Updated October 28, 2026 · 8 min read
We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Size guide · 2026
What size bat for my child?
The right bat helps your child swing faster, make more contact and have more fun. The wrong bat, usually one that is too long or too heavy, slows the swing and builds bad habits.
A bat has two numbers that matter: length in inches and drop, which tells you how light it is. Use the charts below to find both by age, height and weight, then check our pick for each age.
Baseball bat size chart by age
| Age | Bat length | Usual drop |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 5 | 24 to 25 in | -12 to -13 (T-ball) |
| 6 to 7 | 25 to 27 in | -11 to -13 |
| 8 to 9 | 27 to 28 in | -10 to -12 |
| 10 | 28 to 29 in | -10 to -11 |
| 11 to 12 | 29 to 31 in | -8 to -11 |
| 13 to 14 | 30 to 32 in | -5 to -8 |
| 15 and up | 31 to 34 in | -3 (BBCOR) |
Age is only a starting point. Height and weight matter more, so check the next chart too. Our bat size calculator does the math for you.
Bat size chart by height and weight
| Height | Under 60 lb | 60 to 80 lb | 81 to 100 lb | 101 to 120 lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft to 3 ft 4 in | 26 in | 27 in | – | – |
| 3 ft 5 in to 3 ft 8 in | 27 in | 27 in | 28 in | – |
| 3 ft 9 in to 4 ft | 28 in | 28 in | 29 in | 29 in |
| 4 ft 1 in to 4 ft 4 in | 28 in | 29 in | 29 in | 30 in |
| 4 ft 5 in to 4 ft 8 in | 29 in | 29 in | 30 in | 30 in |
| 4 ft 9 in to 5 ft | 29 in | 30 in | 30 in | 31 in |
| 5 ft 1 in to 5 ft 4 in | 30 in | 30 in | 31 in | 31 in |
If your child is between two sizes, pick the shorter bat. A shorter bat is easier to control, and young hitters gain more from bat speed than from length.
What size bat for each age
What size bat for a 4 or 5 year old?
A 24 to 25 inch T-ball bat with a -12 or -13 drop, weighing about 12 to 13 ounces. The Rawlings Raptor T-ball bat is a good pick.
What size bat for a 6 year old?
A 25 or 26 inch bat. Most 6 year olds still play T-ball or early coach pitch, so keep the drop at -11 or lighter.
What size bat for a 7 year old?
A 26 or 27 inch bat with a -11 to -13 drop. Coach pitch usually starts at this age, so a light bat helps your child catch up to faster pitches.
What size bat for an 8 year old?
A 27 or 28 inch bat with a -10 to -12 drop. The Rawlings Remix in 27 or 28 inches fits most 8 year olds.
What size bat for a 9 year old?
A 28 inch bat for most players, with a -10 to -11 drop. Bigger 9 year olds can go to 29 inches.
What size bat for a 10 year old?
A 28 or 29 inch bat with a -10 or -11 drop. Kid pitch starts for many 10 year olds, so pick a bat they can swing fast.
What size bat for an 11 year old?
A 29 or 30 inch bat. Strong 11 year olds in travel ball may use a -8 or -10 drop for more power.
What size bat for a 12 year old?
A 30 or 31 inch bat, usually -8 to -10. If your child will move to a big field next year, ask the coach about a -5 bat.
What is bat drop?
Drop is the bat’s length minus its weight in ounces. A 28 inch bat that weighs 18 ounces is a -10. The bigger the number, the lighter the bat. Young players should use lighter bats (-10 to -13) so they can swing level and fast. As kids get stronger, they move to heavier bats with a smaller drop. High school players must use BBCOR bats with a -3 drop.
Which bat stamp does my child need?
- USA Baseball stamp: needed for Little League, Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth, PONY and most rec leagues for kids under 14.
- USSSA stamp: used in many travel and tournament leagues. USSSA bats are often more powerful, but they are not allowed in Little League.
- BBCOR stamp: needed for high school and college baseball.
Always check your league’s rules before you buy. A bat without the right stamp can be taken out of a game.
Three quick tests to check bat size
- Chest test: Put the knob of the bat in the center of your child’s chest and point the bat out to the side. If their fingertips can reach the end of the barrel, the length is right.
- Side test: Stand the bat next to your child’s leg. The end of the bat should reach the middle of their palm when the arm hangs down.
- Arm test: Have your child hold the bat by the grip with one arm straight out to the side for 20 seconds. If the bat drops, it is too heavy.
