Terry Distributors
Suppliers of Musical Instruments, Accessories and Spare Parts
Located in Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021-7050304

String Instrument Sizes

The following table specifies the different sizes of string instruments available and gives a guide to the size that should be suitable for children of various ages. If you have a teacher, you should ask for your teacher's recommendation.
Violin Sizes Age Arm Length
1/16 3-5 years 14" to 15 3/8"
1/10 3-5 years 15 3/8" to 16 7/8"
1/8 3-5 years 16 7/8" to 18 1/2"
1/4 4-7 years 18 1/2" to 20 3/8"
1/2 6-10 years 20 3/8" to 22 1/4"
3/4 9-11 years 22 1/4" to 23 5/8"
4/4 9+ years 23 5/8" +
Viola Sizes Age Arm Length
16" Adult 26"
Cello Sizes Age Height
1/4 5-7 years Below 4 feet
1/2 7-11 years 4-4 1/2 feet
3/4 11-15 years 4 1/2-5 feet
4/4 15+ years 5+ feet
Double Bass Sizes Age Height
1/2 15+ years About 5 1/3 feet
3/4 15+ years 5 1/3+ feet