Violin, viola and cello size chart
Violins and violas are sized by the player's arm; cellos by height. Pick an instrument, measure once, and read across.
Violin
Type a measurement to highlight the matching size.
| Size | Age guide | Arm length | Body length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/32 | 3–4 | 32–35 cm | 21 cm |
| 1/16 | 3–5 | 35–39 cm | 23 cm |
| 1/10 | 4–5 | 39–42 cm | 24 cm |
| 1/8 | 5–6 | 42–45 cm | 25.5 cm |
| 1/4 | 6–8 | 45–51 cm | 28 cm |
| 1/2 | 8–10 | 51–56 cm | 31 cm |
| 3/4 | 10–12 | 56–59 cm | 33 cm |
| 4/4 | 11+ | 59 cm and up | 35.5 cm |
Between sizes? Take the smaller one.
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Why size matters
An instrument that fits lets the arm hang naturally and the fingers land in tune. Too big, and children compensate with tense shoulders and stretched hands, habits that take years to undo.
Rent or buy while they're growing?
Children typically pass through four or five sizes before full size. Renting keeps a well-set-up instrument in their hands at every stage.
Checking an instrument you already have
Measure the body from the top edge by the neck to the bottom edge, ignoring the neck and the button. Compare it with the body length in the chart: a 1/2 violin should measure about 31 cm.
Children's violas
Children's violas from 11″ to 13″ share a body with the fractional violins, strung C–G–D–A.
Charts versus a two-minute check
Every maker's chart differs by a few millimetres, so treat these ranges as a starting point and ask a teacher to check the fit.
Not sure? We'll measure in person, free.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure for a violin?
Stretch the left arm out to the side at shoulder height, palm up, and measure from the side of the neck to the centre of the palm. Use that number with the chart: for example, 45–51 cm is a 1/4 violin.
What if my child is between two sizes?
Take the smaller one. Then let a teacher check the fit: it takes two minutes, and our fittings at the Neutral Bay studio are free.
How is a viola sized?
With the same arm measurement as a violin, side of neck to centre of palm. Violas are named in inches, from 11″ to 16½″. Near the top of a range? Take the smaller viola.
How do I choose a cello size?
Cellos are sized by player height, and the ranges overlap on purpose. Where two sizes match, longer arms and bigger hands lean larger and beginners lean smaller. Confirm with the sitting test: top of the cello on the chest, lowest peg by the left ear.
Should I rent or buy while my child is growing?
Children typically pass through four or five sizes before full size. Renting keeps a well-set-up instrument in their hands at every stage. Our rentals let you swap sizes as your child grows with no penalty, and rent-to-own credit counts toward buying later.
How can I check the size of an instrument I already have?
Measure the body from the top edge by the neck to the bottom edge, ignoring the neck and the button, and compare it with the body length in the chart. A 1/2 violin should measure about 31 cm.
What size violin for my child's age?
Roughly: age 5–6 a 1/8, age 6–8 a 1/4, age 8–10 a 1/2, age 10–12 a 3/4, and from about 11 a full size (4/4). Age is only a rough guide, so measure the arm as well.
What size does an adult need?
Most adults play a full-size (4/4) violin, for an arm length of 59 cm and up. Adult violists usually play a 16″, or 16½″ with long arms. Adult cellists play a 4/4 from about 158 cm tall, or a 7/8 for smaller adults.
Quick enquiry
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A guide, not a verdict: ranges are compiled from common maker and retailer charts and rounded for easy reading. Fit is always confirmed in person.