Measuring for the right size violin.
To choose the right size violin you must measure from the middle of the left palm to the neck. Stretch out the left arm and hand fully perpendicular to body (towards the side). If you are choosing a violin for a growing child and are undecided between two sizes, it is best to choose the bigger to avoid having to upgrade too quickly.
Unfortunately, instruments can vary slightly from these dimensions.
Arm length Approximate age Violin size14″ – 15.4″ (356 – 391 mm) 3 – 5 years 1/16
15.5″ – 17″ (392 – 432 mm) 3 – 5 years 1/10
17.1″ – 17.5″ (434 – 445 mm) 3 – 5 years 1/8
17.6″ – 20″ (446 – 508 mm) 4 – 7 years 1/4
20.1″ – 22″ (509 – 559 mm) 6-10 years 1/2
22.1 – 23.5″ (560 – 597 mm) 9-11 years 3/4
23.6 and up (598 mm up) 9 – elderly 4/4 = full
15.5″ – 17″ (392 – 432 mm) 3 – 5 years 1/10
17.1″ – 17.5″ (434 – 445 mm) 3 – 5 years 1/8
17.6″ – 20″ (446 – 508 mm) 4 – 7 years 1/4
20.1″ – 22″ (509 – 559 mm) 6-10 years 1/2
22.1 – 23.5″ (560 – 597 mm) 9-11 years 3/4
23.6 and up (598 mm up) 9 – elderly 4/4 = full
Violin sizes
size body length total length width4/4 14″(356 mm) 23.5″ (597 mm) 7.5″(191 mm)
7/8 13.5″ (343 mm) 22.5″(572 mm) 7.25″(184 mm)
3/4 13″(330 mm) 21.75″(552 mm) 7″(178 mm)
1/2 12.5″ (318 mm) 20.5″ (521 mm) 6.75″(172 mm)
1/4 11.5″ (292 mm) 18.75″(476 mm) 6″(152 mm)
1/8 10.25″(260 mm) 17.25″(438 mm) 5.5″(140 mm)
1/10 9.25″(235 mm) 16″(406 mm) 5″(127 mm)
1/16 8.25″(210 mm) 14.5″ (368 mm) 4.45″(113 mm)
size body length total length width4/4 14″(356 mm) 23.5″ (597 mm) 7.5″(191 mm)
7/8 13.5″ (343 mm) 22.5″(572 mm) 7.25″(184 mm)
3/4 13″(330 mm) 21.75″(552 mm) 7″(178 mm)
1/2 12.5″ (318 mm) 20.5″ (521 mm) 6.75″(172 mm)
1/4 11.5″ (292 mm) 18.75″(476 mm) 6″(152 mm)
1/8 10.25″(260 mm) 17.25″(438 mm) 5.5″(140 mm)
1/10 9.25″(235 mm) 16″(406 mm) 5″(127 mm)
1/16 8.25″(210 mm) 14.5″ (368 mm) 4.45″(113 mm)
