Tennis Grip Size Finder
Measure your hand and get the right racket grip size in seconds.
What tennis grip size do I need?
Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. That length in inches is close to your grip size: 4 1/4" is size 2, 4 3/8" is size 3 and 4 1/2" is size 4. Most women use size 1 or 2, and most men use size 2, 3 or 4. Enter your measurement above for an exact size.
How to use the grip size finder
Hold your hitting hand open with your fingers together.
Measure from the middle palm crease to the tip of your ring finger.
Enter it in inches or cm to get your grip size.
If you are between sizes, pick the smaller one and add an overgrip.
Tennis grip size chart
US sizes (0 to 5) and European sizes (L0 to L5) describe the same handle circumference.
| US size | European size | Circumference | Circumference (mm) | Hand measurement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | L0 | 4" | 102 mm | About 10.2 cm |
| 1 | L1 | 4 1/8" | 105 mm | About 10.5 cm |
| 2 | L2 | 4 1/4" | 108 mm | About 10.8 cm |
| 3 | L3 | 4 3/8" | 111 mm | About 11.1 cm |
| 4 | L4 | 4 1/2" | 114 mm | About 11.4 cm |
| 5 | L5 | 4 5/8" | 117 mm | About 11.7 cm |
How to measure your tennis grip size
Ruler method: lay a ruler along your ring finger, with the zero at the middle crease of your palm. Read the length at the fingertip. That number in inches is your grip circumference.
Finger test: hold a racket with an eastern forehand grip. You should just fit the index finger of your other hand in the gap between your ring fingertip and your palm. No room means the grip is too small. Extra room means it is too big.
4 3/8 vs 4 1/2: which should you choose?
If you measure between two sizes, choose the smaller one. An overgrip adds roughly 1/16" around the handle, so you can always build a grip up. You can't make a handle smaller.
A smaller grip also makes it easier to snap the wrist for topspin and serves.
Grip size and tennis elbow
A grip that is too big or too small makes you squeeze harder to stop the racket twisting. That extra tension runs up the forearm to the elbow. The right size lets you hold the racket more loosely.
Common grip size mistakes
- Buying a bigger grip "to be safe". It tires the forearm and is hard to fix.
- Forgetting the overgrip. Most players add one, which makes the handle slightly bigger.
- Measuring the wrong hand. Use your hitting hand.
- Copying a friend's grip size instead of measuring.
Shop the Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners
You need this if: you are buying your first racket and now know your grip size.
Most rackets are sold in several grip sizes, so choose your size on the listing. We compared the best-rated beginner rackets by weight, head size and comfort.
See Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners →Tennis grip size 2 vs 3: which is right?
Size 2 is 4 1/4" around and size 3 is 4 3/8". That's only 1/8" apart, but you'll feel it. Size 2 is the most common grip for women and for men with smaller hands, and size 3 is very common for men. If your hand measures between the two, start with size 2 and add an overgrip. The smaller grip also makes it easier to snap your wrist on serves and topspin forehands.
How to measure tennis grip size on your racket
- Check the butt cap. Most rackets print the grip size on the bottom of the handle, as a US size (such as 4 1/4) or a European size (such as L2).
- Measure around the handle. Wrap a soft tape measure, or a strip of paper you then measure, around the widest part of the grip. That's the circumference, so compare it with the chart above.
- Account for the overgrip. If there's an overgrip on the racket, the handle measures about 1/16" bigger than its labeled size.
How to measure grip size with a ruler (step by step)
- Open your hitting hand flat, with fingers together.
- Find the middle horizontal crease across your palm.
- Lay a ruler from that crease up to the tip of your ring finger.
- Read the length in inches. That number is close to your grip circumference: 4 1/4" means size 2, 4 3/8" means size 3, and so on.
Measuring in centimeters? Divide by 2.54, or use the cm column in the chart above.
How to make a tennis grip bigger
- Overgrip: adds about 1/16", roughly half a size. It's cheap, easy and also improves tack and sweat absorption.
- Two overgrips: add about 1/8", roughly one full size. Some players find the feel too soft.
- Heat-shrink sleeve: a stringer slides a sleeve under the replacement grip to build the handle up about one size, while keeping the bevels you feel.
Can you make a tennis grip smaller?
Only a little. Remove the overgrip, or swap the replacement grip for a thinner one. To go down a full size, a racket technician has to reshape or replace the handle, which isn't always possible. That's why it's better to buy the smaller size when you're between two.
