Drumstick Sizes Explained
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Drumstick sizes use a number and a letter. The number marks the diameter, and the letter marks the intended use, with A for orchestral work and B for band work. 5A is the middle size, and thinner sticks such as 7A and thicker sticks such as 5B and 2B sit on either side of it.
What the number on a stick means
The number gives the stick's diameter, and a lower number means a thicker stick. A 7A stick is thinner than a 5A stick, and a 5B stick is thicker than a 5A stick. Length is a separate figure, so two sticks with the same number can still differ in length.
What the letter on a stick means
The letter marks the stick's intended use. A sticks were made for orchestral playing, B sticks for band playing, and S sticks for street and marching use. Pick the letter that matches where you play, then pick the number for the diameter you want.
How 5A compares with 7A and 5B
5A sits between 7A and 5B. A 7A stick is thinner and lighter than a 5A stick, so it suits fast, light playing. A 5B stick is thicker and heavier than a 5A stick, so it suits harder hitting. A 2B stick is thicker still.
Wood, tip shape and finish
Sticks are made from woods such as maple and hickory. The tip shape changes how the stick meets a cymbal, and the sticks listed here use rounded wood tips and teardrop tips. The Vic Firth stick has a lacquer finish that protects the hickory from moisture and wear, while the OIETON stick has a sanded natural finish.
How to pick your size
Start with 5A, since it sits in the middle of the range. Move to 7A for a thinner stick, or to 5B for a thicker one. The sticks listed here are all 5A, so they give a direct look at the middle size.
What you need
OIETON 5A Drum Sticks Bulk 12 Pairs
A 12-pair pack of 5A maple sticks, each about 16 inches long and 0.55 inches in diameter, with rounded wood tips and a sanded natural finish.
- Pairs: 12
- Size: 5A
- Material: Maple
- Tip: Wood
Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks
A 5A hickory stick with a teardrop tip and a lacquer finish, measuring 16 inches long and 0.57 inches in diameter.
- Size: 5A
- Material: Hickory
- Tip: Wood
WOGOD 5A Drum Sticks Maple Drumsticks
A two-pair pack of 5A maple sticks with a water drop-shaped tip, made for drummers of all levels.
- Pairs: 2
- Size: 5A
- Material: Maple
ARLX Drum Sticks 5A Wood Tip Drumstick
A two-pair pack of 5A maple sticks with wood tips and a natural finish, made from North American hard maple.
- Pairs: 2
- Size: 5A
- Material: Maple
- Tip: Wood
These come from our ranked list Best Drum Sticks, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What size drumstick should a beginner start with?
Start with 5A, since it sits in the middle of the size range. It is thinner than 5B and thicker than 7A, so it covers a wide range of playing before you settle on a size.
What is the difference between 5A and 5B drumsticks?
The number marks the diameter, so a 5B stick is thicker than a 5A stick. Both use the A letter, so both were made for the same kind of playing. The thicker 5B suits harder hitting, while the thinner 5A suits lighter playing.
What does the letter in a drumstick size mean?
The letter marks the stick's intended use. A is for orchestral playing, B is for band playing, and S is for street and marching use. Pick the letter that matches where you play.
Ranked drumsticks lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.