Determining the Right Size Violin
The best way to find the right size violin is to measure and try them out in person. Here’s how to ensure you have the correct size violin. First, test the length by getting into proper position as if going to play.
- Extend your left arm out with your palm facing up,
- Wrap your fingers around the scroll, with the scroll in the palm of your hand and your fingers just touching the peg box.
If your fingers are not able to touch the peg box, the violin is too large. If the violin is too small, you will have a great deal of slack in your arm (bent elbow) while your arm is extended.
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Measuring the Player
To measure the player’s arm, extend the left arm and move it slightly towards the front of the body (again with the palm facing up). Measure from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm. Record the number of inches. See the size chart (below) for the proper size violin and compare the sizes. This charts works for the violin or the viola.
| Violin Sizing | |
| Arm Length (Inches) | Violin Size |
| 14.5 – 16 | 1/16 |
| 16 – 17.75 | 1/10 |
| 17.75 – 19 | 1/8 |
| 19 – 20.75 | 1/4 |
| 20.75 – 22 | 1/2 |
| 22 – 23.5 | 3/4 |
| 23.5 + | 4/4 |
