Viola Size Guide: What Size Viola is Ideal for You?

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It can be really confusing what size viola to choose. This video will help you find out which size viola is ideal for you.
With violins it’s a bit easier. Violin sizes start with 1/16 (or sometimes smaller) up to 4/4. Everything smaller than the adult size 4/4 is considered a children’s size (or fractional size). Except from the 7/8 ‘lady’s violin’ that is slightly smaller than the 4/4 size violin.
When you are an adult starter on the violin, picking the size is quite easy. Go for a 4/4 except if you have short arms or think a 7/8 is more comfortable to play on.
For the viola there is not really a standard adult size.
Viola sizes are always noted in inches (2,54 cm). The size of the body determines the size of the viola.
There are children size viola’s available that are the same size or smaller as a 4/4 violin. However, they are built differently than violins. They sound different caused by the the way they are built, the strings and the tuning. Mainly the body is a bit thicker, so the resonance box has more capacity to create the typical viola sound.
For example: a 13 inch viola has the same size as 3/4 violin and a 12 inch viola has the same size as a 1/2 violin.
14 Inch viola’s are a bit special: they are the exact same size as a 4/4 violin. They are used as a children’s size originally. They are also used as an easy way for violinists to play viola: the distances between the fingers are the same.
The most regular viola sizes are 15 and 16 inch. For large people viola’s even come in bigger sizes: 17 and 18 inch... Almost a small cello!
A 16 inch viola gives a more cello size full sound and is the size people choose most. It’s still easy to play and to handle, even if you aren’t very tall. Some of my viola students even tell me their 16 inch viola plays easier than a 15 inch.
Choosing the size of the viola is very personal. If you are tall it doesn’t mean you have to play on a very large viola.
In the video I show you a way to check if a viola really isn’t too big for you. Put the viola on your shoulder, stretch your arm and put your hand around the scroll of the viola. When holding the viola in this way your arm should be able to be slightly curved. If you really have to stretch your arm and can hardly fetch the scroll, the viola really is too big for you.
Besides from the maximum size described above, you can pick any size you want. Just try different sizes out, listen to the sound and feel how the playing feels to you and if it’s comfortable.
I hope I have enlightened you a bit about those confusing viola sizes.
Is this video helpful to you? Please let me know in the comments below! If you like it, share it with your friends!
Love,
Zlata
PS: Do you have questions or struggles on violin or viola playing? Post a comment below.

[@kavaldzhia]

I grew up playing on my uncles 17.5 in. viola ! (The A string would break every so often ...)

[@deirdreryan6147]

Thank you, Zlata. Your video really helped me understand the viola size differences!

[@violinlounge]

+Deirdre Ryan Glad to read that!

[@georgivelev77]

Thank you for explaining and showing the different sizes of Viola!

[@violinlounge]

+Georgi Velev Thanks for watching!

[@liamderosa2157]

I play a slightly above average size viola- 16.5 inches. Sounds very dark and cello-ey and I love it!

[@violinlounge]

Beautiful! I like celloey violas

[@banjiddle]

Well explained to explain viola size. I didn’t know until I bought a 16 1/2 size that was way to big! I am playing a 15” viola that I dearly love. Thank you!

[@violinlounge]

Great to read that, Terry!

[@xXEmbracetheMetalXx]

Awesome video! Thank you for the knowledge.

[@violinlounge]

Thanks for watching!

[@lelechim]

This is very helpful. I'm a violinist so I'm used to the straightforward 4/4, 3/4, etc. sizing. (As a kid, I was tall for my age so I started with a 4/4 size at age 9.) I've tried out my friends' violas in school a few times and remember having to keep my arm out a little further. I'd love to buy a viola and learn how to play it, but I guess I'll need to try a few first!

[@violinlounge]

Yes, certainly, also viola's are built in different ways. A large viola with a slim neck can feel smaller than a smaller viola that is built differently.

