To get a violin that fits, measure from the hollow at the base of your neck to the center of your palm — with the arm held completely straight and the elbow locked. Bending the arm, even a little, shortens the number and makes you pick a violin that is too small. Beginners get this wrong all the time because they naturally bend the arm when reaching for the tape. This guide fixes that.
One Number, No Guesswork: What a Correct Arm Measurement Gives You
When you follow the steps, you end up with a measurement in inches or centimeters that slots straight into any violin size chart. No indecision, no wondering if you should round up or down. Just a number you can trust.
The 7-Step Arm Measurement Checklist
- Grab a flexible tailor’s tape – soft fabric, not a rigid ruler.
- Stand straight, then raise your measuring arm straight out to the side, palm forward. Lock the elbow.
- Locate the hollow between your collarbones (the suprasternal notch).
- Press the zero end of the tape into that hollow. Run the tape over the shoulder, down the upper arm and forearm.
- Stop at the center of the palm – the midpoint between the base of your fingers and the wrist.
- Keep the elbow locked the entire time. If alone, press your arm against a wall to stay straight.
- Record the number, then repeat the whole sequence once more.
From Neck Hollow to Center Palm: How to Nail Every Measurement Step
Gather a Flexible Tape Measure
A soft tailor’s tape curves over the shoulder and follows the arm. A rigid ruler or metal tape won’t — it bridges the gap and gives a wrong reading. Get one from a sewing kit or buy a cheap one. Time: under a minute. Common mistake: using a construction tape measure. The metal blade forces your arm to bend just to hold it, which defeats the entire purpose.
Stand with Arm Straight, Elbow Locked
Errors happen here because people unconsciously bend the elbow as they try to hold the tape at the neck. Raise your arm straight out at shoulder height, palm forward. Lock the elbow fully — imagine you are pressing against a wall. Have a helper check the elbow from the side; if they see any angle, straighten it more. Alone, stand with your side against a wall and press the arm flat from shoulder to wrist. Even a 10-degree bend can shorten the measurement by half an inch or more, pushing you into a size that is too small. Set this posture first, then handle the tape. Time: about 30 seconds.
Find the Hollow at the Base of Your Neck
The only correct start point is the dip between your collarbones — the suprasternal notch. It’s the spot where a shirt’s top button sits. Do not start on the shoulder muscle or the outer edge of the collarbone; that adds an inch and points you toward a larger violin than you need. Press the zero end firmly into the hollow. It stays put. Time: a few seconds. Common error: placing the tape on top of the shoulder — too high, too far forward, and the measurement ends up an inch too long.
Measure to the Center of Your Palm
The endpoint matters just as much. Stop at the center of your palm, not the wrist. The measurement must capture the full reach your left arm needs to support the violin and place your fingers on the fingerboard. With your arm straight and palm facing forward, the center palm is the midpoint between the base of your fingers and the wrist, roughly where the palm’s major creases meet. Mark that point. Time: about 15 seconds. The most common mistake: stopping at the wrist bone. That reading is 2–3 inches shorter, which forces you into a violin that is several sizes too small and makes playing cramped.
Read the Measurement Without Moving
Once the tape hits the center palm, glance at the number. Don’t shift your arm or let go of the tape just to see the marking. Use a mirror, or mark the spot with your thumb and read the tape after you relax. Time: a few seconds. Mistake: tilting your head to look down pulls the tape off the neck hollow and changes the length.
Double-Check to Avoid the Bending Mistake
The first number is a candidate. A second full measurement confirms it. Repeat the entire sequence from posture to endpoint without looking at the first result. If the two numbers differ more than a quarter inch, do a third. This catches an elbow bend you didn’t notice the first time. Time: another full minute. Common slip: rushing and forgetting to lock the elbow again.
Before You Pick a Violin Size, Confirm These 3 Things
- The measuring arm was straight and pressed against a wall or verified by a helper.
- The tape started in the neck hollow (not the shoulder) and stopped at the center of the palm (not the wrist).
- Two independent measurements matched within a quarter inch.
Printable Summary: Your Arm Measurement Reminder Card
The checklist above fits on a notecard. Print it or save it. Keep it in your violin case so you can remeasure after a child’s growth spurt or whenever fit feels off.
Questions Beginners Ask About Arm Measurement
What if I don’t have a flexible tape measure?
Use a piece of string, yarn, or a headphone cord. Mark the neck-to-palm distance with a pinch or a pen, then lay the string flat against a ruler. Keep the string taut but don’t stretch it. The result is just as accurate.
Is arm length the only factor for violin size?
Arm length is the primary factor. Finger reach and hand size can fine-tune the choice, especially for fractional children’s sizes, but a correct arm measurement gets you within the right size range. A teacher can confirm: have the player extend the left arm; the scroll should reach into the center of the palm.
Can I measure my own arm length without help?
You can, but it’s harder. Stand against a wall with the measuring arm straight. Anchor the tape at the neck with one hand and walk it down the arm with the other, using a mirror to see where it lands on the palm. A helper is more reliable — it’s worth asking someone.
Why center of palm and not the wrist?
The measurement must reflect how far your left arm travels to reach the scroll and still have your fingers comfortably curve around the fingerboard. The wrist is too short; your hand still needs to extend past the scroll. Center palm is the true functional reach.
How often should I remeasure arm length?
For a growing child, every 3–6 months. For adults, one measurement typically lasts unless discomfort arises or you’re switching from a poorly fitted instrument. If your measurement changes more than a quarter inch, reconsider the size.
You Have the Right Number — Here’s How to Make It Stick
You now have a single number you can take to any violin sizing chart. Keep a flexible tape in your case. Next time — for yourself or a child — the two non-negotiables are arm straight and tape from neck hollow to center palm. Nothing more.