Junior tennis racket size by age
Kids' rackets are sized by length, and most come with a 4" (size 0) grip.
| Age | Racket length |
|---|---|
| 4 and under | 19" |
| 4 to 6 | 21" |
| 6 to 8 | 23" |
| 8 to 10 | 25" |
| 9 to 11+ | 26" |
| 11+ (adult) | 27" |
A child is ready for an adult 27" racket when they're tall and strong enough to swing it without dropping the head, usually around 11 or 12.
Grip size and grip style
Players who use semi-western or western forehand grips for heavy topspin often prefer a slightly smaller handle, because it lets the wrist move more freely. Players with an eastern or continental grip, and many doubles players who volley a lot, often like a fuller handle for stability. Start from your measurement, then fine-tune with overgrips.
Signs your grip is the wrong size
- Too big: your forearm tires quickly, you struggle to snap your wrist on serves, and the racket feels clumsy at the net.
- Too small: the racket twists in your hand on off-center hits, and you squeeze hard to keep control.
- Either: elbow or forearm soreness after play can be a sign. See our tennis elbow braces guide if it's already bothering you.
Tennis grip size for kids
Most junior rackets (19" to 26") come with a size 0 grip, 4" around, which fits most children's hands. When a child moves up to a 27" adult racket, usually around 11 to 13, measure their hand with the ruler method above. Many teens start on size 1 (4 1/8") or size 2 (4 1/4") and move up as their hands grow. Overgrips make it easy to adjust between sizes as they grow.
Replacement grip vs overgrip: what's the difference?
A replacement grip is the cushioned base layer wrapped directly on the handle. It sets the feel and comfort, and it's replaced every few months to a year. An overgrip is a thin layer wrapped on top, changed often (every few sessions for regular players), mainly for tack and sweat. Swapping a thick replacement grip for a thin one changes the size slightly. Adding an overgrip changes it about half a size.
Women's and men's tennis grip sizes
There are no separate "women's" grip sizes, only hand sizes. As a rough guide, many women use size 1 or 2 and many men use size 2, 3 or 4. Always measure, because a woman with long fingers may need a size 3, and a man with smaller hands may be best on size 2.
Does grip size affect spin and power?
Indirectly. A grip that fits lets you hold the racket loosely, and a loose, relaxed arm creates more racket-head speed, which means more power and spin. A grip that's too big restricts wrist movement on serves and topspin. One that's too small makes you squeeze, which tightens the arm and slows the swing.
How to wrap an overgrip
- Peel off the backing, and start at the butt cap with the tapered end of the overgrip.
- Wrap upward at a slight angle, overlapping each turn by about 1/8".
- Keep light tension, so the grip stays smooth without wrinkles.
- Stop near the top of the handle, cut off any extra, and secure it with the finishing tape.
Right-handed players usually wrap clockwise from the bottom, and left-handed players counterclockwise, so the overlap edge doesn't catch your palm.
Choosing a racket once you know your grip size
Most rackets are sold in several grip sizes, so pick your size on the listing before you add it to the cart. New players do best with a larger head (100 sq in or more) and a light-to-medium weight for easy power. See our picks in the best tennis rackets for beginners guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my tennis grip size?
Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. That length in inches is close to your grip size.
Should I size up or down if I am between sizes?
Choose the smaller size and add an overgrip. You can build a grip up, but you can't make it smaller.
Is grip size 2 or 3 more common?
Size 2 (4 1/4") is very common for women and smaller hands, and size 3 (4 3/8") is very common for men.
Does an overgrip change my grip size?
A little. An overgrip adds roughly 1/16 inch around the handle, which is about half a size.
What grip size do junior rackets use?
Most junior rackets come in a size 0 (4") grip.
Does grip size matter for tennis elbow?
A grip that is too small or too large can increase forearm strain. The right size helps you hold the racket with less tension.
Is pickleball grip size the same as tennis?
The idea is the same, but pickleball paddles usually come in about 4 to 4.5 inch grips. Use our pickleball paddle finder for a paddle grip.
What grip size is 4 1/4?
4 1/4 inches is grip size 2, or L2 in European sizing.
What is the most common tennis grip size?
Size 2 (4 1/4") for women and size 3 (4 3/8") for men are the most common, but always measure your own hand.
Do Wilson, Babolat and Head use the same grip sizes?
Yes. Major brands use the same US (0 to 5) and European (L0 to L5) grip size system, though handle shapes feel slightly different.
How much does an overgrip add?
About 1/16 inch, which is roughly half a grip size.
What size tennis grip for a 12-year-old?
Measure their hand. Many 12-year-olds on adult rackets use size 0 or 1 (4" to 4 1/8"), and an overgrip helps if they're between sizes.
