Playing on a violin that is too big forces the player to contort their body into unnatural positions, possibly leading to injury (namely carpal tunnel and tendonitis); and playing on a violin that is too small can cause the player to feel very cramped and limited in their bowings and finger placements. Keep reading this article to discover what violin size is best for you or your child.
The size of violin you need is based on your height and arm length. Age is also taken into consideration, however, all children grow at different rates, so when in doubt, choose a violin compatible with the child's size rather than their age.
If you find that you or your child are right on the cusp between two sizes, choose the smaller size to prevent any risk of injury. It might not seem economical and you might be afraid that your child can't enjoy that size for a long time. In that case, choose to rent a violin or inform about the options to size up the violin you bought later. Lots of violin shops offer these possibilities.
Note that the exact measurements of violin sizes are not very standard. There are for example larger and smaller 1/8 violins. If your child is between violin sizes, see if the violin shop has a relatively larger or small version of the size you're looking it. That can be just right. Full sized 4/4 violins are usually consistent in measurement. The variety is in children's sizes.
| Size | Age | Arm Length |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 11+ & adults | 58.5cm / 23" |
| 7/8 | 10+ & adults | 57.5cm / 22" |
| 3/4 | 9–11 years | 56cm / 22" |
| 1/2 | 7–9 years | 51cm / 20" |
| 1/4 | 6–7 years | 47cm / 18" |
| 1/8 | 5–6 years | 42cm / 16" |
| 1/10 | 4–5 years | 38cm / 15" |
| 1/16 | < 5 years | 35.5cm / 14" |
| 1/32 | 2–5 years | < 35cm / 14" |
Note: These are guidelines. Individual proportions vary, so always try the instrument before purchasing.
A full-size violin is 59 centimeters (or 23 inches) long, from scroll to endpin. If you are an adult learner, you will more than likely need a full-size violin (with the exception of shorter adults, under five feet). Children typically graduate to a full-size instrument around 11 or 12 years old. In order to comfortably play a full size, your left arm should be 58.5 centimeters (or 23 inches) long, from the base of your neck to the middle of your palm.
A ⅞ size violin is 57 centimeters (or 22 inches) long and is geared towards those with an arm length of 57.5 centimeters (or 22 inches). ⅞ violins are sometimes referred to as the "ladies violin" because they are just ever so slightly smaller than the full size and therefore thought to be more suited towards women (but men can use them too!). Adults may choose to try a ⅞ size instrument if they experience any pain or discomfort when playing a full size, and children who are too big for a ¾ but not quite ready for a full size may also benefit from using a ⅞. ⅞ violins are not very common, so you may have to look a little harder to find one.
Important note: fractional violins (which are any size violin beside a full size) will not sound as full (or loud) as a full size.
A ¾ size violin is 55 centimeters (or 22 inches) long. To comfortably fit a ¾ size violin, your arm should be about 56 centimeters (or 22 inches) long. Students around ages 9-11 typically use a ¾ size violin, but they can also be used by small adults.
A ½ size violin is 52 centimeters (or 20 inches) long and best suited for players with an arm's length of 51 centimeters (or 20 inches). Children around ages 7-9 typically use half-size violins. In my experience, the jump from ¼ to ½ size is typically the biggest of the fractional sizes, so err on the side of caution when bridging this gap. Remember: it's far worse to play on a violin that is too big than one that's too small!
A ¼ size violin is 48 centimeters (or 19 inches) long. To use a ¼ size violin, a child's arm should be around 47 centimeters (or 18 inches) long, and they will most likely be around 6-7 years old.
A ⅛ size violin is 43 centimeters (or 17 inches) long and is best suited for children with an arm's length of 42 centimeters (or 16 inches). This is usually around 5-6 years of age.
Sometimes it might make sense to start a 4 year old on a relatively small 1/8 violin. The sound is a lot better than the smaller sizes, which is motivating for your budding little fiddler. Also very small sized violin have a tiny bridge and the strings are close together, which makes it difficult to bow on one string and to cross strings.
A 1/10 size violin is 39 centimeters (or 15 inches) long. Children around ages 4-5 typically use this size, and their arm's length should be about 38 centimeters (or 15 inches) long.
The step from 1/16 to 1/8 is quite big, so a size in between might be very convenient. Unfortunately when you order a 1/10 online often a 1/16 is delivered. Before buying check what the measurements are or (best!) try the instrument out, so you know it's the right fit.
A 1/16 size violin is 36 centimeters (or 14 inches long). 1/16 size violins are typically best suited for children with an arm's length of 35.5 centimeters (or 14 inches), generally under the age of 5.
Note that the sound of this size usually isn't that good as the soundbox is simply too small for a pitch that's meant for a 4/4 violin. If your child still plays a lot of open strings, sometimes it can make sense to start on a larger size (a 1/10 or maybe a small 1/8). By the time they play with all fingers, they might also be big enough for that larger size.
