Viola Sizes Explained
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Viola sizes run by body length in inches, and the size to choose is the size that matches the player's arm measurement. A 16-inch viola is the full-size body length shown here, and a 15.5-inch viola is a shorter body for a shorter arm. Measure the player first, then match the measurement to the maker's size.
What viola sizes mean
Viola sizes run by body length in inches. The outfits on this page come in 16-inch and 15.5-inch bodies, and the fractional sizes 4/4, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 also appear in instrument sizing. A 16-inch viola is full size, so read the inch length the maker gives rather than guessing from the fractional size alone.
Measure the player first
Have the player stand and extend the playing arm out to the side, then measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. That measurement is what you compare with the maker's size. If the measurement falls between sizes, ask the maker or a repair shop which size to choose.
What a 16-inch viola is
A 16-inch viola has a body length of 16 inches, and it is the full-size length in the outfits on this page. The Verahaus MA250, the Cecilio 16 Inch Viola and the EPOFIT 16 inch Acoustic Viola Kit are each 16 inches, and each outfit includes a case, a bow, rosin and a bridge. A 16-inch body is the length to compare with the player's measurement when the arm runs long.
What a 15.5-inch viola is
A 15.5-inch viola has a body length of 15.5 inches, a shorter body than the 16-inch size. The Cecilio CVA-500 measures 15.5 inches, and it comes in size options of full-size, 15.5 inch, 15 inch, 16 inch and 16.5 inch. Its outfit includes a case, a bow, rosin, a bridge, D'Addario Prelude strings and a chromatic tuner.
Check the outfit before you choose
A viola outfit can include the case, bow, rosin, bridge, strings and tuner, so read the details for each part before you choose. The Verahaus MA250 comes with a case, bow, rosin, bridge and D'Addario Prelude strings, while the Cecilio outfits add a chromatic tuner as well. The EPOFIT kit has a hard case with backpack straps and accessory pockets.
What you need
Verahaus MA250 16-Inch Solid Wood Varnished Viola
A 16-inch solid wood viola with a hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back, four fine tuners and a case, bow, rosin, bridge and D'Addario Prelude strings.
- Solid wood body
- Case or gig bag included
- Bow included
- Rosin included
- Body length: 16 in
- 30-day warranty stated
Cecilio Solid Wood Viola 16 Inch Viola
A 16-inch solid wood viola with a hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, ebony fittings, four fine tuners, D'Addario Prelude strings and a chromatic tuner.
- Solid wood body
- Case or gig bag included
- Bow included
- Rosin included
- Body length: 16 in
- 1 year warranty stated
EPOFIT 16 inch Acoustic Viola Kit
A 16-inch acoustic viola kit with a maple top and bridge, basswood back and sides, a solid wood fingerboard and a hard case with backpack straps.
- Solid wood body
- Case or gig bag included
- Bow included
- Rosin included
- Body length: 16 in
- 12-month warranty stated
Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola
A 15.5-inch solid wood viola with a hand-carved spruce top, maple back and sides, ebony fittings and four fine tuners, with 15, 16 and 16.5 inch size options.
- Solid wood body
- Case or gig bag included
- Bow included
- Rosin included
- Body length: 15.5 in
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Viola with Bow, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 16-inch and a 15.5-inch viola?
The body of the Cecilio CVA-500 measures 15.5 inches, while the Verahaus MA250, the Cecilio 16 Inch Viola and the EPOFIT kit each measure 16 inches. The shorter body suits a shorter arm, so measure the player and match the maker's size.
What does 4/4 mean for a viola?
4/4 is the full-size mark in the fractional sizing system. The violas on this page run by body length in inches instead, with the 16-inch viola as full size, so check whether the maker gives a fractional size or an inch length.
How do I measure for a viola size?
Extend the playing arm out to the side and measure from the neck to the middle of the palm, then compare that measurement with the size chart the maker or seller publishes. If the measurement falls between sizes, ask the maker or a repair shop which size to choose.
Do viola outfits include a case and bow?
The outfits on this page each include a case, a bow, rosin and a bridge. The Verahaus MA250 and the Cecilio outfits also come with D'Addario Prelude strings, and the Cecilio outfits add a chromatic tuner.
Ranked violas lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.