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String Instrument Size Guide

 When measuring your child for an instrument, you will need to consider either their height, the length of their arm, or both. A general rule of thumb is that if your child is on the border between sizes, to “round down” and pick the smaller size. Most often, this will be the correct instrument size for your child. If they are truly on the border, it is much easier to develop proper instrument technique on an instrument slightly-too-small, than too large. 

 When measuring length of the arm, have your child stand with their left arm extended out to the side, parallel with the floor. Place a yard stick on the arm, and measure from neck to wrist. Consult the table below to determine your child’s violin or viola size.

 When measuring your child’s height, have them stand with good posture on a level surface, without shoes. Consult the table below to determine your child’s cello or bass size. 

► Violin Size Chart

 Neck to wrist measurement (inches)
 If in between measurements, please round down! 
 Violin Size 
Under 19”  1/8
19” 1/4
20” 1/2
21” 3/4
23” and above 4/4

► Viola Size Chart

 Neck to wrist measurement (inches)
 If in between measurements, please round down! 
 Viola Size 
Under 19”  10" Viola
19” 11" Viola
20” 12" Viola
21” 13" Viola
23” and above 14" Viola

► Cello Size Chart

 Height of child
 If on the border, please round down.
 (Use violin arm length sizing guide for a secondary measurement.) 
Cello Size 
Under 3’6” (42”)   1/8
3’6” - 4’ (42 - 48”) 1/4
4’ - 4’6” (48 - 54”) 1/2
4’6” - 5’ (54 - 60”)  3/4
5’ and above  4/4

► Bass Size Chart

 Height of child
 (If on the border, please round down.)   
 Bass Size 
4’6” and under (<54”)   1/8
4’6” - 5’ (54 - 60”) 1/4
5’ and above (>60”) 1/2
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