Violin Sizing, Viola Sizing, and Cello Sizing
   

Measurements Determining Violin Sizes, Viola Sizes, and Cello Sizes

Not sure what size instrument you need? Listed below is some useful information about stringed instrument sizing, so you can find out what size violin, viola, or cello is right for you. 

Already have a stringed instrument, but not sure what size you have? Check out the instrument size charts, which detail the measurements determining violin sizes, viola sizes, and cello sizes. (But remember: all instruments are different, and all violin makers use different specifications, so your instrument's exact measurements may vary from those listed in the charts below.) 

Table of Contents

Sizing a Violin

Violins comes in eight different sizes: 4/4 (full size), 3/4 size, 1/2 size, 1/4 size, 1/8 size, 1/10 size, and 1/16 size (there are also teeny-tiny 1/32 size violins, but these are much less common). Almost all adults use a full size violin (4/4 size). There is another less common size, th 7/8 size violin, used by violinists who want a full size violin sound, but whose hands are either too small for a full size violin, or whose hands have a reduced capacity for reach and grip. The 7/8 size violin is midway between a 3/4 size violin and a full size violin, accomodating the needs of these violinists.

Violin Size Chart: Using Arm Measurements for Violin Sizes
Arm Length Violin Size
24" 4/4 size violin
22.5" 3/4 size violin
21" 1/2 size violin
19" 1/4 size violin
18" 1/8 size violin
16.5" 1/10 size violin
15" 1/16 size violin
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 (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Some 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. 

If you have a teacher, you should ask for your teacher's recommendation. If you don't have a teacher, we would recommend using the neck/wrist approach for students not using full size. For students who are deciding whether to used 3/4 or 4/4 size, use the neck/mid-palm approach. This is because it is always better that students feel comfortable holding and playing the violin. 

The violin sizing chart to the left lists the length of each violin size. Find your length using the your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of violin to get.

Violin Size Chart: Violin Sizing by Age
Age Violin Size
12 and older 4/4 (full size)
10-11 years 3/4 size violin
8-9 years 1/2 size violin
6-7 years 1/4 size violin
5-6 years 1/8 size violin
4-5 years 1/10 size violin
3 and younger 1/16 size violin
Using arm measurements for violins sizes is a much more accurate method for violin sizing; so, if possible, please refer to the violin size chart above, detailing corresponding arm measurements for violin sizes. However, we realize that there may be times when taking the violinist's arm measurements isn't possible, or may simply ruin a surprise (at present, scientists have yet to discover a method of stealthily measuring someone else's arm length, but we're holding out hope for future technology). If you are unable to measure the violinist's arm to determine the most accurate violin size, you can use the chart to the left, which will give you a general estimate as to what violin size is most commonly used by each age group. (Remember, at Fein Violins, we have an excellent return policy, so, in most cases, if the violinist's age ends up not corresponding with the size that you've purchased, exchanging it for the correct size should be no problem, at all.)

How to Measure Violin Size

Already have a violin, but don't don't what size it is? The following chart displays various violin measurements and their corresponding violin size. 

Violin Size Chart

All measurement are given in inches (1 inch = 25.4 millimeters)
Violin Size Body Length Total Length Max. Width
4/4 full size violin 14" 23.5" 7.5"
7/8 size violin 13.5" 22.5" 7.25"
3/4 size violin 13" 21.75" 7"
1/2 size violin 12.5" 20.5" 6.75"
1/4 size violin 11.5" 18.75" 6"
1/8 size violin 10.25" 17.25" 5.5"
1/10 size violin 9.25" 16" 5"
1/16 size violin 8.25" 14.5" 4.45"

Viola Sizing

Viola Size Chart
All measurement are given in inches (1 inch = 25.4 millimeters)
Viola Sizes Body Length Total Length Max. Width
16.5" viola 16.5" 27" 9"
16" viola 16" 26.5" 8.75"
15.5" viola 15.5" 26" 8.5"
15" viola 15" 25" 8"
14" viola (4/4 VI) 23" 7.5"
13" viola (3/4 VI) 21.75" 7"
12" viola (1/2 VI) 20.5" 6.75"

Cello Sizing Tips:

When determining proper cello sizes, the cellist being measured should be seated, with knees bent at a ninety degree angle. The cello should be resting so that the upper rim of the cello body rests on the sternum (breast bone), and the left knee contacts the curve below the lower bout corner. The C string (the lowest string) peg should be near the left ear, with the neck a few inches away from the shoulder, and the left hand able to reach both ends of the fingerboard with ease.

Cello Size Chart: European Standard Cello Sizes and Measurements
All measurement are given in inches (1 inch = 25.4 millimeters)
Cello Size Body Length Total Length Max. Width
4/4 full size cello 30" 48" 17.75"
7/8 size cello 28.5" 46.5" 17"
3/4 size cello 27.25" 45" 16"
1/2 size cello 26" 42" 15"
1/4 size cello 23" 38.5" 13.5"
1/8 size cello 20" 33.5" 11.75"
1/10 size cello 17.75" 29.5" 9.75"

Cello Size Chart: Suzuki Standard Cello Sizes and Measurements
All measurement are given in inches (1 inch = 25.4 millimeters)
Cello Size Body Length Total Length Max. Width
4/4 full size cello 30" 48" 17.75"
3/4 size cello 26" 42" 15"
1/2 size cello 23" 38.5" 13.5"
1/4 size cello 20" 33.5" 11.75"
1/8 size cello 17.75" 29.5" 9.75"