Tennis grip sizes run from L0 (4 inches) to L5 (4 5/8 inches). To find yours, measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger; the length in inches is roughly your grip size. Most adult women use L1 or L2 and most adult men L2 to L4. When between sizes, choose the smaller grip and build it up with an overgrip.
The right grip size makes a racquet comfortable and easier to control. It is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing a racquet.
Grip size chart
| US size | European size | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| L0 | 0 | 4 in |
| L1 | 1 | 4 1/8 in |
| L2 | 2 | 4 1/4 in |
| L3 | 3 | 4 3/8 in |
| L4 | 4 | 4 1/2 in |
| L5 | 5 | 4 5/8 in |
How to measure your grip size
The ruler method
- Open your hitting hand with fingers together.
- Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger.
- The length in inches is roughly your grip size. For example, 4 3/8 inches suggests L3.
The finger test
Hold the racquet with an eastern forehand grip. You should be able to fit the index finger of your other hand in the gap between your fingertips and the base of your thumb. If there’s no room, the grip is too small; if there’s a large gap, it’s too big.
Between sizes?
Choose the smaller size. You can build up a grip with an overgrip or a heat-shrink sleeve, but making a grip smaller is difficult.
Adjusting your grip
- Overgrip: thin wrap over the existing grip; adds about half a size and adds tack.
- Replacement grip: swapping the base grip changes feel and size slightly.
- Heat-shrink sleeve: fitted by a stringer to add a full size.
Juniors
Junior racquets usually come in smaller grip sizes, often L0 or below. Fit the racquet length to the child’s height first, then check the grip.
Common questions
What happens if my grip is too small?
You may squeeze harder to stop the racquet twisting, which can tire your forearm and contribute to arm strain.
What happens if my grip is too big?
It can limit wrist movement, making it harder to generate spin and switch grips quickly.
How much does an overgrip add?
One overgrip adds roughly 1/16 of an inch, about half a grip size. Two overgrips add about a full size.