How to Measure for a Violin or Viola

Measuring your child for a violin or viola is a fairly simple process. Your child’s teacher may want to double check your measurement, and the violin shop will also double check. But it doesn’t hurt to understand the process yourself.

Violin Measurement

Basically, violins are measured in fractional sizes. Your student’s arm length, from neck to wrist of their left arm, is all that’s needed. Take the measurement, and use this chart to determine the size. If your child is on the border of two sizes, order the smaller size.

Viola Measurement

Viola measurements are taken the same way, but the instruments are sized in inches, referring to the body length of the viola. Measure the child’s left arm, palm up, from neck to wrist, and check on this chart for the size to order.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions!