You won’t be surprised to learn that there isn’t a one-size fits-all solution when it comes to cellos. As with violins and violas you need the right sized cello for your age, shape and height.
Cellos are measured by the length of the back, from the full-sized cello of 30 inches or more intended for adults more than five feet tall, to 1/8 cellos designed for children between four and six years old. Just to add a little more variation into the mix be aware that different manufacturers make cello sizes at slightly different lengths, but they will fall within a few inches of each other. The important thing is comfort and practicality.
| CELLO SIZE | AGE RANGE |
| 1/8 | 4-6 years |
| 1/4 | 5-7 years |
| 1/2 | 7-11 years |
| 3/4 | 11-15 years |
| 4/4 | 15 and above |
| CELLO SIZE | HEIGHT |
| 1/8 - 1/4 | Below 4 feet |
| 1/2 | 4 - 4 1/2 feet |
| 3/4 | 4 1/2 - 5 feet |
| 4/4 | 5 feet and above |
| CELLO SIZE | BACK LENGTH |
| 1/8 | 17.75 - 20 inches |
| 1/4 | 20 -23 inches |
| 1/2 | 23 - 26 inches |
| 3/4 | 26 - 27.25 inches |
| 7/8 | 27.25 - 30 inches |
| 4/4 | 30 inches and above |