How to Measure a Student for a Cello

You are currently viewing How to Measure a Student for a Cello

It is important to properly fit students for the right size instrument.  Cellos come in several different common sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10.  4/4 is the largest readily available standard student size and 1/10 is the smallest.

To get a general idea of what size cello a student needs we can use the student’s age. Of course, some students need larger or smaller instruments based on their individual size. We will get a more accurate determination of the student’s size in the steps below.

 

Student’s Age  Approximate Cello Size
3 to 5 years old 1/10
5 to 6 years old 1/8
6 to 7 years old 1/4
8 to 10 years old 1/2
11 to 13 years old 3/4
14+ years old 4/4

 

Cello Sizing illustration

  1. Measure the student’s arm length:
  • Have your student stand up straight with the left arm extended perpendicular to the body at shoulder height (see picture).  The arm should be extended naturally and not forced completely straight.
  • Gently place a tape measure or yardstick against the student’s neck and along the extended arm.
  • Measure the distance in inches to the middle of the student’s palm._______inches

Cello hand sizing

  1. Measure the student’s finger span:
  • Have the student spread the fingers of the left hand as far apart as possible
  • Measure the distance in inches from the tip of the pointer finger to the tip of the pinky finger (see picture)._______inches
  1. Measure the student’s height:
  • Have the student stand with good posture (as straight as possible).
  • Measure the student’s height in feet and inches from the floor to the top of their head._______ ft. _______ in.

 

  1. Compare the three measurements you took above against the recommended cello size in the table below.

 

Arm Length to Palm Finger Span Height Cello Size
15 3/8” to 16 7/8” 2 1/2” to 3” < 3’ 1/10
16 7/8” to 18 1/2” 3” 3’ to 3’6” 1/8
18 1/2” to 20 3/8” 3” to 4” 3’ 6” to 4’ 1/4
20 3/8” to 22 1/4” 4” to 5” 4’ to 4’6” 1/2
22 1/4” to 23 5/8” 5” to 6” 4’6” to 5’ 3/4
23 5/8” + 6”+ 5’+ 4/4

 

  • If all the three or two out of three of the measurements point to the same size, then you have a pretty accurate cello size.
  • If the student is between two sizes, we recommend going with the smaller size cello.

 

Click this link for a PDF version of this document.