The smallest cello size (⅒) is appropriate for children ages four to six years. For older children, add a year or so to the baseline age for each subsequent size of the cello: the ⅛ cello is appropriate for children ages five to seven, the ¼ for kids ages seven to nine, and so on.

The largest cello intended for adults over five feet is a full-sized cello (4/4) with at least a 30 inch back. The smallest is an eight sized cello (1/8) designed for children. Most cellos for students range between 1/8 and 1/2, though your child’s size dictates which cello is best for them.