Tennis Grip Size – 2 Steps to Determine Your Grip Size

By Lin
Last update:

Choosing the right tennis grip size is one of the crucial things to consider when beginning the tennis journey.

tennis grip size featured image

If you’re purchasing a new racquet and trying to find out exactly what your ideal tennis grip size is, then this article is for you! 

Table of contents

  1. How to Measure Tennis Grip Size? (Step-by-Step Guide)
  2. Racquet Grip Size Chart
  3. How to Know If the Grip Size is Correct?
  4. How to Know If the Grip Size is Too Small or Big?
  5. How to Know the Grip Size on My Racquet?
  6. Why Does Grip Size Matter? (The Most Common Issue)

Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right tennis grip size.

How to Measure Tennis Grip Size? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1.

Measure the distance from the tip of your index finger to the lower crease on your palm using your dominant hand (which you will use for your forehand shots).

My hand is approximately 4 ¼ as shown in the photo.

Step 2.

According to the Racquet Grip Size Chart below, select the appropriate size. If you’re between two sizes, just choose one size down (since you can increase the handle thickness by adding an overgrip).

Racquet Grip Size Chart

US Grip Size (inches)Euro Grip Size
40
4 ⅛ 1
4 ¼ 2
4 ⅜ 3
4 ½ 4
4 ⅝ 5

The Most Common Sizes

– Men: 4 ¼ (2), 4 ⅜ (3)

– Women: 4 ⅛ (1), 4 ¼ (2), 4 ⅜ (3)

– Kids: 4 or less

How to Know If the Grip Size is Correct? 

Perfect Grip Size – the Pinky Index Rule.

When testing the grip size, hold your racquet with your dominant hand and see if your pinky or index finger fits just right between the fingertips and palm. That is the perfect grip size as shown below.

Pinky fits perfectly
The index finger fits perfectly

How to Know If the Grip Size is Too Small or Big?

If you can barely fit your pinky between your fingertips and palm, the grip is too small. Conversely, if you can fit your index finger between your fingertips and palm and there is still room, the grip is too big.

Too small: barely fit your pinky between fingertips & palm.
Too big: still have a little space between fingertips & palm.

How to Know the Grip Size on My Racquet?

The size of the grip is indicated by a label on the butt cap or throat of the racquet handle.

On the butt cap
On the throat of the racquet handle

Why Does Grip Size Matter? (The Most Common Issue)

Having a grip that is too small is the most common problem. Players typically have to squeeze the small grip extra tight, which is not the most effective method, and this will result in tension and fatigue in your wrist and arm.

Proper grip size will help you generate more racquet speed, as well as reduce the risk of wrist and arm injuries. One bonus tip for how to hold the racquet handle properly, check our article in Tennis Grips Guide.

What’s Next

Choosing your first racquet grip size or testing your current grip size is now simple thanks to our explanation of tennis grip size measurement. For more tips and guides on tennis, head over to our latest articles right now.

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AUTHOR

Editor of All Points Tennis and a huge Roger Federer fan, I've spent countless hours studying his moves, especially his forehand and one-handed backhand. I also love writing about all the technical stuff like rackets and strings. I'm super pumped to share my insights with fellow tennis lovers here.