How to Measure Tennis Racquet Grip Size (Grip Size Chart)

Quick answer: Measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. That length in inches is your grip size. Adult tennis grips run from 4 1/8 to 4 5/8 inches (L1–L5, about 105–117 mm around the handle). If you fall between two sizes, choose the smaller one and add an overgrip.

Updated November 2026 · Reviewed by TR.com Staff

Grip size may not be the first thing you think about when buying a racquet, but it should be. Many players assume a racquet is “one size fits all,” and that’s not true. The right grip size helps you avoid injury, control the racquet and use your strokes to full effect.

What is my tennis grip size? (Grip size chart)

Grip size is the distance around the handle. In the US it’s given in inches, with an L number. In Europe it’s given as a single number. Use this chart to convert:

Tennis racquet grip size chart
US grip size	L size	European size	Handle circumference	Your hand measurement*
4 in	L0	0	about 102 mm	100–102 mm (4 in)
4 1/8 in	L1	1	about 105 mm	103–105 mm (4 1/8 in)
4 1/4 in	L2	2	about 108 mm	106–108 mm (4 1/4 in)
4 3/8 in	L3	3	about 111 mm	109–111 mm (4 3/8 in)
4 1/2 in	L4	4	about 114 mm	112–114 mm (4 1/2 in)
4 5/8 in	L5	5	about 117 mm	115–117 mm (4 5/8 in)

*Measured from the bottom lateral crease of the palm to the tip of the ring finger (see the steps below). Size 4 (L0) is mostly found on junior racquets. Size 4 3/4 (L6) is rarely made today.

Most adult grips fall between 4 1/8 and 4 5/8 inches. Junior racquets usually come with a 4-inch grip or smaller. Players with unusually small or large hands sometimes have their grips professionally customized.

How do I measure my grip size with a ruler?

Use this method if you don’t have a racquet to compare with, or if you want the most precise measurement you can take yourself.

Open your hitting hand. Hold your hitting hand open, with your fingers together and fully extended.
Find the bottom lateral crease. Find the bottom lateral crease of your palm. That’s the crease that runs across your hand, the second main line down from your fingers.
Measure to your ring finger. Line a ruler up with that crease and measure straight up to the tip of your ring finger.
Write it down. Write down the measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch (or millimeter).
Match it to the chart. Find that measurement in the grip size chart above. For example, 4 3/8 inches (about 110 mm) means a 4 3/8 (L3) grip. Most adults measure between 4 1/4 (L2) and 4 3/8 (L3).

How do I check grip size with a racquet I already own?

If you already have a racquet handy, use the finger test to get a good estimate:

Hold the racquet with an eastern forehand grip, the “handshake” grip.
Slide the index finger of your other hand into the gap between the tips of your fingers and the heel of your palm.
If your finger fits snugly, the grip size is right. If there isn’t room, the grip is too small. If there’s extra space, the grip is too big.

If you’ve never bought a racquet before, especially if you’re buying online, it’s worth measuring your grip size yourself. Use one method or both.

What happens if my grip size is wrong?

The results range from inconvenient to painful:

Too big: The racquet can slip or twist in your hand, changing grips between shots is harder, your forearm, wrist and hand muscles strain, and your wrist moves less during strokes.
Too small: A slightly smaller grip allows more wrist snap (and spin), but a grip that’s a full size too small makes your fingers squeeze harder to hold on. That can lead to wrist and elbow problems.

What if I’m between two grip sizes?

It’s common to fall between sizes. If you’re no longer growing, choose the smaller size and build it up. You can easily make a grip bigger, but you can’t make a grip that’s too big smaller without shaving the handle, which is very difficult. For juniors, go with the slightly larger size, because kids grow into it.

How much each option increases your grip size
Option	Adds about	Use it when
Overgrip (wrapped over the existing grip)	1/16 in (half a size)	You’re between sizes, or you want more tack or absorbency.
Heat-shrink sleeve (fitted under the grip)	1/8 in (one full size)	You need a full size bigger.
Sleeve plus overgrip	3/16 in (about one and a half sizes)	You need more than one size.

