Updated October 28, 2026 · 8 min read
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Size guide · 2026
Softball bat size chart
Fastpitch softball bats are sized differently from baseball bats. They are usually lighter for their length, with drops of -8 to -13, so girls can swing fast and make solid contact.
Use the charts below to find the right softball bat size by age, height and weight. We cover girls’ fastpitch from 6U to high school, how drop works, and the best bat for each age.
Fastpitch softball bat size chart by age
| Age | Division | Bat length | Usual drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 6 | 6U | 24 to 26 in | -12 to -13 |
| 7 to 8 | 8U | 26 to 28 in | -11 to -13 |
| 9 to 10 | 10U | 28 to 29 in | -11 to -12 |
| 11 to 12 | 12U | 29 to 31 in | -10 to -11 |
| 13 to 14 | 14U | 30 to 32 in | -9 to -10 |
| 15 and up | High school, college | 32 to 34 in | -8 to -10 |
Age is only a starting point. Height and weight are better guides, so check the next chart. You can also use our bat size calculator.
Softball bat size chart by height and weight
| Height | Under 70 lb | 71 to 90 lb | 91 to 110 lb | 111 to 130 lb | 131 to 150 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft 6 in to 3 ft 11 in | 26 in | 27 in | – | – | – |
| 4 ft to 4 ft 5 in | 27 in | 28 in | 28 in | – | – |
| 4 ft 6 in to 4 ft 11 in | 28 in | 29 in | 29 in | 30 in | – |
| 5 ft to 5 ft 3 in | 29 in | 30 in | 30 in | 31 in | 31 in |
| 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in | – | 30 in | 31 in | 32 in | 32 in |
| 5 ft 8 in and up | – | – | 32 in | 33 in | 33 in |
If your daughter is between two sizes, choose the shorter bat. Bat speed matters more than length in fastpitch, because the pitch arrives very fast from a short distance.
What size softball bat for each age
What size softball bat for a 6 year old?
A 24 to 26 inch bat with a -12 or -13 drop. Many 6U leagues use T-ball or coach pitch, so a very light bat is best.
What size softball bat for a 7 or 8 year old?
A 26 to 28 inch bat with a -11 to -13 drop. The Louisville Slugger Diva in 27 or 28 inches is a good first fastpitch bat.
What size softball bat for a 9 or 10 year old?
A 28 or 29 inch bat with a -11 or -12 drop. This is the 10U age, when kid pitch starts and bat speed really matters.
What size softball bat for an 11 or 12 year old?
A 29 to 31 inch bat with a -10 or -11 drop. The Easton Sapphire in 29 or 30 inches fits most 12U players.
What size softball bat for a 13 or 14 year old?
A 30 to 32 inch bat with a -9 or -10 drop. Stronger 14U players may move to a -9 or -8 for more power.
What does drop mean on a softball bat?
Drop is the bat’s length minus its weight in ounces. A 30 inch, 20 ounce bat is a -10. The bigger the number, the lighter the bat. Young players use -11 to -13 bats. As girls get stronger, they move to -10, -9 and then -8 for more power. There is no required drop in fastpitch, unlike BBCOR in high school baseball, so pick what your daughter can swing fast and under control.
Fastpitch vs slowpitch softball bats
Fastpitch and slowpitch bats are not the same. Fastpitch bats are lighter, with drops of -8 to -13 and a 2.25 inch barrel. Slowpitch bats are heavier, usually 26 to 30 ounces, and built for adult rec leagues. Girls’ youth softball is almost always fastpitch, so buy a bat marked “fastpitch”.
Which certification stamp do you need?
Most fastpitch leagues ask for a bat with one or more of these stamps: USA Softball, USSSA, NSA or ISA. High school and college players need bats on the approved lists of their governing body. Many bats, like the Easton Sapphire, carry several stamps and are approved for all fields. Always check your league’s rules before you buy.
Three quick tests to check bat size
- Chest test: Put the knob in the center of her chest and point the bat to the side. If her fingertips reach the end of the barrel, the length is right.
- Side test: Stand the bat next to her leg. The end should reach the middle of her palm with her arm down.
- Arm test: She holds the bat by the grip with one arm straight out for 20 seconds. If it drops, the bat is too heavy.
Best softball bats for each age
Louisville Slugger Diva Fastpitch Bat (-11.5)
You need this if: your daughter is starting fastpitch and needs a light, low-cost first bat.
