Tennis Grip Size Guide: How to Measure and Choose the Right Size
Serving Aces
Grip size is the most overlooked part of buying a racquet.
Too small, and you squeeze harder to stop it twisting. That tension runs straight up your forearm.
Too big, and it's hard to snap your wrist and change grips quickly.
The good news: it takes about 30 seconds to work out your size.
We'll cover:
- The tennis grip size chart
- Two easy ways to measure your hand
- What to do if you're between sizes
- Overgrips and replacement grips
Quick answer: Most adult women use a grip size 1 or 2. Most adult men use a 2 or 3. If you're between sizes, choose the smaller one and build it up with an overgrip.
Tennis grip size chart
| Size (AU/EU) | US size (inches) | Approx. (mm) | Typical player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | about 101mm | Juniors and small hands |
| 1 | 4 1/8 | about 105mm | Many women, smaller hands |
| 2 | 4 1/4 | about 108mm | Many women and some men |
| 3 | 4 3/8 | about 111mm | Many men |
| 4 | 4 1/2 | about 114mm | Larger hands |
| 5 | 4 5/8 | about 117mm | Very large hands, less common |
You'll see both numbers on racquets in Australia. The size is usually printed on the butt cap at the end of the handle.
How to measure your grip size
Method 1: the ruler test
- Open your hitting hand, fingers together.
- Find the middle crease of your palm, the line that runs across it.
- Measure from that crease to the tip of your ring finger.
The measurement in inches roughly equals your grip size in inches. Around 4 1/4 inches means a size 2, around 4 3/8 means a size 3.
Method 2: the finger test
Hold a racquet with your normal forehand grip.
Now try to slide the index finger of your other hand into the gap between your fingertips and your palm.
- Your finger just fits: the size is right.
- No room: the grip is too small.
- Lots of room: the grip is too big.
Between sizes? Go smaller
It's easy to make a grip bigger. It's very hard to make one smaller.
An overgrip adds a little thickness, roughly half a size. A heat-shrink sleeve under the grip can add a full size.
So if you're between a 2 and a 3, most players are better off buying the 2 and adding an overgrip.
Tip: A grip that's too small is one of the most common causes of forearm and elbow soreness we see. If your arm aches, check your grip size first. Then read our guide to racquets for tennis elbow.
Overgrips vs replacement grips
| Overgrip | Replacement grip | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A thin wrap over the existing grip | The base grip that goes straight onto the handle |
| Thickness | Thin | Thicker and cushioned |
| How often | Every few weeks for regular players | Every few months, or when it's worn and slippery |
| Why | Fresh tack and sweat absorption, adds a little size | Comfort and cushioning |
In a Melbourne summer, a fresh, absorbent overgrip makes a big difference to how secure your racquet feels. Shop tennis grips and overgrips.
Junior grip sizes
Most junior racquets come in one small grip size, usually around a 0. As your child moves into an adult racquet, measure them again. See our junior racquet size guide.
Still not sure?
Come into our Moonee Ponds shop and hold a few racquets. We'll check your size in seconds, fit an overgrip if you need it and string your racquet through our racquet restringing service.
Browse tennis racquets or read our guide to the best tennis racquets.
Quick questions
What grip size should a woman use in tennis?
Most adult women use a size 1 or 2 (4 1/8 or 4 1/4 inches). Measure your hand to be sure.
What grip size should a man use in tennis?
Most adult men use a size 2 or 3 (4 1/4 or 4 3/8 inches). Larger hands may need a 4.
Is it better to have a smaller or bigger tennis grip?
If you're between sizes, go smaller. You can add an overgrip to build it up, but you can't easily make a grip smaller.
Does an overgrip change grip size?
Yes, slightly. An overgrip adds roughly half a size.