Violin-Viola-Cello Sizing Chart

Violin-Viola-Cello Sizing Chart

Sizing Chart for Violin/Viola

Violin / Viola Sizing – To size a student for the violin, you need to measure from their neck to the middle of the left‐hand palm. The arm must be fully extended and raised perpendicular to the body, just like they would hold a violin.

 

Violin

Arm Measurement *

Instrument Size

14 1/8”

1/16 size violin

15 3/8”

1/10 size violin

16 7/8”

1/8 size violin

18 ½”

1/4 size violin

20 3/8”

1/2 size violin

22 ¼”

3/4 size violin

23 5/8”

4/4 size violin

Viola

Arm Measurement *

Instrument Size

18 1/2 "

11” viola

20 3/8”

12” viola

21 7/8”

13” or Junior Viola

23 ¼”

14” or Intermediate Viola

24 7/8”

15” Full size Viola

25 5/8”

15.5” Full Size Viola

26 3/8”

16” Full Size Viola

27 1/8”

16.5” Full Size Viola

 

General Cello Size Recommendations 

1/10

With a 1/10-size cello, players will have an instrument with a total length of 29.5 inches. The size is ideal for children who are 4 or 5 years old.

1/8

Children who are 5 or 6 years old will need a 1/8-size cello, which measures 33.5 inches.

1/4

If children are 6 or 7 years old, then they can reach the fingerboard of a 1/4-size cello. The instrument is 38.5 inches long.

1/2

With children who are 8 to 10 years old, parents should look for a cello size that is 1/2. The instrument will be 42 inches long.

3/4

Cellos with a size listing of 3/4 will be 45 inches long. Professional cello teachers recommend the size for 11 to 13 year olds.

4/4

The 4/4 is a full-sized cello, and manufacturers make the instrument size for players who are from 14 years old to adults. The 4/4 cello is 48 inches long.