A 1/32 size violin is 33 centimeters (or 13 inches long). These are meant for extremely young children (between the ages of 2-5). Their arms-length should be 35 inches (or 14 inches) or under.
This size isn't used that much as (frankly) they sound awful, it's extremely difficult to bow an open string without hitting neighboring strings due to the small bridge and usually two and three years old can already handle a 1/16 violin.
Stand up straight with your back against a wall. Extend your left arm straight out to the side at shoulder height, parallel to the floor.
Have someone measure from the base of your neck (where your neck meets your left shoulder) to the center/middle of your left palm. Keep your arm straight!
Use a flexible measuring tape. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters. Compare your measurement to the quick reference table above to determine your violin size.
Great question! There are two ways of measuring yourself (or your child) to see which violin size would work best. The first is to just take a tape measure, place it at the nape of your neck, and extend it to the middle of your left palm. When doing this, your arm should be held out so that it's parallel to the ground. Once you have your measurement, you can use the chart here to determine which size would fit best. This method works great if you're just starting out and don't have an instrument to compare your arm's length to.
The second way works best if you already have an instrument and are trying to figure out if it's too big or too small. Place your violin in playing position (on your shoulder) and extend your left arm out so that it is straight. Notice where the violin makes contact with your arm. Ideally, the tip of the violin scroll should sit at your wrist. If you notice that the scroll is in your palm, you need to size down, and if the scroll stops anytime before your wrist, you need to size up.
If you're feeling uncertain about choosing the right size, many shops will size you or your child for you. It never hurts to ask!
The violin bow corresponds in size to the violin size. Smaller violins come with shorter bows. This is all related to your arm length: with a bow that's too long, you wouldn't be able to bow at the tip. Also a longer bow is heavier and difficult to handle for small children.
The only exception to this is that with a 7/8 violin, adults usually choose for a 4/4 bow as there's much more choice in full sized bows. 7/8 bows do exists, but are even more rare than 7/8 violins.
When getting used to a bigger size it can make sense to keep playing with the smaller sized bow for a little while. In this way your child doesn't need to get used to a new size violin AND a new size bow at the same time.
Changing the size of your violin can throw everything out of whack! When switching to a bigger instrument, the spacing between your fingers will feel bigger, your bow will feel longer and more unwieldy, and the instrument may feel heavier as well. For at least the first week of playing on a bigger size, stick to pieces that you know well so that you just need to focus on getting used to how this new instrument feels and sounds!
Playing a violin that's too large makes it hard to reach positions and causes tension. A violin that's too small limits your sound and range. The right size allows proper technique and comfortable playing.
Children grow quickly! Check the size every 6-12 months. Signs your child needs a larger violin: reaching first position is difficult, arms feel cramped, or the violin feels 'small' when playing.
A 3/4 violin is NOT exactly 3/4 the size of a full violin. The names are traditional, not mathematical. Each size is designed to fit specific arm lengths.
Most adults (even those with smaller frames) play full-size (4/4) violins. Only adults with very small hands or short arms may need 3/4 or 7/8 size.
A good-quality fractional violin sounds better than a poor-quality full-size. Don't rush to upgrade size if the current size still fits well.
Always test the violin in playing position. Have your teacher confirm the size is appropriate. Arm length is a guide, but comfort while playing is most important.
Once you've figured out the size, it's time to buy your violin! Here are two violins I've tested and approve as a violin teacher. Please note that the sizes are a bit different per shop and maker, so I've added size charts specifically for these makers.
Available in all sizes this is a great instrument to start playing the violin. The sizing is relatively small in the small sizes (see below). I personally use the 1/8 size for my four year old daughter and we both love it. Sizes go from 1/16 to 4/4.
| Size | Body Length | Total Length |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 354mm | 589mm |
| 3/4 | 335mm | 555mm |
| 1/2 | 309mm | 513mm |
| 1/4 | 250mm | 415mm |
| 1/8 | 235mm | 392mm |
| 1/10 | 212mm | 364mm |
| 1/16 | — | — |
Excellent student violin with great sound. Watch my review video here. Sizes go from 1/16 to 4/4. There's also a 7/8 size, which is great for some adults or kids who are in between 3/4 and 4/4.
| Size | Body Length |
|---|---|
| 4/4 | 356mm |
| 7/8 | 345mm |
| 3/4 | 335mm |
| 1/2 | 310mm |
| 1/4 | 285mm |
| 1/8 | 260mm |
| 1/16 | 215mm |
The viola has different sizes than the violin. Find my viola size chart right here.
I hope this article has given you some clarity about all the different violin sizes. Make sure to bookmark this page, so you'll always have this handy violin size chart at hand.
What size violin do you currently play? Let me know in the comments!
