Cello Size Guide

Cello Size

The following charts provide a guide to selecting an appropriate cello size.

Instrument sizes may vary slightly within their specified fractional size; our guide applies to Bridgewood and Neitzert’s range of instruments, and it is aimed to be as thorough as possible.

How to measure

If your teacher hasn’t already advised you there are several methods to determine the correct size cello.  Based on averages age is generally a good guide to which is the correct size.

By Age

Other methods are measuring your arm length and height.

Have the player extend their left arm completely straight (but not overextended) with no bend in the elbow or wrists.

The ideal size cello for a child is found by measuring the distance between the base of the neck and the left wrist. The hand should be opened, and the arm held out perpendicular to the body (but not overextended) with the shoulder relaxed. With this measurement and height measurement use the table below to establish the correct cello size.

We do not recommend playing on instruments with ‘growing room’ as this can have a detrimental effect on technique, form and posture.

By Arm Length and Height

By Finger Span

Suzuki Method Sizing

Cello Size Guide

Measuring which size cello you require is very straightforward. This guide is intended to help you find the correct size if you have not been advised.

The actual size difference between the instruments for cellos can be quite large, sizes vary depending upon country of origin and maker.

Most cellos conform to a more or less standard size however older cellos, for instance, do not, we have several variations for full-size cello, 7/8, ‘ladies cello’ etc. which can be confusing.  Modern-made instruments also vary, those from China and Germany are mostly correct, and Romanian and Hungarian can be smaller.

If your child is just under the next size, it’s tempting to go for a larger instrument. They should only move to larger sizes when they are 100% ready. Playing an instrument which may be only slightly too large could inhibit their progress.

If the cello arrives and your teacher suggests a different size, please let us know and we’ll arrange a swap.

Other methods of measuring if you already have a cello

If you already have a cello you can easily measure and check if the size is appropriate.

Check which size cello you already have using the measurements table below, measure the length of the back but be sure not to measure the button (see picture).