How To Measure Tennis Racquet Grip Size
THE IMPORTANCE OF GRIP SIZE
Grip size may not be the first thing you think about when purchasing a racquet, but there are many reasons it should be. We'll tell you why it's important, and how to figure out yours!
One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a tennis racquet is selecting the appropriate grip size. Many players think that a tennis racquet is “one-size-fits-all," but that could not be further from the truth. Proper tennis racquet grip size is critical to avoid injuries, be able to exercise better control over your racquet, and utilize your skills and body in the most successful way possible.
The consequences of an incorrect grip size range from inconvenient to dangerous. A grip that is too big often can result in slips or twists of the racquet, difficulties changing grips between shots, strained forearm, wrist and hand muscles, and limited wrist movement during different strokes. While smaller grip allows for more “wrist snap” on groundstrokes, serves or overhead (and therefore, more spin), a grip that is a size too small could force your fingers to squeeze too hard in order to keep a firm grip, leading to wrist and elbow issues.
Grip size may not be the first thing you think about when purchasing a racquet, but there are many reasons it should be. We'll tell you why it's important, and how to figure out yours!
One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a tennis racquet is selecting the appropriate grip size. Many players think that a tennis racquet is “one-size-fits-all," but that could not be further from the truth. Proper tennis racquet grip size is critical to avoid injuries, be able to exercise better control over your racquet, and utilize your skills and body in the most successful way possible.
The consequences of an incorrect grip size range from inconvenient to dangerous. A grip that is too big often can result in slips or twists of the racquet, difficulties changing grips between shots, strained forearm, wrist and hand muscles, and limited wrist movement during different strokes. While smaller grip allows for more “wrist snap” on groundstrokes, serves or overhead (and therefore, more spin), a grip that is a size too small could force your fingers to squeeze too hard in order to keep a firm grip, leading to wrist and elbow issues.
Grip size may not be the first thing you think about when purchasing a racquet, but there are many reasons it should be. We'll tell you why it's important, and how to figure out yours!
One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a tennis racquet is selecting the appropriate grip size. Many players think that a tennis racquet is “one-size-fits-all," but that could not be further from the truth. Proper tennis racquet grip size is critical to avoid injuries, be able to exercise better control over your racquet, and utilize your skills and body in the most successful way possible.
The consequences of an incorrect grip size range from inconvenient to dangerous. A grip that is too big often can result in slips or twists of the racquet, difficulties changing grips between shots, strained forearm, wrist and hand muscles, and limited wrist movement during different strokes. While smaller grip allows for more “wrist snap” on groundstrokes, serves or overhead (and therefore, more spin), a grip that is a size too small could force your fingers to squeeze too hard in order to keep a firm grip, leading to wrist and elbow issues.
GRIP SIZE BASICS
Standard adult tennis racket grip sizes normally range between 4 ⅛ inches to 4 ⅝ inches, which measures the circumference or distance around the edge of the handle (please note that some countries may express the racquet grip size differently; please use the chart below for reference).
While most adult tennis players do not have difficulty finding a grip size that fits well, others, who have unusually small or large hands, choose to have their racquet grips professionally customized for best fit.
Junior tennis racquets normally measure less than 4 inches, and quite frequently, a perfect size matching can be difficult (keep reading and we will show you how to handle this challenge).
Standard adult tennis racket grip sizes normally range between 4 ⅛ inches to 4 ⅝ inches, which measures the circumference or distance around the edge of the handle (please note that some countries may express the racquet grip size differently; please use the chart below for reference).
While most adult tennis players do not have difficulty finding a grip size that fits well, others, who have unusually small or large hands, choose to have their racquet grips professionally customized for best fit.
Junior tennis racquets normally measure less than 4 inches, and quite frequently, a perfect size matching can be difficult (keep reading and we will show you how to handle this challenge).
Standard adult tennis racket grip sizes normally range between 4 ⅛ inches to 4 ⅝ inches, which measures the circumference or distance around the edge of the handle (please note that some countries may express the racquet grip size differently; please use the chart below for reference).
While most adult tennis players do not have difficulty finding a grip size that fits well, others, who have unusually small or large hands, choose to have their racquet grips professionally customized for best fit.
Junior tennis racquets normally measure less than 4 inches, and quite frequently, a perfect size matching can be difficult (keep reading and we will show you how to handle this challenge).
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR GRIP SIZE BEFORE BUYING A RACQUET
Method #1: Use a Ruler
The first way of measuring your tennis grip size is to use a ruler. This is the method to use if you don't currently own a racquet for comparison, or if you want the most precise measurement you can get on your own.
First, hold your hand open with your fingers close together and fully extended.
Then, measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm (the crease that runs across your hand) up to the top of the ring finger. Write down the number of inches (to the 1/8 of an inch). The measurement would normally be between 4 ¼ (Grip Size 2) and 4 ⅜ (Grip Size 3).
Method #2: Use a Racquet You Already Own
Alternatively, if you already have a racquet handy, there is a second method you can use to get an estimated measurement.
