We use several criteria here at Beau Vinci Violins when we need to determine instrument size for a student. If you cannot make it into the shop, there are a few guidelines you can use at home..
There are different ways of measuring violins and violas as compared to cellos, and we’ll give you both. If a student falls somewhere between two sizes, always select the smaller size.
The following guidelines are for violin and viola. Here you’ll see specific measurements taken along the arm. Have the child stand with the left arm fully extended out to the side with the palm facing up. Use a tape measure to go from the neck all the way to the wrist.
Violin sizes – violins are always sized in fractional terms
21″ or longer – 4/4 size violin (typically 12+ years old)
20″ – 3/4 size violin (typically 11-12 years old
19″ – 1/2 size violin (typically 9-10 years old)
17″ – 1/4 size violin (typically 7-8 years old)
15″ – 1/8 size violin (typically 5-6 years old)
14″ – 1/10 size violin (typically 4-5 years old)
13″ – 1/16 size violin (typically 3-4 years old)
Viola sizes – violas are measured and named in terms of inches
16″ viola – 24″ or longer
15.5″ viola – 23″
15″ viola – 22″
14″ viola – 21″
13″ viola – 20″
Cello measurements are a bit different from the upper strings. We use age and height for at-home help. Works well if your child is average size for his/her age.
4/4 cello – Fits most students age 12 and over and 5 feet and above
3/4 cello – Fits most age 10-12 and between 4 1/2 to 5 feet
1/2 cello – Fits most age 8-10 and between 4 to 4 1/2 feet
1/4 cello – Fits most age 6-8 and between 3′ 8″ to 4 feet