Choosing the perfect size violin is much easier than you think. This step by step guide gives you all information you will need to take the correct measurements.
Purchasing a new violin is an exciting endeavour, particularly if it is the first violin you are buying. There are many different things to consider before making the purchase, but firstly making sure you are buying the correct size.
How to measure?
Full size 4/4 violin
A full-size violin is 59 cm (or 23 inches) long, from scroll to endpin. If you are an adult learner, you will more than likely need a full-size violin (with the exception of shorter adults, under five feet). Children typically graduate to a full-size instrument around 11 or 12 years old. In order to comfortably play a full size, your left arm should be 58.5 cm (or 23 inches) long, from the base of your neck to the middle of your palm.
⅞ size violin
A ⅞ size violin is 57 cm(or 22 inches) long and is geared towards those with an arm length of 57.5 cm (or 22 inches). ⅞ violins are slightly smaller than the full size. Adults may choose to try a ⅞ size instrument if they experience any pain or discomfort when playing a full size.
¾ size violin
A ¾ size violin is 55 cm (or 22 inches) long. To comfortably fit a ¾ size violin, your arm should be about 56 cm (or 22 inches) long. Students around ages 9-11 typically use a ¾ size violin, but they can also be used by small adults.
½ size violin
A ½ size violin is 52 cm (or 20 inches) long and best suited for players with an arm’s length of 51 cm (or 20 inches). Children around ages 7-9 typically use half-size violins. In my experience, the jump from ¼ to ½ size is typically the biggest of the fractional sizes, so air on the side of caution when bridging this gap. Remember: it’s far worse to play on a violin that is too big than one that’s too small!
¼ size violin
A ¼ size violin is 48 cm (or 19 inches) long. To use a ¼ size violin, a child’s arm should be around 47 cm (or 18 inches) long, and they will most likely be around 6-7 years old.
⅛ size violin
A ⅛ size violin is 43 cm (or 17 inches) long and is best suited for children with an arm’s length of 42 cm(or 16 inches). This is usually around 5-6 years of age.
1/10 size violin
A 1/10 size violin is 39 cm (or 15 inches) long. Children around ages 4-5 typically use this size, and their arm’s length should be about 38 cm (or 15 inches) long.
1/16 size violin
A 1/16 size violin is 36 cm (or 14 inches long). 1/16 size violins are typically best suited for children with an arm’s length of 35.5 cm (or 14 inches), generally under the age of 5.
1/32 size violin
A 1/32 size violin is 33 cm (or 13 inches long). These are meant for extremely young children (between the ages of 2-5). Their arms-length should be 35 inches (or 14 inches) or under.“Be original, show off your style, and tell your story.”
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