Violin sizes for kids: how to measure and choose the right one

Violins come in sizes named as fractions, from 1/16 for the smallest children up to 4/4, which is full size. The right size depends on the length of the child’s arm, not on age. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm with the arm held straight out, and match that number to a chart. A teacher or a violin shop makes the final call.

The sizes

From smallest to largest, the common sizes are 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4. Some makers also build a 1/32 for the tiniest players and a 7/8 for small adults.

The fractions are names, not measurements. A 1/2 size violin is not half as long as a full-size one.

How to measure

1. Have your child stand straight and hold the left arm out to the side, level with the floor, palm up.
2. Hold a tape measure at the side of the neck.
3. Measure to the middle of the palm.

Measure twice. Do not let the child stretch or shrug.

A size chart

This chart comes from the sizing guide published by Shar Music, a string instrument shop. The ages are rough guides only.

Size	Arm length, neck to mid-palm	Rough age
1/16	14 inches	5 and under
1/10	15 inches	4 to 5
1/8	16.5 inches	5 to 6
1/4	18.5 inches	6 to 7
1/2	20 inches	7 to 9
3/4	22 inches	9 to 11
4/4	23 inches	11 and up

Charts from other shops differ by an inch or so at some sizes. Use a chart to get close, and let a teacher or a shop confirm it with the instrument in the child’s hands.

Source: Shar Music, the complete string instrument sizing guide.

The check with the violin in hand

With the violin in playing position, have your child reach the left hand up to the scroll, which is the curled end.

A good fit. The fingers can curl around the scroll while the elbow stays a little bent.

Too big. The arm is locked straight, or the fingers cannot reach around the scroll.

Too small. The elbow is bent tight and the arm looks cramped.

When in doubt, go smaller

A violin that is too big forces a child to stretch. That strains the neck, the shoulder, and the left hand, and it makes playing in tune harder. Many teachers advise the smaller size when a child is between two.

Do not buy a size to grow into.

When to move up

Children grow out of small violins fast, and many move up a size every year or two. Measure again each time your child has a growth spurt, and ask the teacher at the start of each school year.

The bow and the case come in matching sizes. A new size of violin means a new size of bow.

Rent or buy?

Because the sizes change so often, many families rent the small sizes. Some shops put part of the rent toward a later purchase, and some take a small violin back in trade for the next size. Ask what a shop offers before you choose.

A used violin in good repair is a sound choice in the small sizes. Have a teacher or a shop look it over.

Violas and cellos

Violas are sized in inches by the length of the body. Small children who play viola often use a small violin fitted with viola strings.

Cellos come in fractions too, from 1/10 to 4/4. A cello is sized with the child sitting down, so a teacher or a shop needs to see the child with the instrument.

Print and play

For what the first lessons are like, read best age to start violin lessons. To learn how the violin’s family works, see string instruments for kids. For the wider picture, see the parent’s guide to music lessons.