How to Choose the Correct Size Instrument
A Complete Sizing Guide for Violin, Viola, and Cello Players of All Ages
"HELP! My child wants to play a string instrument. We would like to purchase or hire one from you, but I don’t know the right size."
"I’ve always wanted to play the cello, but as a shorter adult with a shorter fingerspan, I don’t know which model to choose."
Selecting the correct size violin, viola, or cello is crucial for comfortable playing, proper technique development, and long-term skills progress. The best way to determine the right size is to follow the recommendation of a violin or viola teacher. However, if you do not have a teacher yet or are starting online lessons and need an instrument before your first class, this guide will help you measure accurately at home. We have provided a measuring chart at the bottom of this ‘how-to’ guide
The Easiest Way to Get the Right Size
If you are lucky enough to live near a specialist violin shop or a luthier who stocks different sizes, booking an appointment to try out instruments in person is ideal. This allows you or your child to test sizes for the best comfort and fit.
Measuring for a Violin or Viola
To check the correct violin or viola size in person, follow these steps:
Place the instrument under the player’s chin, with a shoulder rest if available for comfort and a secure hold.
Ask them to extend their left arm, rest the headstock in their hand palm and wrap their fingers around the scroll.
If their fingers comfortably curve around the scroll, that size is a good fit. If they struggle to reach, a smaller size is needed.
To measure at home, use a tape measure and follow these steps:
Have the player extend their left arm straight out to the side, in line with the shoulder.
The palm should face upward.
Measure from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm.
Compare the measurement to a violin or viola sizing chart at the bottom of this blogpost.
Once measured, use the chart below to determine the corresponding size violin / viola / cello.
Tip: If a player is between sizes, it is usually better to choose the smaller size first and move up when they grow into the next size.
Measuring for a Cello
Cello sizing is slightly different. While arm length is important, the player’s finger span between the index and pinky fingers is also a key measurement for determining the correct size.
To check finger span:
Make a "rock on" sign with the left hand (extending the index and pinky fingers while keeping the others folded in).
Stretch the fingers apart (on their own without help from the other hand and without forcing discomfort).
Measure the distance between the tips of the index and pinky fingers.
Compare to the chart below to find the correct cello size.
Finger span:
15cm or over (6”+) = 4/4 size
from 14cm (5 and 3/5”) = 7/8 size
from 12.5cm (5”) = 3/4 size
from 10cm (4”) = 1/2 size
from 7.5cm (3”) = 1/4 size
from 5cm (2”) = 1/8 size
Overstretching while learning can hinder technical advancement, restrict freedom of movement and put a serious dampener on enjoyment. So if you are between sizes on the fingerspan chart, opt for the smaller one to ensure better playability, natural intonation and playing comfort.
Choosing the Right Bow Length
Selecting the correct bow size is just as important as choosing the right instrument. A bow that is too long or too short can make bowing technique more difficult, affecting sound quality and ease of playing.
How to Measure for a Violin or Viola Bow
The bow length generally corresponds to the instrument size. However, a good way to check is:
Hold the bow as if ready to play.
Check if the right arm is comfortably extended when bowing at the tip, whilst still being in the bowing area of the string (the free part of the string not over the fingerboard)
If the arm is overly stretched or bent, a different bow size might be needed.
How to Measure for a Cello Bow
For cello bows, length and weight should be considered. The bow should allow the player to comfortably reach the tip while maintaining control.
General Bow Sizing Guide
4/4 Violin/Viola Bow = 29 inches (73 cm)
3/4 Violin/Viola Bow = 27 inches (68 cm)
1/2 Violin/Viola Bow = 25 inches (63 cm)
1/4 Violin/Viola Bow = 23 inches (58 cm)
1/8 Violin/Viola Bow = 21 inches (53 cm)
4/4 Cello Bow = 28 inches (71 cm)
7/8 Cello Bow = same as 4/4 size Cello Bow
3/4 Cello Bow = 27 inches (68 cm)
1/2 Cello Bow = 25 inches (63 cm)
1/4 Cello Bow = 23 inches (58 cm)
If in doubt, consult your teacher or a violin shop for expert guidance.
Happy to get started?
Click below to check out all hire instruments
Do you need any assistance or would like to know what I have in stock?
And before I forget: here is the sizing chart that I promised you.
Violin Sizing Arm Measurements
ARM Measurements in CM and INCH
60cm and over (23” and 5/8th) = 4/4 size
58cm (22” and 7/8th) = 7/8 size
56cm (22” and 1/4) = 3/4 size
52cm (20” and 3/8th) = 1/2 size
47cm (18” and 1/2) = 1/4 size
43cm (16” and 7/8th) = 1/8 size
Viola Sizing Arm Measurements
ARM Measurements in CM and INCH
69cm and over (27” and 1/8th) = 16 and 1/2”
67cm (26” and 3/8th) = 16”
65cm (25” and 5/8th) = 15 and 1/2”
63cm (24” and 7/8th) = 15”
59cm (23” and 1/4) = 14” (= 4/4 violin)
56cm (21” and 7/8th) = 13”
51cm (20” and 1/8th) = 12”
46cm (18” and 1/4) = 11”
Cello Sizing Arm Measurements
ARM Measurements in CM and INCH
61cm and over (24”+) = 4/4 size
58.5cm (23”) = 7/8 size
56cm (22”) = 3/4 size
51cm (20”) = 1/2 size
46cm (18”) = 1/4 size
41cm (16”) = 1/8 size