How to Measure the Body Size of a Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello or Upright Bass

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

  1. Image titled Measure the Body Size of a Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello or Upright Bass Step 2
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    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. Image titled Measure_violin_body_length01
    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.
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  3. Image titled Measure the Body Size of a Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello or Upright Bass Step 4
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    Refer to the following list of body sizes by measurement to find your instruments body size.[1]
    • The following data adheres to modern-day standards.[2] Your instruments measurement may vary from this table.[3]

    • 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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Community Q&A

  • Question
    What are common or standard violin measurements?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I have a 3/4 violin but the measurements show that it's 4/4. Is this okay?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What is the height of the sides of a 4/4 violin, excluding the top and back?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The rib (sides) height of a full size violin is typically between 30 and 32 mm, and tends to be wider through the lower bout and narrower on the upper.
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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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Avoid bumping or jostling your instrument as this can dislodge your sound post, move or damage the bridge and scratch the finish.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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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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References

  1. ↑ https://www.fretlessfingerguides.com/measure_violin_body_length.html
  2. ↑ USEFUL MEASUREMENTS FOR VIOLIN MAKERS A Reference for Shop Use by Henry Strobel
  3. ↑ http://www.quadibloc.com/other/mus0803.htm
  4. https://www.fiddleheads.ca/shop/violin-sizes-viola-and-violin-size-chart.htm

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 121,502 times.
92 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: January 23, 2023
Views: 121,502
Categories: String Instruments | Violins and Violas
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