[@sandimiller5187]

Great video! I started out with a 16" because I have longer and but had to go down to a 15" which was more comfy for me. I do miss the deeper sound of my 16"

[@violinlounge]

Sandi Miller thanks, Sandi, perhaps in the future you can look for a 16 inch with a slim or short neck. What piece are you working on?

[@orgasmicshopper5326]

Wow! Very informative thank you! Always thought for some reason violas were smaller than a violin!😯 You learn something new every day it seems! Thanks again😊🤘

[@violinlounge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johndeer4250]

thanks for this video u did answer my question! thanks again!

[@sierra9409]

I am only 4'11 (150cm), so my arms are short and I play a 15" viola. In middle school, we had spare violas that would be available when we forgot our instrument at home. There was a 13'' and a 16''. I played both, and it was so cool how different sizes can feel when you play.

[@violinlounge]

Wonderful!

[@lindasmith6668]

thank you so much...it was very helpful. thanks

[@violinlounge]

Glad it is 👍🏻

[@vanessablacksmith3200]

Very helpful!!! Thanks

[@violinlounge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianswanson9881]

A 4/4 Viola can range from 16" to 18 " The most popular size is 16.5 . I have a 17" Viola. Looking for a 17.5 to 18

[@joelpettit4429]

Hello Brian, I realize you posted 1 year ago, but I should ask, is your 17" Viola for sale?

[@brianswanson9881]

Sorry for taking so long. I just realized that I cannot return messages from my cell phone. And Yes...I am selling my Viola. A 17" with gold trim on the finger board. Rosewood pegs and chin rest. If you ever listened to the Tatrai Quartet. Mozart's Quintets K 174. My Viola sounds exactly like the principal Violist. The strings are stale now, I haven't played it, in a couple years. Maybe more. I've retired now, I can't stand rehearsals anymore. (ex principal violist for the Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra).

[@jorgethedog2546]

i thought there was only a 16.5 size viola?

[@phantomdust725]

Does the size of the Viola change the sound? Sorry if this is a silly comment , but Im trying to pick a stringed instrument to learn to play and I really like the sound of the Viola.

[@violinlounge]

Yes, size matters! ;) A larger viola has a more full, warm and deep sound. The smaller viola's sound more and more like a violin. However this differs per instrument, just try out the instrument you think about buying.

[@kodama44]

would be very thankful if video of "difference of viola sound by size" be uploaded in the future.

[@violinlounge]

Thanks for the suggestion. When I'm in a violin shop I can see if I can make that happen.

[@sandimiller5187]

Could you play something with the 16" and 15" violas to show the difference in the sound? I didn't realize the difference myself until I had to down size. Maybe others don't as well?

[@violinlounge]

Sandi Miller there are certainly 15 inch viola’s with a deep warm sound, but in general 16 inch viola’s have a fuller sound. Perhaps I’ll do a review video one day with the difference between the sizes. Are there other topics you want me to cover?

[@briansworld7153]

Good morning Miss, thank you very much for sharing this information. It was really helpful. I have subscribed to your channel. I loved it. I want to learn how to play the viola. Just a question please, where should I measure my arm to know my inches? From the neck or from the shoulder? I'm 1,88 meters tall, I'm not sure if my size is a 16 inch viola. Please let me know. Thank you so much! Greetings! Brian

[@violinlounge]

If you're 1,88 meter a 16 inch viola or larger would be perfect for you! Do you have a dream piece you'd like to play on the viola?

[@briansworld7153]

@@violinlounge Thank you so much for answering! Yes, I do. In fact one of my dream songs to learn how to play is ''Nothing else matters'' from Metallica. I find it a magical song played in stringed instruments. Thank you so much! Greetings! Brian :)

[@violinlounge]

@@briansworld7153 Yes, that a beautiful song for strings and will work out very well on the viola. Good luck and happy practicing!

[@leaholiver716]

Very helpful video! But how do you go about buying the right size viola if you are buying online?

[@violinlounge]

That depends how tall you are of course. You could order a 16 inch viola, test it out and see if you want bigger or smaller. In a lot of webshops you can return an instrument if you don't like it. Or order two of the same viola's of different sizes and also compare the sound.