- Lengths27 to 31 in
- Drop-11.5
- Build1-piece alloy
- PriceAbout $40
Why we recommend it: It is light and balanced, which helps new hitters control the barrel and swing fast. It is a low-cost way to get the right size for a young player who will outgrow it.
Keep in mind: It is a starter bat with fewer ratings than our other picks. Older or stronger hitters will want more pop.
Easton Sapphire Fastpitch Softball Bat (-10)
You need this if: your daughter plays rec or school fastpitch and needs a durable bat approved for most fields.
- Lengths7 lengths
- Drop-10
- Build1-piece ALX100 alloy
- Ratings4.9★
Why we recommend it: It is light and easy to handle, with an ultra-thin handle for control, and it is approved for all fields. Buyers rate it very highly for quality and value.
Keep in mind: A -10 drop is a little heavier than a -11 or -12. Very small or new hitters may prefer the Diva or Ghost Youth.
Easton Ghost Youth Fastpitch Bat (-11)
You need this if: your daughter wants a light, fast-swinging bat from a top fastpitch brand.
- LengthsYouth sizes
- Drop-11
- Build1-piece ALX50 alloy
- Ratings4.5★
Why we recommend it: It is made for youth players, with a light swing weight to build bat speed and a thin 29/32 inch handle with a cushioned grip.
Keep in mind: It is an alloy youth bat, not the composite Ghost used by older travel players.
Alloy or composite softball bat?
Alloy bats are ready to use right away, work in cold weather and cost less. They are the best choice for most players under 12. Composite bats have a bigger sweet spot and less sting, but they cost more and need a break-in of about 150 to 200 hits. Many travel players move to composite at 12U or 14U. Avoid using composite bats in cold weather, under about 60°F, when they can crack.
Common mistakes when buying a softball bat
- Buying a bat to grow into. A long, heavy bat slows the swing and leads to late, weak contact.
- Using a baseball bat. Baseball bats have a different barrel and are not allowed in fastpitch leagues.
- Buying a slowpitch bat. Slowpitch bats are much heavier and built for adult rec play.
- Ignoring the stamp. A bat without your league’s stamp can be removed from a game.
Next steps: see our glove size chart by age, which includes a fastpitch glove chart, and our baseball bat size chart if your child plays both sports.
How to break in a softball bat
Alloy bats are ready to use right away. Composite bats need a short break-in so the fibres loosen up:
- Use real softballs, not heavy batting cage balls.
- Start off a tee or with soft toss at half speed, and rotate the bat a quarter turn after each hit.
- Take about 150 to 200 hits, slowly building up to full speed.
- Only break in and use composite bats when it is warmer than about 60°F.
How to care for a softball bat
- Store the bat inside, not in a hot car or a cold garage.
- Do not hit rocks, cage balls or wet, heavy balls.
- Do not share a composite bat with much bigger hitters. It can crack faster.
- Check the grip and replace it when it gets slick.
When should she move up a bat size?
Check the bat at the start of each season with the three tests above. It is time to size up when she has grown 2 inches or more, swings the bat very fast but makes weak contact, or moves to a new division with faster pitching. Move up one step at a time: one inch longer or one ounce heavier, not both at once.
Need a glove too? Use our softball glove size finder.
Want the details? Need a first glove? Read our Rawlings Sure Catch review.
Related: See our best fastpitch softball bats and softball gloves.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What size softball bat for a 10 year old?
Usually a 28 or 29 inch fastpitch bat with a -11 or -12 drop.
What size softball bat for a 12 year old?
Usually a 29 to 31 inch bat with a -10 or -11 drop.
What size softball bat for an 8 year old?
Usually a 26 to 28 inch bat with a -11 to -13 drop.
What size softball bat for 10U?
Most 10U players use a 28 or 29 inch bat with a -11 or -12 drop.
Can girls use a baseball bat for softball?
No. Fastpitch bats have a different barrel and must carry a softball stamp to be legal in games.
What is the most common softball bat size?
For 12U and 14U, 30 to 32 inches with a -10 drop is very common.
How we made this guide
We put this chart together from the size guides published by major brands and youth leagues, and checked it against what parents say in verified Amazon reviews in October 2026. The product picks are the best-rated options we found for each age on Amazon. We have not tested these products in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Leagues can set their own rules, so always check yours. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
