| Age of Player | Player's Arm Length | Violin Size | Violin Measurements (Length: Body/Total) | Bow Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 years to Adult | 23" | 4/4 or Full Size | 14" / 23.5" | 29.5" |
| Small Teen / Adult | 22" and small hands | 7/8 size | 13.5" / 22.5" | use 4/4 [29.5"] |
| 9-12 | 21.5"-22" | 3/4 size | 13" / 21" | 27" |
| 7-9 years | 20 | 1/2 size | 12.5" / 20.5" | 24.5" |
| 5-7 year | 18"-18.5" | 1/4 size | 11" / 19" | 22.5" |
| 4-6 years | 16.5" | 1/8 size | 10" / 17" | 19.25" |
| 4-5 years | 15" | 1/10 size | 9" / 16" | 17.75" |
| 3-5 years | 14" | 1/16 | 8" / 14.5" | 16.75" |
Determining Violin Size
Violins come in 8 different sizes: 4/4 (also called full size), 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, with 4/4 size being the largest and 1/16 size being the smallest. There is also a 7/8 size that is mid-way between 3/4 and 4/4 in size. The correct size can be determined by either age or by the length of the arm, but using the arm length measurement is the best way because body size and arm length varies among individuals of the same age.
The basic rule-of-thumb is to measure the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Use the table below to estimate which size is right for you.
