How To Determine the Proper Instrument Size
Violin and Viola
With the student’s left arm fully extended and palm up, place a yardstick under the chin touching the neck – note the measurement at the center of the palm.
Measurement Inst Size
Less than 14 1/4″ 1/32 size
14 1/2″ to 15 1/2″ 1/16 size
15 3/4″ to 16 1/2″ 1/10 size
16 3/4″ to 18 1/2″ 1/8 size
18 3/4″ to 20” 1/4 size (11″ viola)
20 1/4″ to 21 1/2″ 1/2 size (12” viola)
21 3/4″ to 23” 3/4 size (13” viola)
23 1/4″ and over 4/4 size (14” viola)
24 7/8″ – 25 5/8″ 15″ viola
25 7/8″ – 26 3/8″ 15 1/2″ viola
26 3/8″ – 27 1/8″ 16″ viola
Over 27 1/4″ 16″ or larger
Cello and bass by height
height cello size bass size
Under 3’6″ 1/8 size
3’6″ – 4′ 1/4 size 1/8 size
4′ – 4’6″ 1/2 size 1/4 size
4’6″ -5′ 3/4 size 1/2 size
5′ and up full size 3/4 size
Consideration should also be given to
the student’s hand size.
If the hands are small, an instrument
one size smaller may work better.