Best baseball bats for each age
All four bats below carry the USA Baseball stamp. For more choices, see our guide to the best youth baseball bats.
Rawlings Raptor USA T-Ball Bat (-12)
You need this if: your child is in T-ball and needs a very light bat with a big sweet spot.
- Lengths24 to 26 in
- Drop-12
- StampUSA Baseball
- UseT-ball
Why we recommend it: It is light enough for small kids to swing level and fast, and it carries the USA Baseball stamp most T-ball leagues ask for. It is a low-cost first bat they will use for one or two seasons.
Keep in mind: It is made for T-ball and soft-toss. Move up to a coach pitch bat around age 7.
Rawlings Remix USA Baseball Bat
You need this if: your child plays coach pitch or early kid pitch and you want one good bat at a fair price.
- Lengths26 to 30 in
- Drop-10 to -12
- StampUSA Baseball
- Build1-piece alloy
Why we recommend it: It is a light, balanced alloy bat that helps young hitters make contact. It comes in many lengths, so it is easy to find the right size by age.
Keep in mind: It is not as powerful as premium bats. Stronger 10 to 12 year olds may want more pop.
Easton Quantum USA Baseball Bat
You need this if: your child is a strong hitter in kid pitch and wants a bat with more power.
- Lengths27 to 31 in
- Drop-11
- StampUSA Baseball
- BuildAlloy
Why we recommend it: It has a longer barrel and a balanced swing, so stronger kids can hit with more power without the bat feeling heavy.
Keep in mind: Check that the length fits before you order. A bat that is too long will slow the swing.
Louisville Slugger Solo 619 USA Bat (-11)
You need this if: your child plays a lot of games and you want a light bat with a smooth, low-sting feel.
- Lengths26 to 31 in
- Drop-11
- StampUSA Baseball
- Build1-piece alloy
Why we recommend it: It is very light and fast to swing, and many parents like how little it stings on mishits. It is a popular choice for Little League players.
Keep in mind: It costs more than the Remix. For young kids who will outgrow it fast, the Remix is better value.
Common bat size mistakes
- Buying a bat to grow into. A bat that is too long or heavy slows the swing and can cause a long, loopy swing that is hard to fix later.
- Choosing by length only. Two 28 inch bats can feel very different. Check the drop too.
- Ignoring the stamp. USSSA bats are not allowed in Little League, even if they are the right size.
- Copying a teammate. Every child is a different height and strength. Use the charts above for your child.
Next steps: find the right glove with our baseball glove size chart by age. Playing softball? See our softball bat size chart.
Alloy, composite or wood: which bat for kids?
Alloy (aluminum) bats are the best choice for most kids. They are ready to hit out of the wrapper, work in cold weather and cost less. All four bats in our picks are alloy.
Composite bats have a bigger sweet spot and less sting, but they cost more and need a break-in of 150 to 200 hits. They can crack in cold weather under 60°F. They make sense for older kids in travel ball who play a lot.
Wood bats are heavy for young kids and break more easily. Many coaches like them for practice with older players because they teach good contact, but they are not the best game bat for kids under 12.
When should my child move up a bat size?
Most kids move up one inch every one or two seasons. Check the bat at the start of each season with the three tests above. Signs it is time to size up:
- Your child grew 2 inches or more since you bought the bat.
- The bat passes the arm test with ease, and your child swings it very fast but hits weak grounders.
- The coach says your child is ready for a heavier drop.
- Your child moves to a bigger field or a new league with different bat rules.
Move up only one step at a time: one inch longer, or one ounce heavier, not both at once.
Full review: Looking at the Easton Quantum? Read our Easton Quantum review.
Related: See our best tee ball bats and best fastpitch softball bats.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What size bat for an 8 year old?
Usually a 27 or 28 inch bat with a -10 to -12 drop.
What size bat for a 10 year old?
Usually a 28 or 29 inch bat with a -10 or -11 drop.
What size bat for a 12 year old?
Usually a 30 or 31 inch bat with a -8 to -10 drop.
Is it OK to buy a bat one size too big?
No. A bat that is too long or heavy slows the swing. Buy the right size and size up next season.
What does -10 mean on a bat?
It is the drop: the bat’s length minus its weight. A 30 inch, 20 ounce bat is a -10.
What bat does my child need for Little League?
A bat with the USA Baseball stamp, sized for your child’s height and weight.
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
