Junior Tennis Racket Size Finder
Enter your child’s age or height to find the right junior tennis racket size, from 19 to 26 inches, plus the right ball to use.
What size tennis racket for my child?
Most kids need a 19 in racket at ages 2–4, 21 in at 4–6, 23 in at 6–8, 25 in at 8–10 and 26 in at 10–12. Most players move to a full-size 27 in racket around age 11 to 13. Height is a better guide than age, so add it for a more accurate answer.
How to use the junior tennis racket size finder
Choose your child’s age.
Add height for a better fit. Tall or small kids often need a different size than their age suggests.
Get the racket length and the right ball to use.
Do the arm test: the handle should reach the palm with the racket head on the ground.
Junior tennis racket size chart
| Racket length | Usual age | Child's height | Ball to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 in | 2 to 4 | Under 3'4" (40 in) | Red foam or felt |
| 21 in | 4 to 6 | 3'4" to 3'8" (40 to 44 in) | Red |
| 23 in | 6 to 8 | 3'9" to 4'1" (45 to 49 in) | Red or orange |
| 25 in | 8 to 10 | 4'2" to 4'6" (50 to 54 in) | Orange or green |
| 26 in | 10 to 12 | 4'7" to 4'11" (55 to 59 in) | Green or yellow |
| 27 in (adult) | 11+ | 5'0" and taller | Yellow |
How to check racket size at home
Have your child stand straight with their arm hanging down by their side. Hold the racket upside down with the head on the ground next to them. The end of the handle should reach the tips of their fingers or the palm. If it reaches past their wrist, the racket is too long. If it barely reaches their fingertips, they can size up.
Red, orange and green balls explained
Kids learn faster with slower balls on smaller courts. These balls bounce lower and slower, so kids can rally sooner.
- Red (stage 3): about 75% slower than a yellow ball. For ages 8 and under, on a 36 ft court.
- Orange (stage 2): about 50% slower. For ages 8 to 10, on a 60 ft court.
- Green (stage 1): about 25% slower. For ages 9 to 10 and up, on a full court.
- Yellow: the regular ball, for older kids and adults.
Aluminum or graphite junior racket?
Most 19 to 23 inch rackets are aluminum. They are light, tough and cheap, which is great for young kids who drop and scrape them. At 25 and 26 inches, graphite or composite rackets become common. They are lighter for their size, absorb more shock and give better control, so they are worth it for kids who play every week.
When to move to an adult racket
Most kids move to a 27 inch adult racket between 11 and 13, once they are about 5 feet tall and strong enough to swing it without the head dropping. A light adult racket (about 9 to 10 ounces) is the best first step. Moving up too early can cause arm strain and slow down learning.
HEAD Speed Junior Tennis Racquet
You need this if: your child plays or takes lessons and needs a light junior racket in the right length.
It comes in 19, 21, 23, 25 and 26 inch sizes, so you can match it to the chart. It has a 4.8 star rating from more than 5,000 buyers, who mention quality, light weight and value most.
More choices: best tennis rackets for beginners. We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What size tennis racket for a 7 year old?
Usually a 23 inch racket. A small 7 year old may still use a 21 inch racket.
What size tennis racket for a 10 year old?
Usually a 25 or 26 inch racket, depending on height.
What size tennis racket for a 12 year old?
Usually a 26 inch junior racket, or a light 27 inch adult racket if they are 5 feet or taller.
What size tennis racket for a 5 year old?
Usually a 21 inch racket, or 19 inch for a small child.
Is it OK to buy a bigger racket for my child to grow into?
No. A racket that is too long is heavy and hard to swing, which slows down learning and can strain the arm.
What grip size do kids need?
Most junior rackets come with one small grip size, about 4 inches. Older kids on 26 or 27 inch rackets can use our grip size finder.
