How to Measure Your Tennis Grip Size
If you're not sure what your grip size is, follow these easy steps to ensure you're getting the correct tennis grip size.
The Effect of Grip Size on Tennis Performances
The right grip size makes a huge difference in how a tennis racket performs.
A too-small grip requires more muscle strength to keep the racket from twisting in your hand. Prolonged use of a grip that's too small can contribute to tennis elbow problems.
A grip that's too large inhibits wrist snap on serves, makes changing grips more difficult and also requires more muscle strength. Prolonged use of a grip that's too big can also contribute to tennis elbow problems.
Measure Your Grip Size: Two Easy Ways
1. Holding an eastern forehand grip (the palm is placed against the same bevel as the string face), you should be able to fit the index finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between your ring finger and palm.
- If there isn't enough room for your index finger, the grip is too small.
- If there is space between your finger and palm, the grip is too big.
2. If you don't have a racket handy, you can also measure your grip size using a ruler. With your hand open and fingers extended close together, align the ruler with the bottom lateral crease of your palm and measure to the tip of your ring finger.
Grip Size Chart
| US Grip Size (in inches) | Grip Size (in cm) | European Size |
| 4* | 10 | 0 |
| 4 1/8 | 10,5 | 1 |
| 4 1/4 | 10,8 | 2 |
| 4 3/8 | 11,1 | 3 |
| 4 1/2 | 11,4 | 4 |
| 4 5/8 | 11,7 | 5 |
| 4 3/4** | 12 | 6 |
*Size 4 grip is generally seen for junior rackets.
**Size 4 3/4 grips are not often seen any longer. The trend has shifted to smaller grip sizes.
What if I'm in Between Sizes?
It's easier to increase handle size on most rackets. In fact, the majority of today's lightweight rackets' handles cannot be reduced in size. If you're between grip sizes, go with the smaller size and add an overgrip to arrive at the ideal fit. A typical overgrip will increase a grip by 1.6 mm.
You can also use a heat-shrink sleeve to increase grip by half a grip size or by one full grip size. In this latter case, using a heat shrink will increase grip size by 3 mm.
Both methods will increase overall racket weight slightly (7-16 grams), but the benefits of a correct grip size far "outweigh" the disadvantages of this added mass.
We also recommend you replace your grip regularly. A fresh, properly wrapped grip provides you with better racket control and increased confidence.