Grip size is the least glamorous number on a racket, and one of the most important. A handle that does not fit your hand affects every single shot: too small and you squeeze to stop it twisting; too big and your wrist cannot move freely. Both force the forearm to work harder than it should, which is why a wrong grip size is a frequent factor in arm pain.
The good news is that measuring takes two minutes and needs nothing more than a ruler.
Grip size conversion table
Grip size is the circumference of the handle. Europe uses a number from 0 to 5 (sometimes written L0–L5), the US uses inches in eighths.
| EU size | US size (inches) | Circumference (approx.) | Typical user |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 0/8 (4) | 102 mm | Teenagers, small hands |
| 1 | 4 1/8 | 105 mm | Many women, teenagers |
| 2 | 4 2/8 (4 1/4) | 108 mm | Larger hands (women), smaller hands (men) |
| 3 | 4 3/8 | 111 mm | Many men |
| 4 | 4 4/8 (4 1/2) | 114 mm | Large hands |
| 5 | 4 5/8 | 117 mm | Very large hands (rare in shops) |
Each step is one eighth of an inch, roughly 3 mm of circumference. Junior rackets usually come in a single small grip, often around size 0 or smaller, and are not measured the same way.
Method 1: the ruler test
- Open your dominant hand flat, fingers together.
- Find the second-largest crease across your palm (the middle horizontal line).
- Measure with a ruler from that crease up to the tip of your ring finger, along the line of the finger.
- The distance in inches (or centimetres divided by 2.54) is approximately your grip size: about 4 1/4 inches means size 2, about 4 3/8 means size 3, and so on.
This method is quick and works well for most adults. If you land between two sizes, read on before deciding.
Method 2: the finger test (with a racket)
If you can hold a racket — yours, a friend's or a demo frame in a shop — the finger test is a useful check:
- Hold the racket with an eastern forehand grip (roughly as if shaking hands with the handle).
- Look at the gap between your fingertips and the base of your thumb, on the palm.
- Slide the index finger of your other hand into that gap.
If the finger fits snugly, the size is right. If there is no room — your fingertips dig into your palm — the grip is too small. If there is a clear space beyond the width of a finger, it is too big.
Between sizes? Choose the smaller one. You can always build a grip up with an overgrip or a heat-shrink sleeve, but you cannot easily make a handle thinner. Many advanced players also prefer a slightly smaller grip for easier wrist action on serves and topspin.
Signs your grip size is wrong
Grip too small
- The racket twists in your hand on off-centre hits.
- You squeeze hard to keep control, and your forearm tires quickly.
- Calluses or blisters appear where your fingertips press into the palm.
Grip too big
- Changing grips (from forehand to backhand or serve) feels slow and awkward.
- You struggle to snap the wrist on serves or generate topspin.
- Your hand feels stretched and the base of the thumb aches.
Persistent elbow or forearm pain deserves more than an equipment fix — see a doctor or physiotherapist — but grip size is one of the first things to check. Our arm-friendly racket and string setup guide covers the other equipment factors.
Overgrips, replacement grips and sleeves
A racket handle has layers: the plastic or foam handle shape, a replacement grip (the base grip, glued on at the factory), and optionally an overgrip wrapped on top.
- Overgrips are thin, cheap and quick to change. They keep the handle tacky or absorbent and add roughly half a size. Many club players change them every few sessions.
- Replacement grips are thicker and cushioned. Swapping a thin one for a thick one can add up to half a size, and adds comfort.
- Heat-shrink sleeves fitted by a stringer increase the size by a full step. They are the clean way to go up a size permanently.
Going down a size is harder: you can remove the overgrip, use the thinnest replacement grip available, or in some cases have a specialist shave the handle — which is generally not recommended.
Grip size and shape across brands
Two rackets marked with the same size can feel different in the hand. Brands use slightly different handle shapes: some are more rectangular with pronounced bevels, others rounder. If you are switching brands, try the new racket before buying, or at least hold one in the shop. The difference is usually subtle, but players with sensitive hands notice it.
Children and teenagers
Junior rackets (19 to 26 inches long) are sold mainly by length, with a small standard grip. Choose the length for the child's height first — our junior racket size guide explains how. When a teenager moves to a full-length adult racket, size 0 or 1 is common at first, and they may need to go up a size later as their hand grows.
Quick checklist
- Measure with the ruler test, confirm with the finger test.
- If in doubt, go smaller and add an overgrip.
- Check the size printed on the butt cap of any racket you buy, especially second-hand ones.
- Reassess if you develop forearm or elbow discomfort.
With the right grip size sorted, the rest of the racket choice becomes easier — continue with our racket buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What grip size do most adults use?
Most adult women play with grip size 1 or 2 (4 1/8 or 4 1/4 inches) and most adult men with size 2 or 3 (4 1/4 or 4 3/8 inches). Hand size varies a lot, though, so measure rather than guess.
Is it better to have a grip that is too small or too big?
If you are between sizes, choose the smaller one. An overgrip adds roughly half a size, and a heat-shrink sleeve can add more, but there is no easy way to make a handle thinner.
Does an overgrip change my grip size?
Yes, a little. A standard overgrip adds roughly 1/16 inch (about half a size). Two overgrips, or an overgrip on top of a thick replacement grip, can take you up a full size.
Where is the grip size written on a racket?
On the butt cap at the bottom of the handle, or on a sticker on the throat. It usually shows the European number (for example "L2" or "2") and often the US size (for example "4 1/4").