How to Measure Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass – Instrument Size Guide

How to Choose the Right String Instrument Size: Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass

Choosing the right size for your instrument is just as important as proper setup. Playing on an instrument that is too big or too small can cause fatigue, discomfort, and even reduce your enthusiasm for playing. Don’t worry! Follow these steps to find your perfect fit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at service@fiddlover.com.

Violin Size Guide: How to Measure for Your Violin

When selecting a violin, consider three main factors: age, arm length, and violin size. Use the measurement methods below and refer to our violin size chart to find the right fit.

Measuring for a Violin

Offline shopping:
Hold the violin as you normally would on your shoulder and reach out to wrap your fingers around the scroll. If you can comfortably wrap most of your fingers around the top of the scroll while keeping a slight bend in your arm, the violin size is just right.

Online shopping:
Extend your arm fully, perpendicular to your body, with your palm facing up. Measure from the base of your neck to the middle of your palm and compare it with the violin size chart below. If you fall between sizes, choose the smaller size. The most important factor is whether you can comfortably reach the 4th finger position.

Size Arm Length Typical Age
1/16 14"–15" 3-5 Years
1/10 15"–16" 3-5 Years
1/8 16"–18" 3-5 Years
1/4 18"–20" 4–7 Years
1/2 20"–22" 6-10 Years
3/4 22"–23" 9-11 Years
4/4 23" and up 12+ Years

 

Viola Size Guide: How to Measure for Your Viola

Violas are measured in the same way as violins. Simply refer to the viola size chart to select the correct size for your body.

Size Arm Length Typical Age
1/8 14"–15" 3-5 Years
1/4 15"–18" 5-7 Years
12" 18"–20" 7-9 Years
13" 20"–22" 8-10 Years
14" 22"–23" 9-12 Years
15" 23"–25" 11-13 Years
15.5" 26"–27" 12-14 Years
16" 27"–28" 14+ Years
16.5" 28" and up 14+ Years

 

Cello Size Guide: How to Measure for Your Cello

Offline shopping:
Sit at the end of a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lean the cello at a 45° angle against your body, and extend the endpin so that the top of the cello body rests in the center of your chest. If you hold the bow in your right hand, the C peg should be slightly behind your left ear.

Online shopping:
Measure your height and use the cello size chart below to find the appropriate size.

Size Height Typical Age
1/10 3' 3-4 Years
1/8 3'–3'6" 4-6 Years
1/4 3'6"–4' 5–7 Years
1/2 4'–4"6" 7-11 Years
3/4 4'6"–5' 9-15 Years
4/4 5' and up 15+ Years

 

Double Bass Size Guide: How to Measure for Your Double Bass

Offline shopping:
Stand upright next to the bass. The bridge should be roughly at the same height as the large knuckles of your right hand. The key is that you feel comfortable holding and playing the instrument.

Online shopping:
For adults, a 3/4 size double bass is standard, and larger sizes are less common. Measure your height and consult the double bass size chart to select the correct size.

Size Height Typical Age
1/4 4'6"–5' 9-12 Years
1/2 4'10"–5"4" 11-15 Years
3/4 5'3" and up 15+ Years

 

Summary Tips for Choosing the Right Size

  1. Always prioritize comfort and ease of playing over exact measurements.

  2. When in doubt, choose the smaller size — it’s easier to grow into a slightly larger instrument than to struggle with one that is too big.

  3. Refer to our size charts for violin, viola, cello, and double bass to confirm your choice.