First, hold the racquet with an eastern forehand grip (aka. the “hand-shake grip”). Then, raise the thumb and place your other hand’s index finger in the space between thumb and fingers.
If it fits comfortably, then that grip size is good for you. If there is not enough room - that grip size is too small for you. If, however, there is too much extra room, then that grip is too large.
If you've never purchased a racquet before, it's good to know how to measure your own grip size - particularly if you are purchasing your racquet online. There are two methods that work well, and you can use one or both to get a good idea.
Method #1: Use a Ruler
The first way of measuring your tennis grip size is to use a ruler. This is the method to use if you don't currently own a racquet for comparison, or if you want the most precise measurement you can get on your own.
First, hold your hand open with your fingers close together and fully extended.
Then, measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm (the crease that runs across your hand) up to the top of the ring finger. Write down the number of inches (to the 1/8 of an inch). The measurement would normally be between 4 ¼ (Grip Size 2) and 4 ⅜ (Grip Size 3).
Method #2: Use a Racquet You Already Own
Alternatively, if you already have a racquet handy, there is a second method you can use to get an estimated measurement.
First, hold the racquet with an eastern forehand grip (aka. the “hand-shake grip”). Then, raise the thumb and place your other hand’s index finger in the space between thumb and fingers.
If it fits comfortably, then that grip size is good for you. If there is not enough room - that grip size is too small for you. If, however, there is too much extra room, then that grip is too large.
If you've never purchased a racquet before, it's good to know how to measure your own grip size - particularly if you are purchasing your racquet online. There are two methods that work well, and you can use one or both to get a good idea.
Method #1: Use a Ruler
The first way of measuring your tennis grip size is to use a ruler. This is the method to use if you don't currently own a racquet for comparison, or if you want the most precise measurement you can get on your own.
First, hold your hand open with your fingers close together and fully extended.
Then, measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm (the crease that runs across your hand) up to the top of the ring finger. Write down the number of inches (to the 1/8 of an inch). The measurement would normally be between 4 ¼ (Grip Size 2) and 4 ⅜ (Grip Size 3).
Method #2: Use a Racquet You Already Own
Alternatively, if you already have a racquet handy, there is a second method you can use to get an estimated measurement.
First, hold the racquet with an eastern forehand grip (aka. the “hand-shake grip”). Then, raise the thumb and place your other hand’s index finger in the space between thumb and fingers.
If it fits comfortably, then that grip size is good for you. If there is not enough room - that grip size is too small for you. If, however, there is too much extra room, then that grip is too large.
WHAT IF MY GRIP IS "IN-BETWEEN" SIZES?
It is pretty common that a player is not able to find the perfect grip size. Generally, if you are “in-between” sizes and not growing, go with the smaller one and use an overgrip to adjust thickness. Increasing grip size is easy to do by placing an overgrip (which typically increases the size by 1/16 of an inch). A larger grip size, however, cannot be made smaller (unless you manually shave the handle down, which can be extremely difficult).
For juniors, however, go with the slightly larger grip size, as children will likely grow into a grip size that is a touch too big for them at the start.
It is pretty common that a player is not able to find the perfect grip size. Generally, if you are “in-between” sizes and not growing, go with the smaller one and use an overgrip to adjust thickness. Increasing grip size is easy to do by placing an overgrip (which typically increases the size by 1/16 of an inch). A larger grip size, however, cannot be made smaller (unless you manually shave the handle down, which can be extremely difficult).
For juniors, however, go with the slightly larger grip size, as children will likely grow into a grip size that is a touch too big for them at the start.
It is pretty common that a player is not able to find the perfect grip size. Generally, if you are “in-between” sizes and not growing, go with the smaller one and use an overgrip to adjust thickness. Increasing grip size is easy to do by placing an overgrip (which typically increases the size by 1/16 of an inch). A larger grip size, however, cannot be made smaller (unless you manually shave the handle down, which can be extremely difficult).
For juniors, however, go with the slightly larger grip size, as children will likely grow into a grip size that is a touch too big for them at the start.
BOTTOM LINE
It is pretty common that a player is not able to find the perfect grip size. Generally, if you are “in-between” sizes and not growing, go with the smaller one and use an overgrip to adjust thickness. Increasing grip size is easy to do by placing an overgrip (which typically increases the size by 1/16 of an inch). A larger grip size, however, cannot be made smaller (unless you manually shave the handle down, which can be extremely difficult).
For juniors, however, go with the slightly larger grip size, as children will likely grow into a grip size that is a touch too big for them at the start.
Measuring your grip size is not an exact science. That said, the two grip size measuring methods described above will allow you to narrow down the options and choose the appropriate one. If you still have questions or you are unsure regarding how to choose the right grip size, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are always happy to help.
Measuring your grip size is not an exact science. That said, the two grip size measuring methods described above will allow you to narrow down the options and choose the appropriate one. If you still have questions or you are unsure regarding how to choose the right grip size, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are always happy to help.