Violin Sizes Explained: How to Pick the Right One

Violin sizes confuse almost everyone the first time. The fractions on the label don't match any measurement you can take with a tape, and every chart online seems to say something slightly different. The size still matters a great deal. A violin that's too big makes a beginner tense and sore, and a violin that's too small cramps the hand and makes it hard to play in tune.

This guide explains how violin sizes work, how to find the right one, and what to do when a child grows out of theirs.

How violin sizes work

Violins come in fractional sizes. From largest to smallest, the usual ones are full size, which is written 4/4, then 7/8, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10 and 1/16. Most adults and older teenagers play full size. Everyone else starts somewhere along the fractional range and moves up.

The fractions are a naming system and not a measurement. A 1/2 size violin is not half the length of a 4/4. The steps between sizes are a few centimetres each, and a full size violin has a body about 35.5 centimetres long. Smaller sizes have shorter bodies and shorter string lengths, which means the notes sit closer together under the fingers.

That's the point of fractional violins. A child with small hands and short arms needs the notes closer together and the scroll within reach.

Makers don't all agree on exact dimensions, either. A 3/4 from one maker can differ slightly from a 3/4 from another. Treat the size on the label as a guide and the player's arm as the real test.

How to find the right size

The most reliable way to size a violin is to measure the player's arm. Have them stand with their left arm stretched out to the side, palm up. Measure from the side of the neck to the centre of the palm. Many charts match that number to a violin size, though the charts vary, so check one against another.

You can also test the fit directly. With the violin in playing position, the player should be able to reach the scroll and curl their fingers comfortably around it with a slight bend at the elbow. If they have to stretch their arm completely straight to reach, the violin is too big. If the elbow is deeply bent and the hand is cramped, it's too small.

Age charts exist, and they match sizes to ages. They're a rough guide at best, because children of the same age vary a lot in arm length. A tall eight-year-old and a small ten-year-old might be in the same size, or the younger one might be in the bigger violin.

The best answer is to have a teacher or a violin shop fit the player in person. A good teacher can see at a glance whether the player is reaching, whether the shoulder is lifting and whether the left hand sits comfortably in first position. That's hard to judge from a chart.

Signs a violin is too big

Watch the player rather than the instrument. A violin that's too big shows up in their posture. The shoulder rises towards the ear, the neck tilts and the left arm is stretched out. The fingers struggle to reach the notes in first position, and the pitch wavers because the hand is working too hard.

Pain is a warning too. If a child complains about their neck, shoulder or left hand after short practice sessions, the violin may be too big. Sore hands and bad posture can turn into habits that are hard to undo, so it's better to size down than to buy a violin to grow into.

Signs a violin is too small

A violin that's too small causes the opposite problem. The fingers are cramped, notes sit too close together and the hand collapses inward. The player may press too hard to compensate, and the sound is often thin or pinched. The bow arm can feel awkward because the instrument is too short to give the bow space.

Children often outgrow a violin before they look as though they have. If the elbow is bent more than it was a few months ago, or the child's hand now covers the scroll with room to spare, it may be time to move up.

How often will they need a new size?

Growing children go through the fractional sizes faster than most families expect, and a size that fits this year may not fit in a year or two. Some families rent the smaller sizes, because a child may only need them for a short time and a rental can be handed back when they move up. Buying is also an option, particularly if you plan to sell the violin on afterwards, since a well-kept fractional violin should find another player.

There's no fixed rule for how long a size lasts. It depends on how quickly the child grows and how much they play. Check the fit every few months, and ask the teacher to look at it at lessons.

Adjusting the fit with a chinrest and shoulder rest

Size isn't only about the violin's body. The chinrest and shoulder rest decide how the violin sits on the player, and a good setup can make a borderline size comfortable. A shoulder rest fills the gap between the violin and the collarbone, so the player doesn't have to raise their shoulder to hold it. Chinrests come in different shapes and heights to suit different necks.

Children often need these adjusted as they grow, even when the violin size stays the same. If a child is clamping the violin with a tense neck, or the violin slips every time they shift, the setup may be the problem and not the size. Ask the teacher to check before you spend money on a bigger violin.

Fractional violins are sold with their own sized shoulder rests, and an adult's rest on a 1/4 violin won't sit properly. When you buy second hand, check whether a rest is included, and that it's the right size for the instrument.

Buying the next size up

When it's time for the next size, you have the same choices as any violin buyer: new, second hand or rental. Second hand often suits children because they grow out of each size so quickly, though a new violin is just as valid if you'd rather start fresh. You can browse violins on ORCHESTRATED to see what's available in the fraction you need.

Whatever you choose, check the basics. Look at the seams where the top and back meet the ribs, because open seams buzz and get worse in dry weather. Check for cracks in the top, make sure the bridge stands straight and the pegs turn smoothly, and see whether the chinrest and shoulder rest suit the player. A child's violin should be set up properly, with strings that are the right size for the instrument. A poor setup makes a violin harder to play and harder to hear in tune.

Don't forget the bow. Bows come in sizes to match the violin. A bow that's too long or too heavy is difficult to control, and a good violin can be ruined by the wrong bow. Make sure the violin and bow are the same size, and that the bow is in good condition, with straight stick and hair that isn't worn out.

What to do with the violin they've outgrown

A violin that's been outgrown still has plenty of life in it, and there's usually someone looking for exactly that size. Another family may have a younger child ready for it. Selling it also helps pay for the next one.

Before you list it, clean the violin gently with a dry, soft cloth. Wipe the rosin dust from the strings and the top near the bridge. Check the condition honestly and note anything that needs attention, like open seams, scratches or a cracked chinrest.

Say clearly what size the violin is. Include the size on the label and the length of the body if you can measure it, because different makers' sizes vary. State what comes with it, such as the bow, case, shoulder rest and rosin. Mention when it was last set up or had new strings.

Photograph the whole instrument, the scroll, the back and the seams. Show the label inside the f-hole if there is one. Good photos help a buyer trust the listing.

For the price, look at similar listings and match on size, maker and condition. A complete outfit with a bow and case can appeal to parents more than a violin on its own. If you have the matching bow in the same size, sell them together, or list them separately and say so clearly.

Passing it on and moving up

When it's time for the next size, look through the violins on ORCHESTRATED for the fraction you need. Sellers list both new and pre-loved instruments, so you can compare the two, and the full listings show everything else.

The one that's been outgrown can go straight onto a listing. An individual account pays $29.95 AUD once per listing, and a business account pays $29.95 AUD a month for unlimited listings. ORCHESTRATED takes no commission, so the full sale price can go towards the next size. Anything unclear, ask through the contact page.

The next size can be brand new or pre-loved, and ORCHESTRATED lists both, so you can choose whichever suits your child and your budget.