Orchestra Instrument Sizing Guide
The best way to determine the appropriate size instrument for your beginning student is to follow the recommendation of their orchestra/private teacher or by visiting one of our stores to be properly sized. When this isn’t possible, please reference our measuring charts below.
As always, you are welcome you to visit your nearest Schmitt Music store – our staff will be happy to help you select the correct size for your student. Please note: with Schmitt Music's "Better Than Rent" Instrument Trial Purchase program, orchestra size-ups are FREE as your student grows!
How to size your student:
Violin / Viola: have your student extend their left arm, reaching out to the side (not in front). Do not stretch or strain, but simply reach out parallel to the floor. Measure from the base of the neck to the center of their left-hand palm (see photos above for reference).
Cello / Bass: height is the most common measurement used to size a cello or bass.
The chart below is an approximate measurement chart. When referring to the chart below, if your child is "on the line" or close in size, please choose the smaller size. It's always easier to play on a smaller instrument!
Violin
Violin Size
Arm Length
Age
1/32
< 14"
3 and younger
1/16
14 - 15"
3 - 4
1/10
15 - 17"
4 - 6
1/8
17 - 18.5"
6 - 8
1/4
18.5 - 20"
7 - 9
1/2
20 - 22"
8 - 10
3/4
22 - 23.5"
9 - 12
4/4
23.5 - 25" +
12 and up
Here you can create the content that will be used within the module.
Viola
Viola Size
Arm Length
Age
11"
18.5 - 20"
6 - 8
12"
20 - 22.5"
7 - 9
13"
22.5 - 24"
9 - 12
14"
24 - 25"
11 - 13
15"
25 - 26.25"
13 and up
15.5"
26.25 - 27"
16"
27 - 27.75"
16.5"
27.75" +
Here you can create the content that will be used within the module.
Cello
Cello Size
Height Range
Age
1/10
< 48"
3 - 5
1/8
48" - 50"
6 - 8
1/4
51" - 54"
7 - 9
1/2
55" - 58"
8 - 10
3/4
59" - 62"
10 - 12
4/4
64" +
12 and up
Here you can create the content that will be used within the module.
Bass
Bass Size
Height Range
Age
1/10
48" - 50"
5 - 7
1/8
51" - 54"
7 - 9
1/4
55" - 58"
9 - 11
1/2
59" - 62"
11 - 13
3/4
63" +
13 and up
Here you can create the content that will be used within the module.
As always, you are welcome you to visit your nearest Schmitt Music store – our staff will be happy to help you select the correct size for your student. Please note: with Schmitt Music's "Better Than Rent" Instrument Trial Purchase program, orchestra size-ups are FREE as your student grows!
