Grip Size

The size of a tennis racquet grip refers to the circumference or distance around the handle, including the stock grip that comes installed with your racquet, which ranges from 4 inches to 4 3/4 inches.

Within that range, there are seven available grip sizes, which start at 4 inches or a size zero and increase by 1/8 inch for each size up to 4 3/4 inches for a size six.

Depending on which country you live in, you may find the sizing of the racquet grip expressed differently, so a chart is provided below.

You’ll often find the size of a tennis racquet listed on the butt cap of the tennis racquet, which you can find at the very bottom of the handle. If you don’t see it there, check for it around the throat of the racquet frame.

Why Does Grip Size Matter?

Beyond providing you with comfort when playing tennis, the appropriate grip size can help prevent injury.

A grip that’s too small may tend to twist or rotate within your hand when striking the ball, which can lead to painful blisters and unnecessary strain on your arm as you overcompensate by holding the grip too firm. Over time, this can contribute to injuries such as tennis elbow. A grip that is too small can also have an increased tendency to slip from a player’s hand.

On the other hand, a grip that’s too large can be challenging to hold, and as a result, put unnecessary stress on your hand, wrist, and arm.

Furthermore, a large grip can be challenging to manage when you need to change grips quickly or when you’re looking to snap your wrist when serving or hitting an overhead because it restricts movement.

The key is to find a grip size that feels comfortable, prevents undue stress on your body, and allows for proper range of motion.

Selecting The Appropriate Grip Size

There are two common methods used to help identify the ideal grip size for a player. It’s typically recommended using both to help get the best fit.

Measure Your Hand

First, if you have one handy, grab a ruler or measuring tape. Next, take a look at your dominant hand, and you’ll notice you have a bunch of lines and creases running through your palm.

You’ll see two larger lines in the middle of your palm, one on top and one on the bottom, running horizontally from one side to side.

Grab your ruler or measuring tape and line it up vertically with your ring finger so that the bottom of the ruler lines up with the top horizontal line in your palm and measure to the top of your ring finger.

You should find that the measurement falls somewhere between 4 inches and 4 3/4 inches.

This method works great if you’re ordering online, and you don’t have access to test out multiple grip sizes in person. If you do order online and you’re between sizes, then go with the smaller size as it’s much easier to increase the size of a grip than decrease it.

Test Grips in Person

Another method you can use to find the right grip size is to try out multiple sizes in person and reference the gap between your fingers and your palm when holding the racquet.

First, grab a racquet handle with your dominant and note the size of the grip. With your other hand, place your index finger within the gap between your fingers and your palm. You’re looking for a grip where that space is roughly equal to your index finger’s width.

Once you find the grip size that matches up, try one size above and below to compare and see what feels best. The racquet should feel comfortable yet secure.

Many players will fall between sizes. As mentioned before, if that’s you, go for the smaller size because it’s easier to increase your grip’s size than it is to decrease it.

For example, the addition of an inexpensive overgrip will increase the size of your grip by 1/16 of an inch or a half size. Similarly, you can have a local racquet technician add a heat shrink sleeve to the grip to increase the size by 1/8 of an inch for a full-size increase.

However, apart from swapping out the base grip that came with the racquet or removing it altogether, it is difficult and, in some cases, not possible to drop the size of a grip.

Tennis Racquet Grip Sizes for Kids

For kids, there are typically fewer grip size options than adults. Most will usually fall at 4 inches or less – it depends on the manufacturer.

However, instead of finding the right grip size, parents will want to focus on the length of the racquet, which generally corresponds with the height of your child. The following chart outlines those sizes.

Inches:

Centimeters:

If you get the right length tennis racquet for your child that they can comfortably handle, the grip size should work itself out.

However, even if the grip is a little bit large, don’t be overly concerned. First off, your child will grow into it quickly, and second, most young kids won’t be playing aggressively or long enough with that grip size for it to have any real negative impact on their hand, wrist, or arm.

Demoing Grip Sizes for the Perfect Fit

Although the reviewed methods are helpful for point players toward their ideal grip size, there’s no substitute for testing out different grip sizes while playing.

For that reason, it’s highly recommended for players to get their hands on a few different tennis racquets with varying grip sizes before making a decision and buying a tennis racquet.

In a perfect world, once you’ve settled on a specific model tennis racquet, you’d try the same racquet with multiple size grips. If your local tennis shop only has one grip size available for demo, then there are a few online retailers offering demo programs worth checking out.

Of course, hitting with a few different types of racquets with varying grip sizes is better than nothing if that’s all you have at your disposal.

Although finding the right grip size takes a bit of trial and error, it pays to get something that feels comfortable and doesn’t hold you back. Luckily, once you’ve found the right grip size as an adult, you’ll know for all future racquet purchases – so you only need to go through the process once.

As a parent, you don’t need to worry too much about grip sizes for your kids until they transition to full-size 27-inch tennis racquets where there is a greater variety of grip sizes. You’ll also likely need to remeasure for the appropriate grip size as they grow.