Use age and height as guides, then check how the racquet sits beside the child. The LTA groups junior frames from 17 to 27 inches by age and says the tip should reach the ankle when held down by the player's side. Check the exact brand chart too, because junior ranges overlap and children grow at different rates.
The right junior racquet is long enough for the child’s reach and still comfortable to swing. Age charts narrow the options, but an in-person length check helps when the child falls between sizes.
Junior racquet lengths by age
| Age guide from the LTA | Racquet length | Ball stage listed by the LTA |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or under | 17 to 21 in | Red |
| 8 to 9 | 21 to 25 in | Orange |
| 9 to 10 | 25 to 26 in | Green |
| 10+ | 26 to 27 in | Green or yellow |
| Adult | 27 in | Yellow |
The age bands overlap because children differ in height, coordination and experience. The table is a guide from the LTA, not a rule for every model. The USTA’s racquet guide also explains that several lengths can suit the same age group.
Check the length in person
Have the child stand upright with both arms relaxed by their sides. They can hold the racquet with the head pointing down. The LTA’s check is for the racquet tip to reach the child’s ankle. If the frame feels difficult to handle, compare the next shorter size before choosing.
Check the exact model before sizing up
Manufacturers can use different age and height bands. Yonex publishes model-specific height and length information for its junior racquets, while Babolat’s official help chart maps child height to racquet lengths and model examples. Use the size chart for the specific racquet you are considering, then check that the child can swing it with control. A chart from one brand should not be applied as the exact fit rule for every other brand.
The tennis racquet buying guide covers adult frame specs, and the tennis grip size chart explains handle fit after you have chosen a length. Browse the tennis category for more equipment advice.
Keep padel sizing separate
This chart is for tennis racquets. Padel uses its own junior models, profiles and manufacturer fit guidance, so a tennis age band or length chart does not size a padel frame. HEAD’s padel guide uses separate Monster and Junior model groups and recommends checking the player’s current fit before moving to an adult racket. Use our junior padel racket sizing guide for that sport.
Sources
- LTA: Tennis equipment for kids (accessed November 5, 2026)
- USTA: Find the right tennis racquet size (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Yonex: Junior tennis racquets (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Babolat: Junior racquet length by child height (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Babolat: Junior tennis racquets (accessed November 5, 2026)
- HEAD: How to Choose a Padel Racquet for Kids (accessed November 5, 2026)
Common questions
What size tennis racquet does my child need?
Use the LTA age and length chart as a guide, then check the exact racquet against the child's height and ability to swing it comfortably. Junior frames commonly run from 17 to 26 inches, with 27 inches the adult length.
How do I check whether a junior racquet is the right length?
Have the child stand with arms relaxed and hold the racquet down by their side. The LTA says the tip should reach the ankle.
Should I choose a racquet by age or height?
Use both as context, but check the child with the actual racquet. The LTA says sizing is a guide rather than a rule, and manufacturer charts may differ.
When should a junior move to a 27-inch racquet?
Move when the child can control and swing the full-length frame comfortably. Compare the 26- and 27-inch options in person and follow the manufacturer's guidance for the exact model.