Children play smaller violins than adults do. Violins come in fractional sizes, from the tiny 1/16 to the full-size 4/4, so a child can play an instrument that fits. A violin that is too big makes the left arm overextend, which creates tension and makes it harder for the fingers to move.
The sizes
The common violin sizes, from smallest to largest, are 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4, which is full size. Some shops also list a 1/32 for the smallest players and a 7/8 between 3/4 and full size.
Violas are sized differently, by the length of the instrument's body in inches, from about 11 inches up to 16.5 inches for adults.
How to measure
String shops size a violin by arm length. To measure:
- Have your child hold their left arm straight out, palm up.
- Measure from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm.
Shops differ in the details. Some measure with the arm angled 45 degrees forward, and some measure to the wrist instead of the palm, so use each chart only with the measurement it was made for.
A rough guide
These ranges come from the sizing chart Kennedy Violins publishes, measured from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm. Other shops' charts differ by up to about an inch, so treat them as a starting point:
- 1/16: about 14 to 15 inches, often 3 to 5 years old
- 1/10: about 15 to 16 inches, often 3 to 5 years old
- 1/8: about 16 to 18 inches, often 3 to 5 years old
- 1/4: about 18 to 20 inches, often 4 to 7 years old
- 1/2: about 20 to 22 inches, often 6 to 10 years old
- 3/4: about 22 to 23 inches, often 9 to 11 years old
- 4/4 (full size): about 23 inches or more, often 12 and older
Children of the same age can differ a lot in arm length, so measure rather than going by age.
Between sizes, choose the smaller one
If your child measures between two sizes, choose the smaller. For the same reason, buying a bigger violin for a child to grow into is a common mistake: until they grow, they are playing an instrument that is too big for them.
Check the fit with the violin in hand
A measurement is a guide. The real test is the violin itself. With the violin resting on the left shoulder, your child should be able to reach out and wrap most of their fingers around the scroll, the curled end of the neck, while keeping a slight bend in the arm.
Growing out of sizes
Young children can outgrow a violin quickly. One string shop's sizing guide notes that growth spurts may call for a new size within 12 to 18 months.
Renting is one way to manage this. Some shops' rental programs let you exchange for the next size as your child grows, and some credit part of the rent toward buying an instrument later. Before you sign, ask whether size exchanges are included and whether you would have to buy the same instrument you rent.
Ask your teacher first
String shops themselves recommend having a teacher check the size before you rent or buy, and your child's teacher can check the fit at a lesson. If you are just getting started, book a trial lesson and bring your questions, or read The Parent's Guide to Supporting Young Violinists.