Instrument Size Guide
Choosing the right size is as important as choosing the right instrument. Use our charts — the same ones used by Australian music teachers.
How to Measure Arm Length
For string instruments (violin, viola, cello), arm length is the most accurate sizing method.
Stand upright
Have your child stand with their feet together, arms relaxed at their sides.
Extend left arm
Ask them to hold their left arm straight out to the side at shoulder height.
Measure
Measure from the base of the neck to the centre of the palm. Use the arm length table to find the right size.
Violin Sizes
The most common student instrument — sizing is critical for intonation and technique development.
| Size | Typical Age | Height | Arm Length | AMEB Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 3–4 | Under 100 cm | Under 35 cm | Tiny learners only |
| 1/10 | 4–5 | 100–105 cm | 35–37 cm | Rare — verify with teacher |
| 1/8 | 4–6 | 100–110 cm | 35–40 cm | Pre-primary common |
| 1/4 | 5–7 | 110–118 cm | 40–44 cm | Most popular starter |
| 1/2 | 6–9 | 118–126 cm | 44–47 cm | AMEB Pre–Grade 2 |
| 3/4 | 9–11 | 126–136 cm | 47–52 cm | AMEB Grade 2–4 |
| 4/4 (Full) | 11+ | 136 cm+ | 52 cm+ | Adult / Grade 4+ standard |
Always measure arm length rather than relying on age alone — children grow at different rates. When in doubt, go slightly smaller; a student playing on a too-large violin will develop bad technique that's hard to fix later.
Cello Sizes
Cello sizing is based on body height and reach. Your child's teacher can verify the fit at the first lesson.
| Size | Typical Age | Height | AMEB Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 4–6 | 100–112 cm | Very young beginners |
| 1/4 | 5–7 | 112–120 cm | Pre-primary |
| 1/2 | 7–10 | 120–135 cm | AMEB Preliminary–Grade 2 |
| 3/4 | 10–13 | 135–152 cm | AMEB Grade 2–4 |
| 4/4 (Full) | 13+ | 152 cm+ | Adult / Grade 5+ standard |
The player should be able to sit with the cello upright, the endpin touching the floor, and the top of the instrument roughly at eye level. The C-peg should be near (but not touching) the left ear.
Ukulele Sizes
Unlike string instruments, ukuleles don't scale with player size — the choice is mainly about sound preference and hand comfort.
| Size | Scale Length | Total Length | Best For | Tuning | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | 33 cm | 53 cm | Children 5–10, beginners of all ages | G-C-E-A | Classic bright Hawaiian sound |
| Concert | 38 cm | 58 cm | Older children & adults with smaller hands | G-C-E-A | More volume, richer tone |
| Tenor | 43 cm | 66 cm | Adults, fingerpickers, gigging musicians | G-C-E-A | Loudest of the three |
For children under 10, soprano is the most comfortable starting size. All three sizes use the same G-C-E-A tuning so chord shapes transfer between them easily.
Still unsure?
Our team is happy to help you choose the right size. Email us with your child's age, height, and which instrument you're considering — we'll advise within 1 business day.