Instrument Size Guide
Violin & Viola
The ideal size violin for a child is that which allows a 90° angle at the elbow when holding the violin in a playing position. We recommend using a flexible tape measure to measure the distance between the base of the neck and the left wrist. The hand should be extended and the arm held out perpendicular to the body with the shoulder relaxed. Take this measurement and use the table below to determine the correct instrument size. We strongly discourage playing on instruments with ‘growing room’ as this can have a detrimental effect on technique, form and posture.
*Viola sizes over 15” should be determined by personal and teacher preference.
Cello
Determining the correct cello size for a player requires the consideration of three factors; height, arm length (A) and finger span (B)**. Use the table below, ensuring at least two of these three factors match, to select the correct cello size.
**The straight-line distance between the centre of the tip of the index finger and the centre of the tip of the little finger, of a spanned hand.
The following tables provide a guide to selecting a suitable instrument size. Other factors may be taken into account, including teaching method, and teacher and player preference. Instrument sizes may vary within their defined fractional size; this guide applies to Stringers’ range of instruments, and is intended to be as comprehensive as possible, but not definitive
Violin & Viola
| Age | Distance 'A' | Violin Size | Viola Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Less than 15" | 1/32 | - |
| 4-5 | 15"-15 3/4" | 1/16 | - |
| 5-6 | 15 3/4"-16 1/2" | 1/10 | - |
| 5-7 | 16 1/2"-18" | 1/8 | 1/8 Viola Conversion |
| 6-8 | 18"-20" | 1/4 | 1/4 Viola Conversion |
| 8-10 | 20"-21 1/2" | 1/2 | 1/2 Viola Conversion |
| 10-12 | 21 1/2"-23" | 3/4 | 3/4 Viola Conversion |
| 12+ | 22"-24" | 7/8 | 4/4 Viola Conversion |
| 12+ | At least 23" | 4/4 Full Size | 14" Viola or 4/4 Viola Conversion |
| 12+ | At least 24" | - | 15" + |
Cello
| Age | Height | Distance 'A' | Finger Span 'B' | Cello Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Varies | 15"-15 3/4" | 3 1/4"-3 1/2" | 1/16 |
| 4-5 | Varies | 15 3/4"-16 1/2" | 3 1/2" - 3 3/4" | 1/10 |
| 5-6 | Varies | 16 1/2"-18" | 3 3/4"-4" | 1/8 |
| 6-8 | Under 4'0" | 18"-20" | 4"-4 1/2" | 1/4 |
| 8-10 | 4'0" - 4'6" | 20"-22" | 4 1/2"-5" | 1/2 |
| 10-13 | 4'6" - 5'0" | 22"-24" | 5"-5 1/2" | 3/4 |
| 13+ | At least 5'0" | At least 24" | At least 5 1/2" | 7/8 or 4/4 Full Size |