[@coroamaelena-doruta4157]

Thanks for this video, it was great! My brother wants to buy a viola (he plays the violin at the moment). He is 1.85 meters tall, he has long arms (from the base of his neck and to the midlle of his palm there are 28 inches) and his hand span from his thumb to his pinky is 8”. What viola should he get? He would go for a 16” viola but fears that the space between the fingers might be too large to properly acommodate and play.

[@violinlounge]

You're welcome, Doruta! As you describe him, I would think that a 16 inch or even larger viola would be good. I'm much smaller and made a recording on a 16 inch viola: violinlounge.com/performance/the-swan-by-saint-saens-viola-and-piano/

[@coroamaelena-doruta4157]

@@violinlounge A big Thank you from me and my brother for advice! I really appreciate that you answer people's questions in comments. Also, the recording was very beautiful.

[@violinlounge]

Level up with Doruta DIY thanks, keep me posted about his first steps on the viola. Enjoy!

[@IshamPadron]

Is there a difference in the the way you finger a 15in viola vs a 16in as far as gaps and spacing to get the right note?

[@violinlounge]

Yes, the distances between notes on a larger viola are larger.

[@VaniaEmerald]

Hey there, I've been playing violin for about 5 years and I'm thinking of switching to viola. I heard 14" is the same size as 4/4 violin. Should I get a 14" viola so I don't have to adjust my finger over again? Or should I get a 15,5"? I heard a 15,5" inch sounds better. Oh, I'm a relatively short person, around 5,1 ft (155 cm) tall. Thanks..

[@violinlounge]

A larger viola will sound better. Adjusting your fingers is not so much trouble. Perhaps try some viola's out somewhere and see what size you think is best for you.

[@VaniaEmerald]

Yeah, I guess so. Thanks a bunch :)

[@derivativeofmontecristo6138]

As well as demonstrating the arm stretch with just one viola "just right", you could repeat the arm stretch with a second smaller viola and say see my elbow is bent too much "too small", and then with a third bigger viola with your elbow straight and say "too large". I think that would make things more objectively clear for viewers concerning correct elbow bend. For violins, demonstrate with extras (i.e. record /demonstrate with children in the video). Another thing, nothing about child sized violas here...

[@violinlounge]

+Derivative of Monte Cristo I've made a video about violin sizes and how to select the correct one for your child, which can also be applied to viola sizes with the knowledge from this video: violinlounge.com/violin-size-guide-violin-lounge-tv-226/

[@normallen99]

What if the viola size we have is just barely beyond the arm test you recommended? As in I cannot palm the scroll the way you do at 4:01. But I can nearly hold the whole scroll with a slight bend to my elbow. Should I drop to a 15.5 or tough it out and see how my arm handles it?

[@violinlounge]

Just play on it and see if it's right for you that way. Try out a smaller one if you are interested in experiencing that.

[@normallen99]

thank you so much!! i think my viola will work out :)

[@oso2327]

im 5'5 and my arms are not very long but i got this 16 inch viola and somehow feels big, im wondering , will i get used to it? im begginer so that might also be it

[@violinlounge]

You might get used to it, but also try a 15 inch somewhere and see how that feels.

[@oso2327]

After a week it doesn't seem that big anymore, still, i want to get a smaller one, question is, would the sound be worst?

[@violinlounge]

Generally a bigger viola has a larger and deeper sound, with more bass. However it depends on the individual instrument.

[@sierra9409]

Wow, you are quite a bit taller than me, and a 16" feels big? I have a 15-15.5 and it feels fine for me. Thats confusing!

[@sheaberna1]

Hi Zlata, can I use a viola C string on a 5 string violin

[@violinlounge]

+Bernie Shearn If it's a C string suitable for a 14 inch viola, it's possible.

[@Hi-ke1kn]

Hello, can a 14 inch viola sound as good as other different sized violas?

