Measurement Instructions:
  1. ​Lift the student's left arm and extend it fully to the side, palm facing upward, fingers flat, and straight out.
  2. Place the yardstick under the chin, touching the base of the neck - you are going to measure from neck to palm as this is where the violin will sit.
  3. Then determine the measurement from the neck to the center of the palm where the thumb meets the palm.​
Instrument Sizing Video
Please Note:
We never "grow into a violin" size. Playing an instrument that is too big can cause a multitude of problems including improper technique and the physical health of the child. That is why The Loft Violin Shop's rental plan and 100% trade in policy is so valuable.
Violin and Cello Sizing Guide
Arm Length
Instrument Size
23 5/8"
4/4
22 1/4"- 23 5/8"
3/4
20 3/8"- 22 1/4"
1/2
18 1/2"- 20 3/8"
1/4
16 7/8"- 18 1/2"
1/8
15 3/8"- 16 7/8"
1/10
14"- 15 3/8"
​1/16
Under 14"
1/32
*Please note that hand span should be taken into consideration when a student is between sizes.
Bass Sizing Guide
​Height
Bass Size
4'5" or 53"
1/8
4'9" or 57"   ​
1/4
5'1" or 61"  ​
1/2
5'5" or 65" ​
 3/4 - considered full size
*Please note that hand span should be taken into consideration when a student is between sizes.
Viola Sizing Guide
Arm Length
Viola Size
Over 27 1/8" ​
16 1/2"
26 3/8" - 27 1/8"    ​
16"
25 5/8" - 26 3/8"   ​
15.5"
24 7/8" - 25 5/8" ​
15"
23 1/4" - 24 7/8" ​
14"
21 7/8" - 23 1/4" ​
13"
20 1/2" - 21 3/4"
12"
18 1/2"- 20 3/8"
11"
*Please note that hand span should be taken into consideration when a student is between sizes.
Hand Span Measurement Guide

To measure the left hand span, please take the distance from the outstretched pinky to the index finger. 

Hand Span
Cello Size
6" ​
4/4
5.5"  ​
3/4
5"
1/2
4.5"
1/4
4" ​
1/8
3.5"
1/10
Hand Span
Bass Size
6.5"
3/4
5.75"
1/2
5"
1/4