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String Instruments
How to Measure the Body Size of a Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello or Upright Bass Download ArticleExplore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Jason Kleinberg
Last Updated: May 1, 2025
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This article was co-authored by Jason Kleinberg. Jason Kleinberg is a Musician and Music Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He is a Professional Violinist, Songwriter, and Composer who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, both solo and with the group Diego’s Umbrella. Jason composed the film score for the documentary “Gumby Dharma”, released in 2006. He teaches fiddle and violin lessons online and creates video content through his channel called FiddleHed. This article has been viewed 143,683 times.
This article will teach you how to accurately determine the body size of your Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello, or upright Bass. Knowing the correct size of your instrument is helpful for determining the scale or string length of the instrument. Never be unsure of what size instrument you have, or are about to buy.
Steps
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1 Position your instrument for measuring:
Violin and Viola players should turn their instruments over and carefully place them in their laps with the peg box to the left.
Cello and Bass players should turn their instruments backside out and carefully place them in a stand, or have someone carefully support the instrument.
2 Measure length-wise across the back of the instrument (4) from the purfling (3) in the neck button area (1) to the purfling edge by the end button (2). Be careful to not scratch the finish of the instrument during the measuring process. Advertisement
3 Refer to the following list of body sizes by measurement to find your instruments body size.[1]X Expert Source Jason KleinbergMusicianExpert Interview
The following data adheres to modern-day standards.[2]XResearch sourceUSEFUL MEASUREMENTS FOR VIOLIN MAKERS <i>A Reference for Shop Use</i> by Henry Strobel Your instruments measurement may vary from this table.[3]XResearch source
Violin Body Lengths:
4/4 Violin = 356mm or approx. 14 inches (35.6 cm)
7/8 Violin = 343mm - 348mm or approx. 13½ inches
3/4 Violin = 335mm or approx. 13 inches (33.0 cm)
1/2 Violin = 310mm or approx. 12.2 inches (31.0 cm)
1/4 Violin = 280mm or approx. 11 inches (27.9 cm)
1/8 Violin = 255mm or approx. 10 inches (25.4 cm)
1/16 Violin = 230mm or approx. 9 inches
Viola Body Lengths:
Large Viola = 430mm or approx. 17 inches (43.2 cm)
Medium Viola = 410mm or approx. 16 inches (40.6 cm)
Small Viola = 390mm or approx. 15½ inches
3/4 Viola = 356mm or approx. 14 inches (35.6 cm)
1/2 Viola = 335mm or approx. 13 inches (33.0 cm)
1/4 Viola = 310mm or approx. 12 inches
Cello Body Lengths:
4/4 Cello = 755mm or approx. 29.7 inches (75.4 cm)
3/4 Cello = 690mm or approx. 27 inches (68.6 cm)
1/2 Cello = 650mm or approx. 25.6 inches (65.0 cm)
1/4 Cello = 580mm or approx. 22.8 inches (57.9 cm)
1/8 Cello = 530mm or approx. 20.8 inches
Upright Bass Body Lengths:
4/4 Bass = 1160mm or approx. 45.7 inches (116.1 cm)
3/4 Bass = 1110mm or approx. 43.7 inches (111.0 cm)
1/2 Bass = 1020mm or approx. 40 inches (101.6 cm)
1/4 Bass = 940mm or approx. 37 inches (94.0 cm)
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Expert Q&A
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Question How do I choose the perfect size of violin? Jason Kleinberg Musician Jason Kleinberg is a Musician and Music Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He is a Professional Violinist, Songwriter, and Composer who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, both solo and with the group Diego’s Umbrella. Jason composed the film score for the documentary “Gumby Dharma”, released in 2006. He teaches fiddle and violin lessons online and creates video content through his channel called FiddleHed. Jason Kleinberg Musician Expert Answer A simple test will help when deciding on your perfect violin size. First, hold the violin against your shoulder, placing your chin on the chinrest. Extend your left hand towards the scroll—the part at the end of the violin that is curved. If the violin is the right size for you, your hand should comfortably grasp the scroll without having to lean way over to get there. This would mean you need a smaller or larger violin if your hand is falling short or extending too far. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question What are common or standard violin measurements? Community Answer Violins come in many different sizes, including 1/16, 1/10, and 1/8, but the full size is 4/4, or 14 inches/36 centimeters. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question I have a 3/4 violin but the measurements show that it's 4/4. Is this okay? Community Answer As long as you can use it comfortably it shouldn't be a problem and you can use this violin. It might be a viola though so check the tune. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Your instrument is delicate, treat it with care. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
If you are not familiar with any of these procedures or terms, please take a moment to consult a qualified Luthier, instructor or knowledgeable sales person. A moment of consultation can help avoid making your instrument unplayable. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Avoid bumping or jostling your instrument as this can dislodge your sound post, move or damage the bridge and scratch the finish. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3
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Things You'll Need
Clean hands.
Cloth measuring tape or tape measure.
Someone to assist you if necessary.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about string instruments, check out our in-depth interview with Jason Kleinberg.
References
↑ Jason Kleinberg. Musician. Expert Interview
↑ USEFUL MEASUREMENTS FOR VIOLIN MAKERS A Reference for Shop Use by Henry Strobel
Co-authored by: Jason Kleinberg Musician This article was co-authored by Jason Kleinberg. Jason Kleinberg is a Musician and Music Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He is a Professional Violinist, Songwriter, and Composer who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, both solo and with the group Diego’s Umbrella. Jason composed the film score for the documentary “Gumby Dharma”, released in 2006. He teaches fiddle and violin lessons online and creates video content through his channel called FiddleHed. This article has been viewed 143,683 times. 2 votes - 10% Co-authors: 15Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 143,683 Categories: String Instruments In other languagesPortuguese
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Reader Success Stories
Richard G.
Aug 8, 2024
"I needed to size an old violin I had bought. It is apparently a French copy (early 20th century) of an early 18th century Italian violin. Your chart is the only one I could find that gave violin body measurements."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jason Kleinberg Musician 2 votes - 10% Click a star to vote 10% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 15Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 143,683
Richard G.
Aug 8, 2024
"I needed to size an old violin I had bought. It is apparently a French copy (early 20th century) of an early 18th century Italian violin. Your chart is the only one I could find that gave violin body measurements."..." more
John Mills
Nov 25, 2019
"I found out the sizes of the instruments I have now and a very good guide on how to look after them for my children. Many thanks."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Jason Kleinberg 
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Co-authored by: Jason Kleinberg Musician This article was co-authored by Jason Kleinberg. Jason Kleinberg is a Musician and Music Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He is a Professional Violinist, Songwriter, and Composer who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, both solo and with the group Diego’s Umbrella. Jason composed the film score for the documentary “Gumby Dharma”, released in 2006. He teaches fiddle and violin lessons online and creates video content through his channel called FiddleHed. This article has been viewed 143,683 times. 2 votes - 10% Co-authors: 15 Updated: May 1, 2025 Views: 143,683 Categories: String Instruments In other languagesPortuguese 
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608 
1 Position your instrument for measuring: 
2 Measure length-wise across the back of the instrument (4) from the purfling (3) in the neck button area (1) to the purfling edge by the end button (2). Be careful to not scratch the finish of the instrument during the measuring process. Advertisement 
3 Refer to the following list of body sizes by measurement to find your instruments body size.[1] 
Jason Kleinberg Musician Jason Kleinberg is a Musician and Music Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He is a Professional Violinist, Songwriter, and Composer who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, both solo and with the group Diego’s Umbrella. Jason composed the film score for the documentary “Gumby Dharma”, released in 2006. He teaches fiddle and violin lessons online and creates video content through his channel called FiddleHed. 
Community Answer Violins come in many different sizes, including 1/16, 1/10, and 1/8, but the full size is 4/4, or 14 inches/36 centimeters. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7 
Community Answer As long as you can use it comfortably it shouldn't be a problem and you can use this violin. It might be a viola though so check the tune. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7 