[@sierra9409]

I am not the person who made this video, but I am a violist. 14-inch violas can definitely sound just as good as different sizes, as long as you find a good quality viola they should all sound amazing. The only difference you might hear is the volume of larger violas is louder and deeper, but that never matters as long as the viola plays wonderfully :) Also this is a 4 year old comment but I thought id answer, lol

[@janethnavarro4838]

I've been playing a 16 inch viola since last year. But it is so uncomfortable for me because is so big and my fingers barely can do change of positions and make it sound good. I went today to a store to try a 15 inch viola but I meassured my arm length with it and my fingers could barely go over it. Tried a 14 inch one and found it was perfect for my arm length. I am 158 cm tall, and my arms are short. Do you recommend me to switch to a 14 inch one or go with a 15 one.

[@violinlounge]

If you can't reach the notes with a 15 inch, maybe go for 14. Also you could look at older instruments. They sometimes have in between sizing or for example a larger body with a short neck. It's a matter of trying them out to find an instrument that plays well and sounds good.

[@jessicahanson7554]

I have normal length arms but very small hands and short fingers. I've tried a 14 inch viola and found I felt cramped..I decided to do a 15 inch but when I measure myself the way you just did my fingers barely curl around the scroll. Is it ok to play the 15 inch?

[@violinlounge]

Sure, what feels right while playing is more important than a rule of thumb.

[@jessicahanson7554]

@@violinlounge Thanks so much...and I LOVE your accent btw. :)

[@violinlounge]

Jessica Hanson thank you! 😊 Enjoy your new viola and love from Holland! 🌷🇳🇱

[@elswifeyy]

how do you tell if you need a bigger viola?

[@violinlounge]

See my size chart here: violinlounge.com/article/viola-size-chart-choose-the-right-size-viola/

[@theoneandonlysingqueen910]

If I’m 4’10 what viola do you think will be the best for me?

[@violinlounge]

It depends more on arm length. Check out this size chart: violinlounge.com/article/viola-size-chart-choose-the-right-size-viola/

[@theoneandonlysingqueen910]

@@violinloungeI’m 24inches in arm length so I can chose a 14 or 15?.. I just ordered a viola for size 12 😅…

[@uhoh007]

Explain the sizes and how to tell what you have please

[@violinlounge]

Here you go violinlounge.com/article/viola-size-chart-choose-the-right-size-viola/

[@uhoh007]

@@violinlounge How is the body measured exactly?

[@ze-ce.cra_]

What about violoncello

[@violinlounge]

With cello it's the same as violin: 4/4 is an adult size, some have a 7/8 and smaller are children's sizes. For further information, search for a cellist's channel as I'm a violinist.

[@bangmon1000]

So many sizes of violas. I thought there was only one size.

[@DlauLau-to8ne]

I'm 168cm what size viola should I try on 7/8?

[@DlauLau-to8ne]

I have middle size thin fingers I wouldn't like large violas

[@violinlounge]

@@DlauLau-to8ne just try out a 16 inch and see if you can manage, or one with a short neck if you want a large soundbox. Otherwise 15,5 or 15...

[@DlauLau-to8ne]

Thanks so much, I just bought one today after some playing I decided it's good for me the normal adult size. Love these videos

[@violinlounge]

@@DlauLau-to8ne congrats on your new viola! 🥳🎻

[@akjakata9307]

I'm 5'5 and learned how to play on a 4/4 and it was so uncomfortable

[@violinlounge]

uncooked pancake it must have been! What side do you play now?

[@akjakata9307]

@@violinlounge I'm going to start using a 15" that's what my teacher told me to start using

[@violinlounge]

@@akjakata9307 That's a very good size as it must be more comfortable, but you can still get viola's with a full sound in that size. What kind of viola do you have?

[@akjakata9307]

@@violinlounge do you mean brand? Or electric / acoustic?

[@violinlounge]

@@akjakata9307 The maker or brand? I always like to read what people are using, also to make good review videos etc.

[@DivaDeb1234]

Violas always have to be different ... Lol 🤭

[@violinlounge]

🙊🙊🙊