What Size Violin Should I Get? Sizing by Age and Arm Length

Violins come in fractional sizes — 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full size (4/4). The number isn't a fraction of length; it's a traditional sizing scale. Picking the right one matters more than almost any other beginner decision.

Why age charts mislead

Most charts map age to size. They're a reasonable starting point, but children of the same age vary enormously in arm length. A chart might say "8 years = 1/2 size," but the actual test is the body, not the birthday.

The arm-length test

Have the player stand and extend their left arm straight out to the side, as if holding the violin in playing position. Place the scroll (the curl at the very end) in their palm:

• If they can comfortably wrap their fingers around the scroll, the size fits.
• If their arm is bent or they can't reach, the violin is too big — go down a size.
• If there's lots of room and the elbow is very bent, it may be too small.

When a player is between sizes, go smaller. A slightly small violin is playable; a too-big one builds bad habits and strain.

Rough age guide (starting point only)

• Ages 3–5: 1/16 or 1/8
• Ages 5–7: 1/4
• Ages 7–9: 1/2
• Ages 9–11: 3/4
• Ages 11+ and most adults: 4/4 (full size)

Adults almost always use full size, regardless of height.

Kids grow — plan for it

Children often move up a size every year or two. This is exactly why renting can make sense for young beginners — we compare the options in Renting vs Buying a Violin. If you do buy, buy a properly set-up instrument you can hand down or resell, not a disposable one.

Still unsure? Send us the player's age and arm length through Contact and we'll point you to the right size.