While popular, learning to play the violin is notoriously difficult, which is why it's recommended to start as young as possible. If your child is about to start taking lessons, then it's important that they begin with a smaller violin that matches the length of their arms. This will make getting to grips with the various playing techniques much easier and will help avoid any discomfort or injury in the long run.
Violin Sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16
Children's violins are smaller than a standard violin and come in a range of sizes. While children's violin sizes are described in fractions, these are not literal. For example: a 1/2-sized violin is not actually half the size of a full-sized 4/4 violin. In fact, the difference in length is only less than 8 centimetres. While it doesn't sound like a lot, even just a few centimetres can make a big difference in comfort and playability for a child. Smaller children's violins are often more affordable as well. See the list below to find the right sized violin for your child, and if you're looking for other instruments that have been designed specifically for children, see our range of children's guitars and children's musical instruments.
Violin Size - Arm Length
1/16 – 35.5 to 38cm
1/10 – 38 to 42cm
1/8 – 42 to 47cm
1/4 – 47 to 51cm
1/2 – 51 to 56cm
3/4 – 56 to 58.5cm
4/4 – 58.5cm and longer
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Violins
How big is a 4/4-sized violin?
A standard 4/4-sized violin has a total length of around 59 centimetres.
How big is a 3/4 violin?
A standard 3/4-sized violin has a total length of around 55 centimetres.
How big is a 1/2 violin?
A standard 1/2-sized violin has a total length of around 52 centimetres.
How much does a children's violin cost?
The price of a children's violin can start at around £80, giving children an affordable introduction to one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. From there, more serious study violins can cost around £200 or more.
Which violin size does a child need?
The right violin size depends on the age of the child and the length of their arms. A 3/4-sized children's violin should be about right for a child aged around 9 or 10 years, while a 1/2-sized violin should be comfortable for children aged around 8; a 1/4-sized violin will suit most seven-year-olds; a 1/8-sized violin will suit most five-year-olds and a 1/10 will suit most four-year-olds.
