Djembe Sizes Explained
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A djembe size is the diameter of its head, in inches. The djembes below run from a 10-inch head to a 14-inch head, and the AKLOT and the Meinl stand 20 inches tall. Check the head diameter and the height before you buy, since the size name is the head size.
Head diameter is the size
The size of a djembe is the diameter of its head, measured across the skin in inches. The Meinl here has a 10-inch head, and the Remo drums have 12-inch and 14-inch heads. A larger head gives a wider playing area: the Meinl head is 10 inches across in total, with an 8-inch playing area.
Height and weight matter too
Height and weight decide how the drum sits and carries. The AKLOT and the Meinl stand 20 inches tall. The AKLOT weighs 4 lb, the Meinl weighs 11 lb, and the Remo drums weigh 10 lb each. A lighter drum carries more easily, and a heavier drum stays put on the floor.
Shell, skin and tuning
The shell and the skin are the parts that set the drum apart. The Meinl has a mahogany shell and a goat skin head, and it is rope tuned. The AKLOT has an ABS resin shell and a goatskin head, and it is rope tuned too. The Remo drums have Acousticon bodies. Check the shell and the head material before you buy, and check whether the drum comes with a bag.
Look after the drum
Wipe the drum down with a soft dry cloth after you play, and keep it in its bag when you are not playing. Keep the skin dry, and keep the drum out of damp rooms. Change the head when it looks worn or no longer holds tune, and ask a repair shop for work on the shell or the tuning.
What you need
AKLOT Djembe Drum
A 20-inch tall djembe with a goatskin head, an ABS resin shell, rope tuning and a case, at 4 lb.
- Case or gig bag included
- Rope tuned
- 2-year warranty stated
- 4 lb, the lightest here
Meinl Percussion ADJ2-M+BAG African Style Rope Tuned
A 10-inch djembe with a mahogany shell, a goat skin head, rope tuning and a bag, at 11 lb.
- Case or gig bag included
- Rope tuned
- Head diameter: 10 in
- Shell / body wood: Mahogany
- 2-year warranty stated
Remo DJ-0014-05 Mondo Djembe Drum
A 14-inch djembe with an Acousticon body and an Earth finish, at 10 lb.
Remo DJ-0012-24 Mondo Djembe Drum
A 12-inch djembe with an Acousticon body and a printed fabric Adinkra finish, at 10 lb.
These come from our ranked list Best Djembe, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What size djembe should I buy?
Check the head diameter and the height against the player. The heads here run from 10 inches to 14 inches, and the AKLOT and the Meinl stand 20 inches tall. Compare the height with the player's reach before you buy.
How do I measure a djembe?
Measure the head across the skin for the diameter, and the shell from the base to the rim for the height. The Meinl head is 10 inches across in total, with an 8-inch playing area. Check both figures before you buy.
Does a djembe come with a bag?
The AKLOT comes with a case, and the Meinl comes with a bag. Check what comes in the box before you buy.
Ranked djembes lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.