We are often asked about viola sizing – what are the sizes and who plays which size? As a rule in the US, viola sizes are expressed in inches and reflect the length of the BACK of the viola, not its overall length. If you play a 15.5″ viola, that would be the measurement if you strung a tape measure from the bottom of the back (down by the endbutton) to the top of the back (just next to where the neck joins the top, NOT to the top of the heel of the neck). Anything 15″ and larger is considered “full-size”, and instruments smaller than 15″ are often described as “fractionals”:
14″ = 3/4
13″ = 1/2
12″ = 1/4
It is quite easy to confuse a 3/4 size viola with a 4/4 violin, as both of them have a 14″ body length. In that case, checking the strings can be the easiest way to tell them apart – the violin will have a high E-string (thin wire) and the viola will have a low C-string (thicker than the lowest string on the violin). There are exceptions to every rule, but this will serve as a general guideline. We like to measure the student in person to fit them with the proper instrument. It isn’t just their height or their arm length that determines what size is best for them. We would be happy to help get you started on the viola – it is a beautiful instrument with a rich, singing voice.
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