You're going to need a tape measure or a yardstick to accurately size your student. Lift their left arm and extend it fully to the side, palm facing upward, fingers flat and straight out. Place the measurement tool under the chin, touching the neck and then determine the measurement from the neck to the center of the palm. Don't allow for any slack. Once you have the size in inches, use the charts below to determine the size instrument your student needs.
Note: For players in-between sizes, always select the smaller size.
Violin Measurements
Measurement
Less than 14 1/4"
14 1/2"m- 15 1/2"
15 3/4″ – 16 1/2″
16 3/4″ – 18 1/2″
18 3/4″ – 20”
20 1/4″ – 21 1/2″
21 3/4″ – 23”
23 1/4″ and over
Instrument Size
Less than 14 1/4"
14 1/2"m- 15 1/2"
15 3/4″ – 16 1/2″
16 3/4″ – 18 1/2″
18 3/4″ – 20”
20 1/4″ – 21 1/2″
21 3/4″ – 23”
23 1/4″ and over
Viola Measurements
Measurement
Less than 14 1/4"
14 1/2"m- 15 1/2"
15 3/4″ – 16 1/2″
16 3/4″ – 18 1/2″
18 3/4″ – 20”
20 1/4″ – 21 1/2″
21 3/4″ – 23”
23 1/4″ and over
Instrument Size
Less than 14 1/4"
14 1/2"m- 15 1/2"
15 3/4″ – 16 1/2″
16 3/4″ – 18 1/2″
18 3/4″ – 20”
20 1/4″ – 21 1/2″
21 3/4″ – 23”
23 1/4″ and over
Cello Measurements
Measurement
Less than 14 1/4"
14 1/2"m- 15 1/2"
15 3/4″ – 16 1/2″
16 3/4″ – 18 1/2″
18 3/4″ – 20”
20 1/4″ – 21 1/2″
21 3/4″ – 23”
23 1/4″ and over
Instrument Size
Less than 14 1/4"
14 1/2"m- 15 1/2"
15 3/4″ – 16 1/2″
16 3/4″ – 18 1/2″
18 3/4″ – 20”
20 1/4″ – 21 1/2″
21 3/4″ – 23”
23 1/4″ and over