Ukulele Sizes Explained
Updated Nov 10, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Ukulele sizes are soprano, concert and tenor. A soprano measures 21 inches, a concert measures 23 inches and a tenor measures 26 inches, and the size is the overall length of the instrument. Concert sits in the middle, with more fret spacing than a soprano and a shorter reach than a tenor.
The sizes by length
Ukuleles come in soprano, concert and tenor sizes. A soprano measures 21 inches, a concert measures 23 inches and a tenor measures 26 inches. The size is the overall length of the instrument. Each step up in size gives the player more room between the frets, since the longer neck spreads the frets further apart.
Concert sits in the middle
Concert is the middle size. At 23 inches it sits between the 21 inch soprano and the 26 inch tenor. The concert gives more fret spacing than a soprano, and a shorter reach than a tenor.
Measure the player first
Pick a size by what the player measures. Check the reach from the shoulder to the fingertips and the span of the fretting hand across the fretboard. The right size lets the fretting hand reach the far frets and the strumming hand fall over the strings without the shoulder lifting. If the player has to stretch to reach the far frets, the size is too big; if the fingers crowd together on the fretboard, the size is too small.
Try each size in playing position
Sit with the ukulele in playing position and hold it as if to play. The body should rest against the torso, the neck should angle up from the body, and the fretting hand should reach the far frets without strain. Compare the sizes side by side: the soprano is the most compact, the tenor is the longest, and the concert sits between them. The size that lets the hands fall naturally is the one to take home.
What you need
Donner Concert Ukulele Beginner Kit 23 inch
A 23 inch concert ukulele in mahogany with a gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, picks and cleaning cloth.
- Case or gig bag included
- Tuner included
- Size: concert
- Top wood: Quality High Pressure Laminte
- 2-year warranty stated
Ranch 23" Concert Ukulele Beginner Kit
A 23 inch concert ukulele in sapele with an arched back, gig bag, adjustable strap, extra strings, picks and tuner.
- Case or gig bag included
- Tuner included
- Size: concert
- Top wood: Sapele
AODSK Concert Ukulele for Beginner 23 Inch
A 23 inch concert ukulele in sapele with a gig bag, strap, tuner, extra strings, picks, cleaning cloth and accessory storage bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Tuner included
- Size: concert
- Top wood: Sapele
- Three-month warranty stated
Kadence UKTWC Concert 23" Acoustic Ukulele
A 23 inch concert ukulele in laminated sapele with a bag, strap and 4 nylon strings.
- Case or gig bag included
- Size: concert
- Top wood: Laminated Sapele Wood
- 1 year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Ukulele, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What size ukulele should a beginner start with?
Start with the size that fits the player's reach in playing position. Concert at 23 inches sits between soprano and tenor, with more fret spacing than a soprano and a shorter reach than a tenor.
How is ukulele size measured?
By overall length in inches: soprano at 21 inches, concert at 23 inches and tenor at 26 inches. The length covers the whole instrument from the top of the head to the bottom of the body.
Is a concert ukulele bigger than a soprano?
Yes. A concert measures 23 inches and a soprano measures 21 inches, so the concert is the larger size, with more space between the frets.
Which size has the widest fret spacing?
Tenor, at 26 inches. A longer ukulele spreads the frets further apart, so the tenor gives the most room between frets of the sizes here.
Ranked ukuleles lists
More how-to guides
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