Violin & Viola & Cello Size Chart

December 21, 2017

*Approximate sizing and measurements. Exact size/dimensions will vary from maker to maker. Note that 1 inch = 2.54 cm

Violin Size Chart

Age of Player	Player's Arm Length	Violin Size	Violin Length(Body and Total)	Bow Length
12 years and up	23'' (59cm) and longer	4/4 full size	14'' (35.5cm) and 23''-23.5'' (60cm)	29.5'' (75cm)
9-12 years	21.5'' (54.6cm) - 22'' (56cm)	3/4 size	13'' (33cm) and 21'' (53.3cm)	27'' (68.6cm)
7-9 years	20'' (50.8cm)	1/2 size	12.5'' (31.75cm) and 20.5''(52cm)	24.5'' (62.2cm)
5-7 years	18'' (45.7cm) - 18.5'' (47cm)	1/4 size	11'' (28cm) and 18.5''-19'' (48.25cm)	22.5'' (57.15cm)
4-6 years	16.5'' (42cm)	1/8 size	10'' (25cm) and 17'' (43cm)	19.25'' (48.9cm)
4-5 years	15'' (38cm)	1/10 size	9'' (22.9cm) and 16'' (40.6cm)	17.75'' (45cm)
3-5 years	14'' (35.5cm)	1/16 size	8'' (20.3cm) and 14.5'' (36.8cm)	16.75'' (42.5cm)
1-3 years	under 14'' (under 35.5cm)	1/32 size	7.5(19cm) and 13''-13.5'' (32cm)	15'' (38cm)

Viola Size Chart

Age of Player	Player's Arm Length	Viola Size	Viola Length(Body)	Bow Length
Large Adult	26'' and longer	16'' to 16.5'' Viola	16'' (40.6cm) or 16.5'' (42cm)	29.25'' (75cm) Full Viola
Average Adult	25'' (63.5cm) - 25.25'' (64cm)	15.5'' Viola	15.5'' (39.4cm)	29.25'' (75cm) Full Viola
13 years, Small Adult	24.5'' (62.2cm)	15'' Viola	15'' (38cm)	29.25'' (75cm) Full Viola
9 - 12 years	23'' (58cm)	14'' Viola (4/4 Violin)	14'' (35.5cm)	29.25'' (75cm) Full Viola
7 - 9 years	21.5'' (54.6cm) - 22'' (55.9cm)	13'' Viola (3/4 Violin)	13'' (33cm)	27'' (68.6cm)
6-7 years	20'' (50.8cm)	12''Viola (1/2 Violin)	12'' (30.5cm)	24.5'' (62.2cm)

Cello Size Chart

Age of Player	Player's Height	Cello Size	Arm Length	Bow Length
12 years and up	5 ' (152 cm) and up	4/4 Full Size	24'' (61cm) and up	28'' (71cm)
9 - 12 years	4'6'' (137cm) - 5' (152cm)	3/4	22'' (56cm) - 24'' (61cm)	27'' (69cm)
7 - 11 years	4' (122cm) - 4'6'' (137cm)	1/2	20'' (51cm) - 22'' (56cm)	25.5'' (65cm)
5 - 9 years	3'6'' (107cm) - 4' (122cm)	1/4	18'' (46cm ) - 20'' (51cm)	23.75'' (60cm)
4 - 7 years	3' (91cm) - 3'6'' (107cm)	1/8	16'' (41cm) - 18'' (46cm)	20.75'' (53cm)
3 - 4 years	3' (91cm)	1/10	under 16'' (41cm)	17.5'' (44cm)

If you have access to an instrument, ask the student to hold the instrument as if they are playing. The student should be able to cup the majority of the fingers around to the top of the scroll.

Always choose the smaller size if the student is in-between sizes, because a larger instrument will hinder the student’s ability to play properly.