The following steps will help you find the correct size violin, viola, cello, or bass for your child.
Step 1: Get a yardstick or tape measure.
Step 2: Have your child stand up straight and place his/her left hand straight out to the side with the palm up.
Step 3: Place the yardstick or tape measure at the base of the neck and measure out to the center of their upraised palm.
Step 4: Use the conversion chart below to determine the best instrument size.
Violin Conversions:
| < 14 1/8″ | 14 1/4" to 16 3/4" | 16 7/8" to 18 3/4" | 18 1/2" to 20 1/4" | 20 3/8" to 22 1/8" | 22 1/4" to 23 5/8" | 23 3/4" > |
| 1/16 | 1/10 | 1/8 | 1/4 | 1/2 | 3/4 | 4/4 |
Viola Conversions:
| 18 1/2″ to 20 1/4″ | 20 3/8″ to 22 1/4″ | 22 3/8" to 23 5/8" | 23 3/4″ to 24 3/4″ | 24 7/8″ to 25 1/2″ | 25 5/8″ to 26 3/8″ | 26 1/2″ to 27 1/4″ | 27 1/4" > |
| 11" | 12" | 13" | 14" | 15" | 15 1/2" | 16" | 16 1/2" |
Cello Conversions:
| <14 1/8" | 14 1/4" to 16 3/4" | 16 7/8″ to 18 3/8″ | 18 1/2″ to 20 1/4″ | 20 3/8″ to 22 1/8″ | 22 1/4″ to 23 5/8″ | 23 3/4″ > |
| 1/16 | 1/10 | 1/8 | 1/4 | 1/2 | 3/4 | 4/4 |
Bass Conversions:
| 18″ to 20 1/4″ | 20 3/8″ to 22 1/8″ | 22 1/4″ to 23 5/8″ | 23 3/4″ > |
| 1/8 | 1/4 | 1/2 | 3/4 |
