When you’re shopping for a tennis racket, you want to be sure you have the right grip size. Not having the correct grip size can impact your game in many ways.
We’re going to take a look at why tennis racket grip size is so important as well as what measurements you need to help you determine the appropriate grip size.
Why Tennis Racket Grip Size is Important
When you have the right tennis grip size, it will not only feel comfortable but will also help you in your game.
If you have a grip that’s too small, it may twist or rotate when you hit the ball. This can lead to blisters and strain on your arm. Eventually, you may end up with tennis elbow. You may also experience the ball slipping from your hand, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
You also don’t want too large a grip. This can be awkward to hold, require more muscle strength, and can put unnecessary strain on your hand, wrist, and arm. It can also make it more difficult when you need to change grips quickly or when you want to snap your wrist for a shot.
How Grip Size is Measured For Tennis Rackets
To measure the grip size for your tennis racket, you’ll want to measure the circumference around the handle. This includes the pre-installed stock grip which typically ranges from 4 inches to 4 3/4 inches.
As you shop, you’ll notice there are eight available grip sizes. They start at 3 7/8 inches and increase by 1/8 inch in size for up to 4 3/4 inches.
Look for the size of a tennis racquet’s grip listed on its butt cap at the bottom of the handle. Some brands list a number corresponding with the grip size while others will show the number and measurement.
How to Measure Your Tennis Racket Grip Size
Measuring your grip size doesn’t take a lot of tools. It’s pretty easy to do.
Tools Needed for Measuring Grip Size
Have a measuring tape or ruler handy to get started. Look at your dominant hand and notice the lines that run through the palm. You should notice two prominent lines in the middle of your palm. There is one that runs on top and one on the bottom, running horizontally from one side to the other.
Use your ruler or measuring tape and line it up vertically with your ring finger so that the bottom of the ruler lines up with the top horizontal line in your palm. Measure this to the tip of your ring finger.
The measurement should fall between 4 inches and 4 3/4 inches. It will correspond with a grip size ranging from 0 to 5. If you find you are between sizes and are ordering online, it’s best to go with a size smaller. Increasing the grip size is easier than decreasing it. If you are shopping in person, you can try both grip sizes to see which one is most comfortable for you.
Take a look at this tennis grip size chart for reference:
| Size | Inches | Millimeters |
| 00 | 3 3/8 | 98 |
| 0 | 4 | 102 |
| 1 | 4 1/8 | 105 |
| 2 | 4 1/4 | 108 |
| 3 | 4 3/8 | 111 |
| 4 | 4 1/2 | 114 |
| 5 | 4 5/8 | 118 |
| 6 | 4 3/4 | 121 |
Finding Your Perfect Tennis Racquet Grip Size
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grip Size
When you’re shopping for a tennis racquet, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind.
When you hold the racket, look at the gap between your fingers and your palm. Grab the handle with your dominant hand and note the size of the grip. With your other hand, place your index finger within the gap between your fingers and your palm. You want a grip where the space is about equal to the width of your index finger.
You also want to make sure that the handle is big enough so there is some space between the tips of your fingers and your hand. If your fingers go all the way around the handle and run back into your hand, you need a larger grip size.
Understanding the Role of Your Ring Finger
When you’re trying to determine the right tennis racquet grip size, you should pay attention to your ring finger. You should be able to fit the index finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between your ring finger and palm. If there isn’t enough room for your index finger, you have too small a grip and you need a bigger grip size. If there is too much space, you need a smaller grip size.
FAQs About Tennis Racket Grip Size
What Are the Most Common Tennis Racquet Grip Sizes?
The most common grip size is a size 3 or a 4 3/8″ grip. Many women tend to play with a grip size of 1-3. Men typically have a grip size of 3-5.
Can I Change the Grip Size on My Tennis Racket?
You can change the grip size on your tennis racket to suit your personal preference. It is generally easier to build a grip. This can be done by adding an overgrip to the top of your existing grip. This will add about 1/6 of an inch. You can add more if you’re looking for a larger grip.
You can also replace the racquet’s existing grip with a thicker replacement grip for some added thickness. Some people choose to remove the racquet’s grip and add a plastic heat shrink sleeve. These are available in half sizes of 1/16 of an inch and full sizes of 1/8 of an inch. Heat shrink sleeves allow you to increase the handle size while keeping clean bevel edges.
If you want to make your grip size smaller, you can replace the existing grip with a thinner one. Most racquets come with a thicker replacement grip for added comfort. But, thinner grips are available to reduce the grip size. When some tennis players go thinner, they may end up with more shock and vibration, which is less comfortable. The best idea is to try it out and see how it feels.
Shop North State For All Your Tennis Equipment Needs
North State Resurfacing is your source for all of your tennis equipment needs. From rackets to tennis court supplies and more, we have everything you need to get in the game. Our friendly customer service team is also available to answer any questions you may have about our products and to help you find the right racquet for the perfect fit.
Visit our North State Shop online to learn more about our extensive line of tennis products.