Playing on a viola that is too big forces the player to contort their body into unnatural positions, possibly leading to injury (namely carpal tunnel and tendonitis); and playing on a viola that is too small can cause the player to feel very cramped and limited in their bowings and finger placements. Keep reading this article to discover what viola size is best for you or your child.
Although the violin and viola are similar, sizing is one big way in which they differ. The viola is generally bigger than the violin, and a "full size" viola can actually be a variety of sizes! Bigger violas are generally preferred because they give a deeper, richer sound. With that being said, being tall does not necessarily mean a bigger viola is for you, and being small does not necessarily mean a smaller viola is for you! When trying to find your optimal viola size, I highly recommend trying several options to see what feels (and sounds!) best.
Below you'll find a detailed overview of all viola sizes with the recommended arm length, age range, and corresponding violin size. Use this as a guide to find the right fit.
| Size (inches) | Age | Arm Length | Violin Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.5+ | 14+ years | 71cm / 28" | n/a |
| 16 | 14+ years | 69cm / 27" | n/a |
| 15.5 | 12+ years | 66cm / 26" | n/a |
| 15 | 11–13 years | 58cm / 23" | n/a |
| 14 | 9–12 years | 56cm / 22" | 4/4 (full size) |
| 13 | 8–10 years | 51cm / 20" | 3/4 |
| 12 | 7–9 years | 46cm / 18" | 1/2 |
| 11 | 5–7 years | 38cm / 15" | 1/4 |
| 10 | 3–5 years | 36cm / 14" | 1/8 |
Note: These are guidelines. Individual proportions vary, so always try the instrument before purchasing.
16.5 inches is the largest readily available viola size. Bigger violas are certainly available, but you may have to look harder to find them. To fit a 16.5-inch viola, your arm length should be 71 centimeters (or 28 inches) or longer. However, if your arms are shorter but your hands are big, you very well could play on a 16.5-inch.
16-inch violas are considered large violas, recommended for players with an arm's length of 69 centimeters (or 27 inches). 16-inch violas (and larger) are typically best suited for adults and children above the age of 14.
15.5-inch violas are made for players with an arm's length of 66 centimeters (or 26 inches), typically suited for the average adult player, or children above the age of 14.
15-inch violas are made for players whose arm's length is around 58 centimeters (or 23 inches). Children around the ages of 11-13 typically play on 15-inch violas.
14-inch violas are best suited for players with an arm's length of 56 centimeters (or 22 inches), or children ranging from ages 9-12. 14-inch violas are comparable in size to full-size violins.
If you play violin and you want to play viola from now and then, it can be really easy to have a viola in the same size. The distances between the notes are the same.
13-inch violas are made for players whose arm's length is 51 centimeters (or 20 inches), typically children around the ages of 8-10. 13-inch violas are comparable to ¾ size violins.
12-inch violas are best suited for players whose arms-length measures around 46 centimeters (or 18 inches). Children around the ages of 7-9 will most likely need this size. 12-inch violas are comparable to ½ size violins.
11-inch violas are made for players with an arm's length of 38 centimeters (or 15 inches), usually children around the ages of 5-7. 11-inch violas are comparable to ¼ size violins.
10-inch violas are made for players with an arm's length of 36 centimeters (or 14 inches), usually, students under the age of 5. 10-inch violas are comparable to ⅛ size violins.
Follow these three steps to find your correct viola size:
Stand up straight with your back against a wall. Extend your left arm straight out to the side at shoulder height, parallel to the floor.
Have someone measure from the base of your neck (where your neck meets your left shoulder) to the center/middle of your left palm. Keep your arm straight!
Use a flexible measuring tape. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters. Compare your measurement to the size chart above to determine your viola size.
Playing a viola that's too large makes it hard to reach positions and causes tension. A viola that's too small limits your sound and range. The right size allows proper technique and comfortable playing.
Children grow quickly! Check the size every 6-12 months. Signs your child needs a larger viola: reaching first position is difficult, arms feel cramped, or the viola feels 'small' when playing.
Unlike violins, viola sizes are measured in inches and vary more between makers. A 15-inch viola from one maker may feel different from another. Always try before you buy.
Adult viola players typically choose between 15, 15.5, and 16+ inch sizes. Bigger violas produce a richer, deeper sound, but comfort and reach should come first.
A good-quality smaller viola sounds better than a poor-quality larger one. Don't rush to upgrade size if the current size still fits well.
Always test the viola in playing position. Have your teacher confirm the size is appropriate. Arm length is a guide, but comfort while playing is most important.
Leave a comment below what your ideal viola size is.
In my article about violin sizes you can find more information how to measure the right size and use the size chart.
