)
9-12 years 21.5” (54.6cm) – 22” (56cm) 3/4 size 13” (33cm) and 21” (53.3cm) 27” (68.6cm)
7-9 years 20” (50.8cm) 1/2 size 12.5” (37.75cm) and 20.5”(52cm) 24.5” (62.2cm)
5-7 years 18” (45.7cm) – 18.5” (47cm) 1/4 size 11” (28cm) and 18.5”-19” (48.25cm) 22.5”  (57.15cm)
4-6 years 16.5” (42cm) 1/8 size 10” (25cm) and 17” (43cm) 19.25” (48.9cm)
4-5 years 15” (38cm) 1/10 size 9” (22.9cm) and 16” (40.6cm) 17.75” (45cm)
3-5 years 14” (35.5cm) 1/16 size 8” (20.3cm) and 14.5” (36.8cm) 16.75” (42.5cm)
1-3 years under 14” (under 35.5cm) 1/32 size 7.5(19cm) and 13”-13.5” (32cm) 15” (38cm)
 
  • Viola Size Chart
Age of Player Player’s Arm Length Viola Size Viola Length(Body) Bow Length
Large Adult 26” and longer 16” to 16.5” Viola 16” (40.6cm) or 16.5” (42cm) 29.25” (75cm) Full Viola
Average Adult 25” (63.5cm) – 25.25” (64cm) 15.5” Viola 15.5” (39.4cm) 29.25” (75cm) Full Viola
13 years, Small Adult 24.5” (62.2cm) 15” Viola 15” (38cm) 29.25” (75cm) Full Viola
9 – 12 years 23” (58cm) 14” Viola (4/4 Violin) 14” (35.5cm) 29.25” (75cm) Full Viola
7 – 9 years 21.5” (54.6cm) – 22” (55.9cm) 13” Viola (3/4 Violin) 13” (33cm) 27” (68.6cm)
6-7 years 20” (50.8cm) 12”Viola (1/2 Violin) 12” (30.5cm) 24.5” (62.2cm)
 
  • Cello Size Chart
Age of Player Player’s Height Cello Size Arm Length Bow Length
12 years and up 5 ‘ (152 cm) and up 4/4 Full Size 24” (61cm) and up 28” (71cm)
9 – 12 years 4’6” (137cm) – 5′ (152cm) 3/4 22” (56cm) – 24” (61cm) 27” (69cm)
7 – 11 years 4′ (122cm) – 4’6” (137cm) 1/2 20” (51cm) – 22” (56cm) 25.5” (65cm)
5 – 9 years 3’6” (107cm) – 4′ (122cm) 1/4 18” (46cm ) – 20” (51cm) 23.75” (60cm)
4 – 7 years 3′ (91cm) – 3’6” (107cm) 1/8 16” (41cm) – 18” (46cm) 20.75” (53cm)
3 – 4 years 3′ (91cm) 1/10 under 16” (41cm) 17.5” (44cm)