Violins can be found in several sizes, from the standard full-size (4/4) instrument to the tiny 1/16 size. There are also 1/32 and 1/64 sizes available, but these are much rarer. With such a range of sizes, you might be wondering which size is best for you – that’s what we’re here to help with.
The short answer is that if you’re older than 11 years old, you’ll most likely need a full-size instrument. A fractional-sized violin may be best if you’re younger or have smaller arms and hands.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Violins can be as small as 1/16th size (1/32 or 1/64 in rare cases). This is small enough for a very young child.
- Having the correct size is very important as you need to ensure your violin is comfortable to play and you aren’t straining to fit an instrument that’s too large or too small.
- You can figure out which size you need either from your age or by measuring the length of your arm.
- Some violins are available in multiple sizes – these are usually for children or beginners.
VIOLIN SIZES
| Violin size | Measurement from neck to wrist | Estimated age this size is good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 36cm (14.2″) | 3-5 Years |
| 1/10 | 38cm (15″) | 4-5 Years |
| 1/8 | 42cm (16.5″) | 5-6 Years |
| 1/4 | 46cm (18.1″) | 5-7 Years |
| 1/2 | 51cm (20″) | 7-9 Years |
| 3/4 | 56cm (22″) | 9-12 Years |
| 4/4 | 58cm (22.8″) | 11+ Years |
HOW TO MEASURE
To measure yourself for your violin, you need to stick your left arm out completely straight. Then measure from your neck to your wrist and check this measurement against our table where you’ll find the corresponding violin size.
It’s best to go for a size that’s a little bigger than your arm length if your measurement is between sizes on the table.
You can also measure from your neck to the palm of your hand – this will give you an idea of the largest violin you can manage.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY VIOLIN IS THE RIGHT SIZE?
You can check your violin is the right size by placing your violin on your shoulder in a playing position, then stretching your arm and putting your hand over the scroll of your instrument.
You should be able to comfortably hold the scroll in the palm of your hand and your arm should still be slightly relaxed, but not straight.
WHAT SIZE IS MY VIOLIN?
Your violin has several points at which it can be measured for sizing. The best part to measure is the back length, which is the length of just the body from the base of the neck. This applies to violas too.
Your bow’s length depends on the size of the violin. You should double check you have the correctly sized bow for your instrument.
| Violin size | Violin back length | Bow length |
|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 209mm (8″) | 42.5cm (16.75″) |
| 1/10 | 230mm (9″) | 45cm (17.5″) |
| 1/8 | 255mm (10″) | 48.9cm (19.25″) |
| 1/4 | 280mm (11″) | 57.15cm (22.5″) |
| 1/2 | 310mm (12.2″) | 62.2cm (24.5″) |
| 3/4 | 335mm (13″) | 68.6cm (27″) |
| 4/4 | 356mm (14″) | 75cm (29.5″) |
HAVING THE CORRECT VIOLIN SIZE IS IMPORTANT
It’s crucial that your violin is comfortable to play, and that’s why it needs to be the correct size. If you’re too small for an instrument, it can be difficult to play it well.
The extra length in the fingerboard can make stretching to certain notes impossible.
Naturally, larger violins are heavier than smaller ones. A violin that’s too heavy can cause strain and other potentially damaging injuries unless a more suitably sized instrument can be found.
Having the correct violin size will ensure you can practise your technique properly as you’ll be using an instrument that fits your body correctly.
If you’re growing, your hands and arms will probably grow too! Keep this in mind as you’ll need to upgrade your violin to the next size as you grow in order to retain your technique. You don’t want to be wasting time readjusting to a new instrument because you’d previously practiced on an instrument that was too small or big!
HOW TO BUY FOR A CHILD
If you’re buying for a child, you’ll want to ensure that the violin is as comfortable as possible. Not only will this prevent injuries or poor habits from forming, but it will also prevent your child from losing interest or getting frustrated with a poorly sized instrument.
We’ve discussed how to measure for a violin for yourself. But if you’re buying for a child, it’s always a great idea to discuss with your child’s teacher about which violin to get. A teacher will know what size may be best, and they can also direct you to some instruments that they recommend.
You can determine the size of your child’s violin by following the same Violin size method described earlier or simply grabbing the scroll of your violin. If your child’s arm is bending nearly 90 degrees then a larger size violin is needed.
WHEN TO MOVE TO THE NEXT SIZE
Once you or your child has outgrown the violin, it’s time to get a new one!
You can tell you’re getting too big for your violin by doing the same method described earlier and grabbing the scroll of your violin. If your arm is bending nearly 90 degrees then you need a larger instrument.
You may also notice your hand feeling more cramped when trying to finger notes. Your teacher will be able to advise when it’s good to change to a larger violin, they may even suggest skipping a size if necessary.
You should never change instrument before an exam or recital as it will take a little time to adjust to a larger violin and you don’t want to be worrying about that during an exam!
IS IT NECESARY TO BUY A NEW BOW AND CASE?
Yes, bows and cases need to be matched to the size of the violin. This is because the bow length is designed to match the size of the instrument and your arm length, if your bow is too long or short then your bowing technique won’t be correct and the bow’s balancing may feel off.
Cases also need to be matched; most cases are quite a tight fit in order to minimise any movement of the violin within the case. Having an instrument that is too small for your case can increase the chances of it being damaged when you’re taking it out and about.
Some cases have adjustable interiors so you can keep it as you progress through violin sizes.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A VIOLIN
Like with any instrument, we recommend to try before you buy. This ensures the violin is comfortable for you and the size fits you right.
Sometimes your teacher may have an example of a violin that you or your child can try out. Otherwise, go to your local music shop and try out the instruments on offer there.
If you live in or near Lagos then come visit our showroom, you can try out violins there and find the perfect match for you!
OUR RECOMMENDED VIOLINS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES 4/4 MEAN?
4 4 (4/4 or full-size) is the largest size of violin you can get. Sizes are measured in fractions so all other sizes are smaller than the full-sized instrument.
WHAT SIZE OF VIOLIN IS GOOD FOR A BEGINNER?
The size of violin you need depends on your age or height. If you’re over 11 years old, a full-sized instrument will most likely fit you fine. If you’re under 11 years old or think your arms may be too short then follow our guide to measure your arm!
DO ADULTS PLAYS 3/4 VIOLINS?
3/4 size violins are usually considered too small for an adult to play. If you believe you may be too small for a 4/4 violin, speak to your teacher. They may recommend a 7/8 size instrument for you – slightly smaller than full size.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Violin sizes vary and for good reason. Getting the correctly sized violin is very important to your playing as it ensures you don’t pick up any bad habits from trying to play an incorrectly sized instrument. You want to be comfortable and you want to avoid injuries.
We have many violins aimed at beginners and young people that are available in many fractional sizes, so take a look and find the perfect violin for you!
