Updated 1/28/2023
Are you looking for the right size violin? Most adults and pretty much anyone over five foot tall will play on a full size violin which is also called a 4/4 size. If you have smaller hands or shorter arms than an average adult then you may need a smaller violin. You will need to be able to determining what size violin you or your child may need. Don’t worry you are only a couple paragraphs away from knowing how to pick the correct size.
The Violin is made to eight standard sizes. The size corresponds to the length of the body of the violin. The neck and scroll of the violin are simply built in proportion to the body of the instrument so this is not necessary to measure. The smallest size is named a 1/16 size and has a body length of 9 inches. Each size increases slightly and are named 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and finally 4/4 or full size (about 14 inches .)
Measuring Your Body for the Right Size Violin
The right size violin can be determined by the right type of measurement process. Have the player sit or stand upright, point one arm out their side and turn your palm to the sky, measure from the neck to wrist. The measurement chart below should help you determine what size you will need. If in doubt always go with the smaller size as this is much more comfortable than slightly too big.
| VIOLIN SIZE | LENGTH (Neck to wrist) |
| 1/16 | 33.5 cm or less, 13 ¼ inches |
| 1/10 | 36 cm, 14 ¼ inches |
| 1/8 | 38.5 cm, 15 ¼ inches |
| 1/4 | 44 cm,17 ¼ inches |
| 1/2 | 48.5 cm,19 inches |
| 3/4 | 52 cm, 20 ½ inches |
| 4/4 | 54 cm, 21 ¼ inches |
The best way to make certain is with the help of a private teacher or an experienced violin shop. Most violin shops will have a great trade in policy so that you can simply move up in size at very little cost. When buying a violin make sure that the bow and case are sized appropriately for the instrument.
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