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.
Viola
Arm Measurement*
Instrument Size
18 1/2"
11" viola
20 3/8"
12" viola
21 7/8"
13" or Junior Viola
23 1/4"
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
Violin
Arm Measurement*
Instrument Size
14 1/8"
1/16 size violin
15 3/8"
1/10 violin size
16 7/8"
1/8 violin size
18 1/2"
1/4 size violin
20 3/8"
1/2 violin size
22 1/4"
3/4 violin size
23 5/8"
4/4 violin size
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.