Viola Size Guide: Chart, Measurements & How to Choose

Why Violas Are Sized Differently From Violins

A violin is sized in clean fractions — 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 — and a 4/4 violin is always the same length. Violas are not. A "full-size" viola can be anywhere from 15 to 16.5 inches in body length, and players of the same height often choose different sizes depending on hand span, arm reach, and the tone they want.

There is no "4/4 viola." The viola family is measured by body length in inches (or centimetres), measured from the top edge of the body down to the bottom edge — not including the neck or scroll. The right size is the largest viola the player can hold and play comfortably without strain.

Viola Size Chart

This chart reflects the same sizing every luthier and music school works from. Use it as a starting point — then confirm in person.

• 12" / 30 cm — ages 6–8 · height 120–130 cm · arm 50 cm+
• 13" / 33 cm — ages 8–10 · height 130–140 cm · arm 55 cm+
• 14" / 35.5 cm — ages 10–12 · height 140–150 cm · arm 58 cm+
• 15" / 38 cm — ages 12–14 · height 150–160 cm · arm 61 cm+
• 15.5" / 39.5 cm — teen and adult · height 160–170 cm · arm 64 cm+
• 16" / 40.5 cm — adult, full size · height 170 cm+ · arm 67 cm+
• 16.5" / 42 cm — large adult hands · arm 70 cm+

Most adult players settle on a 15.5" or 16" instrument. 16.5" violas are physically demanding and rarely the best choice unless the player has a long arm, a wide left-hand stretch, and specifically wants the deeper, darker tone of a larger body.

How to Measure for a Viola

Arm length is the deciding measurement

Have the player stand straight and extend their left arm out to the side, palm up. Measure from the base of the neck (where it meets the shoulder) to the middle of the palm. This is the value the calculator and chart use.

Arm length matters more than height because the viola is held against the shoulder and the left hand must reach the scroll comfortably. A player with a long arm and average height can manage a larger viola than the height alone would suggest.

The scroll test

With the viola in playing position, the player should be able to curl their left hand around the scroll without locking the elbow or rolling the shoulder forward. If the elbow straightens or the shoulder rises, the viola is too large.

Don't Size Up to "Grow Into" the Instrument

Violas are heavier than violins and put more strain on the left hand and shoulder. A viola that is one size too large will slow a young player's progress, encourage poor posture, and can cause real injury over months and years of practice.

Always size down rather than up. A well set-up 14" viola outperforms a 15" viola the player cannot reach. Players grow into bigger instruments quickly enough on their own.

Adult Players Switching From the Violin

Adult violinists picking up the viola usually do best starting at 15" or 15.5". The instrument feels heavier and the spacing between notes is wider — going straight to a 16" can be discouraging for the first few months. A slightly smaller viola makes the transition easier and still gives a rich viola tone.

When to Move Up a Size

For children, plan to re-evaluate every twelve months. Signs the viola has become too small include the left elbow tucking sharply into the body, the bow running out of room near the bridge, and the tone feeling thin or pinched on the C string. A luthier or teacher can confirm whether it is time to size up.

Use the Calculator

If you would like a quick recommendation based on age, height and arm length, the free size calculator covers cello, violin and viola — built from the same chart above. For a final decision, try the viola in person with a teacher or luthier. The right viola is the one the player can hold comfortably for a full lesson without strain.