Cello Sizing Page

For cellists, we normally size in store using cellos to help determine the most comfortable size for the musician. Since there is no way to mimic a cello in front of each student we have come up with a few findings.

After several tests and trials, we believe this will be the most accurate methods of finding your instrument size without being able to measure in person.For Cellists we recommend sizing with THREE methods: Height, Finger Span and Arm Length.

As you measure each one, record your measurements and find your cello size with the chart at the end.

 

1st Method: Height

Measuring your height is a good start to indicate what size cello you may be.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Measure your height with a measuring tape

  2. Make sure you are standing tall and straight.

  3. Record your measurements.

  4. Now you may continue to finger span, next.

Note: Not standing straight will cause your measurements and overall instrument size to be incorrect. This could lead to the musician being uncomfortable, and learning improperly with an instrument that is either too small, or too large.

 

2nd Method: Finger Span

The cello requires the fingers to stretch quite far on the fingerboard. Measuring your hand can be a good indication of what size cello will fit you or your musician.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Lay hand on a flat surface and reach out [extend fingers] as far as comfortably possible.

  2. Using the measuring tape, measure from your pinky to index finger.

  3. Record your measurement.

  4. Don't forget to move onto Arm Length, next.

​

WHAT NOT TO DO:

  • Do not keep your fingers close together. Remember, they need to be spread out to obtain an accurate reading. Be careful! You do not want to stretch them so far that you hurt yourself either.

 

 

3rd Method: Arm Length

The cello has a far reach when you are attempting to bow on the strings. This is why we ask for a arm length.

INSTRUCTIONS:

      1. Extend left arm to the side of body. Be sure arm is straight and parallel to the ground.
      2. Place the tape measure in the center palm and extend it to the neck.
      3. Record your measurement.
      4.  Now with all three measurements, move on to see which size cello will fit you best.

 

 

WHAT NOT TO DO:

  • Do not extend your arm in front of you, it must be to your side.
  • Do not bend elbow! We don't need any wiggly arms!

*Bending your arm, or bringing your arm to the front will cause your measurements and overall instrument size to be incorrect. This could lead to the musician being uncomfortable with an instrument that is either too small, or too large.

 

 

FINAL MEASUREMENTS

After several tests & trials we believe this is the most accurate way of determining your instrument size without being able to size you in person.

After recording each measurements from the three methods above, compare them in the charts listed below.

Note: If you are in between sizes, it is strongly recommended to choose the smaller instrument.

      ​HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS
                3 ft.   =  1/10 Cello
     3 ft. - 3.5 ft.   =   1/8 Cello
     3.5 ft. - 4 ft.   =   1/4 Cello
     4 ft. - 4.5 ft.   =   1/2 Cello
     4.5 ft. - 5 ft.   =   3/4 Cello                      
Larger than 5 ft. =   4/4 Cello
 
     ​FINGER SPAN MEASUREMENTS

                  2.5"   =   1/10 Cello
                     3"   =  1/8 Cello
           3.5" - 4"   =  1/4 Cello
              4" - 5"   =  1/2 Cello
              5" - 6"   =  3/4 Cello
        6" or larger  =   4/4 Cello

       ​ARM LENGTH MEASUREMENTS

                   16"   =   1/10 Cello
          16" - 18"   =   1/8 Cello
           18" - 20"  =   1/4 Cello
           20" - 22"  =   1/2 Cello
           22" - 23"  =   3/4 Cello
           24" - 25"  =   7/8 Cello (See note below)
      26" or larger  =   4/4 Cello

​***7/8 Note:*** If you are a full grown adult interested in purchasing we would recommend a 7/8 Cello.
If you are a student who is still growing, we recommend 3/4 sized cello, as we do not offer 7/8 for instrument rentals.


                                                         

 - ​If all 3 measurements match up to the same instrument size, then you have found your instrument size! You may now use that size when selecting an instrument to rent or purchase.

 - If after matching up your measurements you find that you have different readings, then select the instrument that has at least TWO of the same instrument size.

 - In the event, you have recorded measurements that have all 3 different measurements, we would recommend trying to gather your measurements to see if there was an error. If afterwards, you still have having difficulty give us a call at 915-581-7505 to help instruct you on how to further proceed.