Cymbal Sizes Explained
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A cymbal size is its diameter in inches, and the number in the name is that diameter. Hihats in the sets here are 13-inch and 14-inch, crashes are 14-inch and 16-inch, the ride is 20-inch, and the splash is 10-inch. Match each size to the cymbal type it belongs to before you buy.
What the inches on a cymbal mean
The size of a cymbal is its diameter, measured straight across in inches, and the number in the product name is that diameter. A 16-inch crash measures 16 inches across, and a 20-inch ride measures 20 inches across. When cymbals share a type, the larger number is the wider cymbal.
Hihat sizes
Hihats come as a pair, a top and a bottom, and the size in the name covers the pair. The sets here include 13-inch hihats and 14-inch hihats. Compare the sizes and pick the pair that fits the other cymbals in the same set.
Crash and ride sizes
A crash marks accents and a ride is the larger cymbal in the set. The Meinl expanded set and the Sabian set pair a 16-inch crash with a 20-inch ride, and the Zildjian crash here is a 16-inch medium thin crash. Read the crash size and the ride size in the set name before you buy.
Splash sizes and what a set includes
A splash is the small accent cymbal in a set, and the splash in each set here is 10-inch. A box set holds several cymbals at once, so check the size of each piece in the set. The Meinl sets here also include drumsticks, and the Sabian set includes a 90-day Drumeo trial.
What you need
Meinl Cymbals HCS Box Set Cymbals
A brass box set with 13-inch hihats, a 14-inch crash and a 10-inch splash, plus 5A hickory drumsticks.
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- 2-year warranty stated
Meinl Cymbal Set Box Pack with 14”
A brass box set with 14-inch hihats, a 16-inch crash, a 20-inch ride and a 10-inch splash.
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- 2-year warranty stated
SABIAN SBR Cymbal Set
A brass set with 14-inch hats, a 16-inch crash, a 20-inch ride and a 10-inch splash, plus a 90-day Drumeo trial.
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- Two-year warranty stated
Zildjian A0230 16" A Medium Thin Crash
A 16-inch bronze medium thin crash cymbal that pairs with hi-hats and rides.
- Alloy: Bronze
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Cymbals, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What size hihats should I get?
The sets here use 13-inch and 14-inch hihats. Compare the sizes and pick the pair that matches the other cymbals in the same set.
What is the difference between a crash and a ride?
A crash is the smaller accent cymbal and a ride is the larger cymbal in the set. The Meinl expanded set and the Sabian set pair a 16-inch crash with a 20-inch ride, while the Meinl starter set pairs a 14-inch crash with a 10-inch splash.
How do I measure a cymbal?
Measure straight across the widest part of the cymbal, edge to edge, in inches. That diameter is the size in the name, so a cymbal that measures 16 inches across is a 16-inch crash.
Ranked cymbals lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.