How to find your tennis racket grip size
TenisRaketi Editör Ekibi · Updated October 2026
Short answer
Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. About 10.8 cm means L2 and 11.1 cm means L3. If you fall between two sizes, choose the smaller one and add an overgrip if needed.
In this guide
Grip size is the circumference of the racket handle. The right size lets your wrist move freely; the wrong size makes hitting harder and can lead to elbow pain. In Europe sizes run from L0 to L5; in the US the same sizes are written in inches.
Grip size chart
Europe | US | Circumference | Typical for |
|---|---|---|---|
L0 | 4" | 101.6 mm | Small hands, juniors |
L1 | 4 1/8" | 104.8 mm | Most women, juniors |
L2 | 4 1/4" | 108.0 mm | Women and men with small hands |
L3 | 4 3/8" | 111.1 mm | Most men |
L4 | 4 1/2" | 114.3 mm | Large hands |
L5 | 4 5/8" | 117.5 mm | Very large hands, rare |
The difference between sizes is about 3 mm. It sounds small but you clearly feel it in the hand.
Measuring with a ruler
- Open the hand you play with, fingers together.
- Find the second horizontal crease in the middle of your palm (the one running under your ring finger).
- Place the ruler on that crease and measure to the tip of your ring finger.
- Compare the result with the ranges below.
Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
10.0–10.3 cm | L0 |
10.3–10.6 cm | L1 |
10.6–10.9 cm | L2 |
10.9–11.3 cm | L3 |
11.3–11.6 cm | L4 |
Over 11.6 cm | L5 |
This gives a close estimate, not an exact answer. If you can, confirm it by holding a racket.
Testing with a racket in hand
Hold the racket with a forehand (eastern) grip. Put the index finger of your other hand into the gap between your fingertips and your palm.
- If the finger fits snugly, the grip is right.
- If there is no gap or the finger does not fit, the grip is too small.
- If there is more room than a finger, the grip is too big.
If you are between two sizes
Choose the smaller one. An overgrip adds about half a size, and a second overgrip or a heat-shrink sleeve gets close to a full size. Making a grip thinner is almost impossible.
A smaller grip leaves the wrist freer and makes spin easier. A grip that is far too small makes you squeeze the racket and tires the arm.
Signs of the wrong size
- If the racket twists in your hand after contact, the grip may be too small.
- If you have to squeeze hard or your forearm burns, the grip may be too small.
- If you cannot use your wrist on serves and volleys, the grip may be too big.
Once you know your grip size it stays the same for every racket. To pick the racket itself, see the guide to choosing a tennis racket.
Frequently asked questions
What grip size do women use?
Most women use L1 or L2. Hand size matters more than gender, so measure to be sure.
What grip size do men use?
Most men use L3, and men with large hands L4. If unsure, take L2 and add an overgrip.
Do I need to choose a grip size for a junior racket?
No. Junior rackets usually come in one grip size (L0 or thinner). For junior rackets, length is what matters.
Does an overgrip change the grip size?
Slightly. One overgrip makes the handle about half a size thicker.