Cello size chart plays an important role for players trying to learn the instrument. Just like not every person is the same and may have needs that may differ from another individual, cellos are not all the same as well. Every person is built differently and wears clothes of different sizes that fit them well. This also applies to cellists and their instruments.

Cello is the type of instrument that accommodates this diversifying factor and they are therefore made in different sizes. In order to buy a cello that fits a particular individual, they will not only have to check the quality of the instrument but they will also have to determine the cello that fits them well using a cello size chart.

A cello that is not well fitted for the player can negatively impact the performance of the player in a major way. The distance that the player needs to stretch his/her hand and get their hands properly placed on the instrument. The distance between the notes placed on the fingerboard also determines the player’s ability to pull off compositions with ease. Not only the performance of the cellist will be affected but they may end up having some sort of posture problem as well.

We are here to help you determine the cello size that fits you perfectly for you to have a smoother experience playing the instrument. We have included all the factors that are included in a cello size chart and that you will need to measure as well the perfect way that a well-fitted cello feels in the hands of the players to help you to determine your perfect size.

How Are Cellos Marked For Size

Before jumping into the specifics, we should first have a working knowledge of what are the sizes that cellos are usually available in and what are those sizes referred to as. When it comes to naming cello’s sizes, they are marked for size in fractions. Each fraction is of a particular significance and denotes a range wherein they fall. The range of size is measured in inches and is typically the length of the back of a cello.

Here are the sizes that cellos are usually sized by followed by the range of lengths that falls under it. You will find similar dimensions when you follow a cello size chart.

1/8 size: 17.75 to 20 inches

1/4 size: 20 to 23 inches

1/2 size: 23 to 26 inches

3/4 size: 26 to 27.25 inches

7/8 size: 27.25 to 30 inches

4/4 size: 30 inches and above

I should remember that the difference in the sizes of cello does not alter the structure or the playing range in any way. The only variation that can be found is in the size of the instrument. The sizes that are most common among all of these are ⅛, ½, ¾ and 4/4. 

One of the most asked questions about this sizing approach is that why is there a range provided for cellos belonging to the same volume. But the answer to this is not complicated at all. There is not a fixed size that manufacturers should strictly adhere to for the back length of the cellos.

Therefore the range is like a rough guide so that they can have a certain measurement to work off of. Manufacturers can sometimes go beyond or fall short of that range in some cases but this does not make a significant impact on how the instrument turns out to be. 

How To Determine The Ideal Size For Four Cello Using Cello Size Chart

There are several ways through which you can get a precise idea about the size of the cello that will suit you the best. Let us take a look at those.

Estimating By Age

The first way to determine the size of the cello that will best suit you is to determine it by the age group you fall in. We would like to mention that although this method is very popular it is not the most ideal way to get your proper fit as growth in different people may differ according to genetics, gender or numerous other factors. Nevertheless, the age grouping of cello sizes goes something like as follows:

• 1/8 size: 4 to 6 years old
• 1/4 size: 5 to 7 years old
• 1/2 size: 7 to 11 years old
• 3/4 size: 11 to 15 years old
• 4/4 size: 15 and above

You can feel free to go up or down by one size if the cello proves to be bigger or smaller than what you were looking for.

Estimating By Height

This one is a close to accurate measuring system to find out which cello will be best suited for a person. It has been seen that the height of a person is related to the size of the cello that they will be most comfortable playing. Therefore, experts have formed a chart by which one can go for a particular cello size depending on the different height ranges mentioned on the chart. The size chart according to height is as follows:

• 1/8 to 1/4 size – below 4 feet
• 1/2 size – 4 to 4 1/2 feet
• 3/4 size – 4 1/2 to 5 feet
• 4/4 size – 5 feet and above

In the case of height as well, some players may be uncomfortable with the recommended cello size in the chart or some players may even fall between two sizes. In this scenario, it is suggested that you should stick to the cello that is one size smaller as players tend to be more comfortable with cellos that are slightly smaller than the ones that are bigger.

Measuring The Player

This one is considered to be the most accurate way of determining the perfect cello size for an individual. In this method, one needs to get the distance between their neck and the palm of their hands measured by someone. Then they need to follow the chart and see in which range their measurement falls and get the size that matches the criteria. Below is the table that tells the sizes for different measurements:

• 1/4 size – 18 to 20 inches long
• 1/2 size – 20 to 22 inches long 
• 3/4 size – 22 to 24 inches long
• 4/4 size – 24 inches long and more

Importance Of A Cello Size Chart

If you are serious about improving your skills on the cello and making sure that you reach your true potential, then having proper knowledge of the size that fits you best will be your best bet. It will greatly enhance your playing experience and will help you go through a better learning curve that makes you reach your goal faster. Get hold of a cello size chart today to know what dimensions you should be looking for in a cello.