4/4 Violin Size: Full-Size Violin Dimensions in Inches and cm
The detailed measurements of a full-size violin, for players checking whether they are ready for one, buyers comparing instruments and anyone fitting a violin into a case, a shelf or an airline bin.
A full-size 4/4 violin has a body length of 14 in (356 mm) and an overall length of about 23.5 in (59–60 cm). The lower bout, the widest part, is about 8.2 in (208 mm), and the vibrating string length from nut to bridge is about 12.9 in (328 mm). It suits players whose arm measures at least 23 in (58.5 cm) from neck to mid-palm.
- Body length
- 14 in (356 mm)
- Overall length
- 23.5 in (59–60 cm)
- Lower bout width
- 8.2 in (208 mm)
- String length
- 12.9 in (328 mm)
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4/4 violin dimensions
Most full-size violins follow the outline Antonio Stradivari used around 1700, so measurements from different makers fall within a few millimeters of each other. The figures below are the usual targets; individual instruments can be 2–3 mm either way.
| Measurement | Inches | Millimeters | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body length | 14 in | 355–358 mm (usually 356) | Length of the back, excluding the button |
| Overall length | 23.2–23.6 in | 590–600 mm | End button to tip of scroll |
| Upper bout | 6.6 in | 165–170 mm | Widest point of the upper body |
| C-bout (waist) | 4.4 in | 110–113 mm | Narrowest point, where the bow passes |
| Lower bout | 8.2 in | 205–210 mm | Widest point of the instrument |
| Rib height | 1.2–1.25 in | 30–32 mm | Depth of the sides, lower at the neck end |
| Neck length | 5.1 in | 130 mm | Nut to the edge of the body |
| Stop length | 7.7 in | 195 mm | Top edge of the body to the bridge |
| String length | 12.9–13 in | 328–330 mm | Vibrating length, nut to bridge |
| Fingerboard length | 10.6 in | 270 mm | Nut to the end of the fingerboard |
Neck and stop lengths are set in a ratio of 2:3 (130:195 mm). Luthiers use this ratio to place the bridge at the f-hole notches, which keeps the player's first-position hand in the same place on every full-size violin.
The depth of the whole instrument, from the back to the top of the bridge, is about 3.5–3.75 in (9–9.5 cm) without a chinrest. Add about 1 in (2.5 cm) for a chinrest when you plan the depth of a case, wall hanger or display box.
Who should play a 4/4 violin
A 4/4 is the size for nearly all adults and for most players from about age 12. Arm length is the deciding figure: 23 in (58.5 cm) or more, measured from the side of the neck to the middle of the palm with the left arm held straight out to the side.
- Check the scroll reach. Hold the violin in playing position. You should be able to wrap your fingers around the scroll with the elbow still slightly bent.
- Check the stretch. In first position, the fourth finger should reach the D on the G string, or the E on the A string, without the hand pulling away from the neck.
- Check the shoulder. After ten minutes of scales, there should be no strain on the left shoulder or upper arm. Tension there usually means the instrument is too long for the arm.
If two of the three checks are borderline, a 7/8 or another year on a 3/4 is the safer choice. Full sizing by arm length for every fraction is in the violin size chart.
4/4 compared with 7/8 and 3/4
| Size | Body length | Overall length | Bow length | Arm length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 14 in (356 mm) | 23.5 in (59–60 cm) | 29.5 in (75 cm) | 23 in+ (58.5 cm+) |
| 7/8 | 13.5 in (343 mm) | 22.5 in (57 cm) | 28.7 in (73 cm) | About 23 in (58.5 cm) |
| 3/4 | 13 in (330–335 mm) | 22 in (56 cm) | 27.5 in (70 cm) | 22–23 in (56–58.5 cm) |
From 3/4 to 4/4, the body grows by only about 21–26 mm, but every note on the fingerboard moves outward with it. Players moving up often play flat in the higher positions for a few weeks until their hand adjusts to the wider spacing.
Measure the back in a straight line, leaving out the small button where the neck joins. 355–358 mm is a 4/4. Around 343–350 mm is a 7/8 or an older "lady's size" instrument, and 330–335 mm is a 3/4. Labels inside older violins are often copies and do not tell you the size.
4/4 bow dimensions
- Length: 74–75 cm (29.1–29.5 in) from the tip to the end of the screw button.
- Weight: usually 58–62 g. Within that range, heavier bows draw a fuller sound with less pressure; lighter bows are quicker for off-the-string strokes.
- Fit: 3/4 bows are about 5 cm (2 in) shorter. Using one on a full-size violin cuts the length of every whole-bow stroke.
4/4 violin case sizes
Case dimensions depend on the shape and on how many bows the case holds.
| Case type | Length | Width | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaped (dart or contour) | 30–31 in (76–79 cm) | 8–10 in (20–25 cm) at the wide end | 1.5–2.5 kg (3.3–5.5 lb) |
| Oblong | 31–32 in (79–81 cm) | 9–10 in (23–25 cm) | 2–4 kg (4.4–8.8 lb) |
Neither type fits in a 22 in (56 cm) carry-on sizer. In the US, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 requires airlines to accept a violin as a carry-on when it fits in an overhead bin or under a seat and space is available at boarding. Rules elsewhere vary by airline, so check before you fly; the carry-on size rules list standard bag limits by airline.
Strings, chinrests and shoulder rests for full size
- Strings: buy sets labeled 4/4. Their windings and length are made for a 328–330 mm string length. Some brands also sell 7/8 sets; others label a single set as fitting 7/8 and 4/4.
- Shoulder rests: most adjust across 3/4–4/4 or fit 4/4 only. Measure the distance between the edges of the back where the feet will clamp, typically on the upper and lower bouts.
- Chinrests fit any full-size violin; the height varies from about 15 to 30 mm, so long-necked players often need a taller model rather than a different violin.
4/4 violin compared with a viola and other instruments
A 4/4 violin is the size violas start from. Adult violas measure 15–17 in (38–43 cm) in body length, and a "14 in viola" is the same size as a 4/4 violin but strung C-G-D-A. Guitars are much larger: a full-size guitar is about 40 in (102 cm) long (see the guitar size guide). If you are setting up a music room, the piano size guide gives the floor space for uprights and grands.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 4/4 violin in cm?
About 59–60 cm overall, from the end button to the tip of the scroll. The body alone is 35.5–35.8 cm, most often 35.6 cm.
What age is a 4/4 violin for?
Most players move to a 4/4 at about 11 to 13, and it is the standard size for teenagers and adults. The real test is arm length: 23 in (58.5 cm) or more from the neck to the middle of the palm, with the arm held out to the side.
What is the difference between a 4/4 and a 7/8 violin?
The body of a 7/8 is about 13.5 in (343 mm), roughly 13 mm shorter than a 4/4, and the string length is shorter by a similar proportion, so finger spacing is slightly closer. A 7/8 suits arms right around 23 in (58.5 cm) and adults with small hands.
What size bow does a 4/4 violin take?
A 4/4 bow, about 74–75 cm (29.1–29.5 in) long and usually 58–62 g in weight. Smaller fractional bows feel light and short on a full-size violin.
How much does a 4/4 violin weigh?
Roughly 400–500 g (0.9–1.1 lb) with chinrest, strings and fittings, depending on wood density and fittings. In a case, the total is typically 2–4.5 kg (4.4–10 lb), most of which is the case.