Violins and violin-family instruments are available in smaller sizes to make it easier for children to learn to play. Getting the right size is even more important than getting the correct size of clothes. An instrument that is too big can be nearly impossible to play, while on that is too small may not produce the best tone and technique. Determining the size of the instrument is important and easy.
THE BEST METHOD
Ask your teacher or a professional string musician to measure the student with actual instruments.
A GOOD METHOD
Determine the size on your own using our guidelines below.
MEASURING WITH A YARDSTICK
If you don’t have access to an instrument, use a yardstick. Lift the left arm and extend it fully to the side, palm facing upward. Place the yardstick under the chin, touching the neck (simulating a violin), and measure from the neck to the center of the palm. Don’t allow for any slack. Once you have the size in inches, using the size chart to determine the child’s size.
With the left arm extended out fully to the side, palm up, place a yardstick under the chin/jaw, touching the neck (to simulate a violin). Record the measurement in the center of the palm. At this point, you don’t want any slack in the arm. The chart below will indicate the correct size instrument.
Violin sizes |
Arm length measurements in inches |
Approximate age |
1/16 |
14” ………15 3/8” |
3-5 years |
1/10 |
15 3/8” ….16 7/8” |
3-5 years |
1/8 |
16 7/8” ….18 1/2” |
3-5 years |
1/4 |
18 1/2” ….20 3/8” |
4-7 years |
1/2 |
20 3/8” ….22 1/4” |
6-10 years |
3/4 |
22 1/4”….23 5/8” |
9-11 years |
4/4 (full size) |
23 5/8” ……………. |
12 years to adult |
Viola sizes |
Arm length measurements in inches |
Approximate age |
13” Jr. Viola |
21 5/8” ….23 1/4” |
9-11 years |
14” Intermediate |
23 1/4” ….24 7/8” |
12 years to adult |
15” |
24 7/8” ….25 7/8” |
13 years adult |
15 1/2” |
25 7/8” ….26 5/8” |
13 years adult |
16” |
26 5/8” ….27 1/4” |
13 years adult |
16 1/2” |
1/2” 27 1/4” …28” |
13 years adult |
MEASURING WITH AN INSTRUMENT
If you already have an instrument, you can determine if its the right fit by fully extending the arm to the side and ensuring the majority of fingers cup around the scroll. Its a simple and quick method, but there are other factors that can determine the right fit. Generally, it’s a good idea to play on an instrument that is a bit smaller than one that is bigger, especially for beginners. An experienced player may choose to go for a bigger tone, but often sacrifice technique for a larger instrument of better quality. The length of the fingers can also indicate whether the student is ready for a larger size or whether it is best to wait for the arm to grow. Regardless, remember that it is easier to learn on an instrument that too small than one that is too big.
MEASURING WITH A CELLO
Seat the child (or yourself) so that the knees are bent at a ninety-degree angle. The upper rim of the cello body should rest on the sternum (breast bone) and the left knee should contact the curve below the lower bout corner. The C string peg (for the thickest string) should be near the left ear, with the neck of the cello a few inches away from the shoulder. The left hand should be able to reach both ends of the fingerboard with ease.
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