For an adult beginner, the answer is simple: it's always a 4/4 violin. For a child, it's different, the violin's size needs to match arm length, and choosing an instrument that's too large is one of the most common and costliest long-term mistakes.
This guide covers every available size, the exact measuring method, specifics for adults, and practical benchmarks for parents navigating Quebec school programs.
Violin Size Chart
Violin sizes are expressed as fractions. These fractions aren't proportional measurements, they function as internationally standardized size codes.
| Size | Total Length | Neck-to-Wrist Length | Approximate Age |
| 1/16 | 37 cm | 35 cm | 3 and under |
| 1/10 | 40 cm | 39 cm | 4-5 years |
| 1/8 | 44 cm | 42 cm | 5-6 years |
| 1/4 | 48 cm | 47 cm | 6-7 years |
| 1/2 | 52 cm | 51 cm | 8-9 years |
| 3/4 | 55 cm | 55 cm | 10-11 years |
| 7/8 | 57 cm | 57 cm | Smaller-framed adults |
| 4/4 | 58 cm | 58 cm | 12 and up, adults |
Note: ages are approximate. Stature varies a great deal from one child to another. Arm measurement is always more reliable than age for determining the right size.
A 1/32 size exists for very young children under 3 with a neck-to-wrist length under 35 cm. It's rare outside of very early Suzuki programs.
How to Measure the Right Size
The standard method is the neck-to-wrist measurement. Here's how to do it in two minutes at home:
The child (or adult) holds their left arm out straight, parallel to the ground, in the position they'd adopt to hold a violin. Measure the distance from the base of the neck to the middle of the left palm. The result in centimeters matches the "neck-to-wrist length" column in the table above.
If the measurement falls between two sizes, always choose the smaller one. A violin that's too large forces the arm to overextend, creates muscle tension, and slows progress. A compact violin is easier to manage than an oversized one.
A quick in-store test confirms the measurement: in playing position, with the left elbow slightly bent, the violinist should be able to naturally wrap their fingers around the scroll without strain.
Adult Beginners: Why It's Always the 4/4
Adult beginners sometimes choose a 3/4 out of fear that the 4/4 will be "too hard to handle." That's a misconception. The 4/4 is the standard size for all adults, regardless of build. The bow, strings, and repertoire are all calibrated for that size. Playing on an adult-sized 3/4 creates real technical limitations once you start to progress.
The one exception: adults of very small stature, with a neck-to-wrist length under 56 cm. In that case, the 7/8 is the recommended option, often called a "lady's violin," it offers extra comfort without sacrificing the characteristics of an adult instrument.
For adults also wondering about budget, our guide on violin prices in Quebec breaks down price ranges by level.
When to Change Sizes for a Child
A child active in a violin program, private lessons, Suzuki program, or Quebec school concert band, generally changes sizes every 12 to 24 months between ages 4 and 10. Growth isn't linear: some children stay on the same size for two years, others outgrow it in one.
The signal to watch for: if the child can no longer comfortably wrap their fingers around the scroll in playing position, it's time to reassess. Redoing the neck-to-wrist measurement at the start of every school year is a good habit.
This is one reason renting is often recommended for children under 10. Buying a $400 1/4-size violin for a 6-year-old who'll need a 1/2 in 18 months is rarely economical. Monthly rental around $15 to $35 with a purchase option is often more rational for this period.
The 7/8 Size: An Overlooked Option
The 7/8 occupies a middle ground between the 3/4 and the 4/4. It measures about 57 cm long, versus 55 cm for the 3/4 and 58 cm for the 4/4. Three profiles can benefit from it: smaller-framed adults, teenagers transitioning between the 3/4 and 4/4, and violinists with a history of wrist or shoulder pain.
Accessories Follow the Instrument's Size
The bow, shoulder rest, and sometimes strings need to match the violin's size. A 4/4 bow used with a 1/2-size violin is too long and completely throws off the bow arm's balance. Most violins sold as an outfit include a bow in the right size, but if you buy them separately, check that the sizes are compatible. The shoulder rest follows the same logic. It comes in sizes 1/4-1/2, 3/4-4/4, and 4/4. A shoulder rest poorly matched to the violin's size won't hold properly and forces the violinist to compensate with the shoulder, which creates tension over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What violin size for a 7-year-old? Generally a 1/4. But the neck-to-wrist measurement takes priority over age: if your 7-year-old measures 48 cm from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm, that's a 1/4. If they're tall for their age and already measure 51 cm, a 1/2 will fit better.
Can my child start on a violin that's too big so they can play it longer? No. This is a common mistake. A violin that's too large forces bad positioning from the very first lessons, slows progress, and discourages the child.
Can an adult play a 3/4? Technically yes, but it's not recommended for long-term progress. The 3/4 is calibrated for children. An adult who started on a 3/4 would need to switch instruments as soon as they wanted to work on advanced techniques.
Do Yamaha electric violins come in smaller sizes? Yamaha electric violins (YEV and Silent Violin series) are only available in 4/4. They're aimed at adults and young violinists who've reached adult size. To learn everything about these models, check out our guide on Yamaha electric violins.
Find Your Violin at Twigg
Browse our selection of violins in every size available at Twigg Musique, in Montreal and Quebec City. Lire cet article en français : Tailles de violon