Learn more in Increasing your tennis racquet grip size and Overgrip vs. replacement grip, or shop overgrips and replacement grips.

The bottom line

Measuring grip size isn’t an exact science, but the two methods above will narrow it down to the right choice. Still not sure? Contact us. We’re always happy to help. When you’re ready, browse tennis racquets by grip size.

Frequently asked questions

What does L3 mean on a tennis racquet?

L3 is a grip size of 4 3/8 inches around the handle, which is European size 3 (about 111 mm). The L scale runs from L0 (4 inches) to L5 (4 5/8 inches), going up 1/8 inch per size.

Is it better to have a tennis grip that is too big or too small?

Slightly too small is better, because you can build it up. If you’re between sizes, choose the smaller grip and add an overgrip, which adds about 1/16 inch. A grip that is too big can’t easily be made smaller.

How much does an overgrip increase grip size?

A typical overgrip adds about 1/16 inch, roughly half a grip size. A heat-shrink sleeve adds about 1/8 inch, a full size. Using both adds about 3/16 inch.

What is the most common adult grip size?

Most adults measure between 4 1/4 inches (L2) and 4 3/8 inches (L3). Adult grips usually range from 4 1/8 to 4 5/8 inches, so measure your hand rather than guessing.

What grip size do junior tennis racquets have?

Junior racquets usually come in one small grip size, typically 4 inches (L0) or smaller. If a child needs a slightly bigger handle, add an overgrip.

What is the difference between a 4 3/8 and 4 1/2 grip?

A 4 1/2 (L4) handle is 1/8 inch larger around than a 4 3/8 (L3), about 114 mm versus 111 mm. That is one full grip size, which you can feel. If you measure between the two, choose 4 3/8 and add an overgrip, which brings it about halfway to 4 1/2. A heat-shrink sleeve adds a full size.

What is grip size 2 on a tennis racquet?

Grip size 2 is the European number for a 4 1/4 inch grip, also written L2. The handle measures about 108 mm around. It is a common size for women and smaller-handed adults and fits a hand measurement of about 106–108 mm from the bottom palm crease to the tip of the ring finger.

Where is the grip size printed on a tennis racquet?

Most racquets show the grip size on the butt cap at the end of the handle, or on a sticker on the handle or throat. You may see it as inches (such as 4 3/8), an L number (L3) or a European number (3). If it has worn off, use the finger test or measure the handle circumference.

How do I measure the grip size of a racquet handle?

Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the handle, over the grip, and read the circumference in millimeters or inches. Compare it to the chart above: about 105 mm is 4 1/8, 108 mm is 4 1/4, 111 mm is 4 3/8 and 114 mm is 4 1/2. An overgrip on the handle adds to the reading.

What is the best tennis grip for sweaty hands?

Look for an absorbent overgrip, which soaks up sweat and stays dry longer, rather than a tacky one, which can turn slick when wet. Change it often, because a worn overgrip stops absorbing. Wristbands also help keep sweat off the handle. Browse overgrips or our best tennis overgrips picks.

How do I regrip a tennis racquet?

Peel off the old replacement grip and its staple or tape. Starting at the butt cap, peel the backing off the new grip and wrap it up the handle at an angle, overlapping each turn slightly and keeping tension even. Trim the end at an angle near the throat and secure it with the finishing tape. See overgrip vs. replacement grip.

Do topspin players use smaller grips?

Some do. A slightly smaller handle makes it easier to snap the wrist and change grips, which can help generate topspin. But a grip that is a full size too small forces you to squeeze harder and can lead to wrist and elbow problems. Choose the size your hand measures, and if in doubt pick the smaller size and add an overgrip.

What grip size do I need for a pickleball paddle?

Pickleball grips use similar circumference sizes, commonly about 4 to 4 1/2 inches, and many players use the same size as their tennis grip or slightly smaller for quicker hand movement at the kitchen. Grip length also varies: elongated paddles often have longer handles for two-handed backhands. See elongated vs. widebody paddles.