How To Measure Your Tennis Grip Size?
Choosing the right tennis grip size is one of the most overlooked steps when buying a new racket — but it can make a huge difference in your performance and comfort on the court. A properly fitted grip helps you maintain control during rallies, hit with better accuracy, and protect yourself from common injuries like tennis elbow, wrist strain, or blisters.
Many players in Canada — from beginners to intermediates — make the mistake of selecting a racket based only on weight or head size, without considering grip size. The result? A racket that feels awkward in the hand, causes fatigue, or makes it harder to generate spin and power.
The good news is that measuring your grip size is simple, quick, and something you can do at home before purchasing a racket. In this guide, we’ll explain what grip size means, how to measure it correctly, and what happens if you choose the wrong size. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick the perfect fit — and play more comfortably every time you step on the court.
What Is Tennis Grip Size?
The tennis grip size is the circumference of your racket handle, measured in inches. In simple terms, it’s how thick the handle feels in your hand. Choosing the right size ensures you can hold the racket comfortably without squeezing too tightly or feeling like the handle is slipping.
Tennis Grip Size Measurements
-
In North America, grip sizes are measured in inches, ranging from 4” to 4 ¾”.
-
In Europe, the same sizes are often shown as numbers (L0–L5). For example:
-
4 ⅛” = Grip Size 1 (L1)
-
4 ⅜” = Grip Size 3 (L3)
-
4 ½” = Grip Size 4 (L4)
-
Why Grip Size Matters?
-
Too Small: You’ll need to grip tighter, which can cause wrist strain, tennis elbow, or blisters.
-
Too Large: Harder to maneuver the racket, less spin, and more fatigue in the forearm.
💡 Tip: If you’re unsure between two grip sizes, choose the smaller one — you can always add an overgrip to increase thickness, but it’s difficult to make a large grip smaller.
Methods to Measure Your Tennis Grip Size
There are two easy and reliable ways to determine your grip size at home: the Ruler Test and the Index Finger Test.
Method 1: The Ruler Test
This is the most accurate way to measure your tennis grip size.
Steps:
-
Open your playing hand flat (palm up).
-
Place a ruler so it aligns with the bottom crease of your palm.
-
Measure from that crease up to the tip of your ring finger.
-
The measurement (in inches) corresponds to your grip size.
Example:
-
If the distance is 4 ⅜ inches, your grip size is 4 ⅜” (Grip Size 3 / L3).
Method 2: The Index Finger Test
This test helps confirm if your grip size feels right with a racket in hand.
Steps:
-
Hold a racket with your dominant hand using an eastern forehand grip (like a handshake).
-
Place the index finger of your other hand in the space between your fingers and palm.
-
If your finger fits snugly, the grip is correct.
-
If there’s too much space, the grip is too large.
-
If your finger doesn’t fit, the grip is too small.
-
Tennis Grip Size Chart
|
Hand Length (inches) |
Grip Size (inches) |
European Size |
|
4 ⅛” |
4 ⅛” |
L1 |
|
4 ¼” |
4 ¼” |
L2 |
|
4 ⅜” |
4 ⅜” |
L3 |
|
4 ½” |
4 ½” |
L4 |
|
4 ¾” |
4 ¾” |
L5 |
💡 Tip: Many Canadian shops carry demo rackets — testing a couple of sizes before buying ensures maximum comfort.
Tennis Grip Size Chart
Using the wrong grip size might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can lead to discomfort, bad technique, and even injuries. Here’s what can happen:
Too Small a Grip
-
Extra strain on wrist & forearm – You’ll need to squeeze harder to keep the racket stable, which can cause tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
-
More spin potential – While smaller grips allow players to generate extra spin, beginners often overdo it, leading to control issues.
-
Blisters & calluses – Constant friction from over-gripping can irritate the skin.
Too Large a Grip
-
Reduced maneuverability – Harder to adjust quickly during volleys and fast rallies.
-
Less spin – A bigger grip limits wrist action, which reduces topspin potential.
-
More fatigue – Heavier feeling in the hand and forearm, leading to faster tiredness during long matches.
💡 Takeaway: Playing with the wrong grip size not only makes the game less enjoyable, but it can also hold back your development as a player. That’s why measuring properly — and double-checking with a demo racket if possible — is worth the effort.
What Happens if You Choose the Wrong Grip Size?
The good news is that grip size isn’t set in stone. If your racket feels a little too small or too large, there are simple ways to make adjustments without buying a completely new frame.
Making the Grip Larger
-
Overgrips:
-
The easiest and cheapest solution.
-
Each overgrip adds about 1/16 inch to the handle.
-
Great for players who like a cushioned feel and want extra sweat absorption.
-
-
Replacement Grips:
-
Thicker than overgrips and can add more bulk.
-
Often used together with overgrips for a comfortable, slightly larger handle.
-
-
Professional Build-Up:
-
A racquet technician can install a heat-shrink sleeve under the grip.
-
Each sleeve typically increases the grip size by 1 full size (⅛ inch).
-
Making the Grip Smaller
-
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to reduce a grip size once it’s manufactured.
-
The only option is to remove a replacement grip and use just an overgrip — but this makes the handle less cushioned and less durable.
Key Takeaway
It’s much easier to increase a grip size than to reduce one. That’s why many coaches recommend buying a racket with a slightly smaller grip and adjusting upward if needed.
💡 Tip for Canadian players: If you’re unsure about your size, choose the smaller option and add an overgrip from local shops or from TennisNetPro — affordable, quick, and customizable.
Can You Adjust Your Grip Size?
Finding the right tennis grip size isn’t just about numbers on a chart — it’s about comfort, feel, and long-term playability. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re shopping for rackets in Canada:
-
Demo Before You Buy
-
Many Canadian tennis clubs and retailers (including Tennis Canada–affiliated shops) offer demo programs.
-
Testing different grip sizes in real rallies is the best way to know what feels right.
-
-
Start Smaller, Adjust Later
-
Since it’s easier to add an overgrip than reduce grip size, choose the smaller option if you’re between two sizes.
-
-
Account for Canadian Seasons
-
In summer, sweaty hands may make smaller grips feel slippery — so overgrips can help.
-
In winter, when you’re often playing indoors with drier air, comfort and cushioning become more important.
-
-
Juniors and Growing Players
-
Junior players should start with smaller grip sizes that fit their hands now.
-
As they grow, overgrips or upgrades to a larger racket handle can be added.
-
-
Comfort Comes First
-
The right grip size prevents injuries and maximizes control — but the “best size” is the one that feels natural to you.
-
💡 Canadian Tip: If you’re unsure, visit TennisNetPro or your local pro shop — expert staff can measure your hand and recommend the perfect grip size for your next racket.
7. Final Tips for Canadian Players
-
Measure twice: Do both the Ruler Test and the Index Finger Test to confirm your size before buying.
-
Between sizes? Go smaller: It’s much easier to add an overgrip (+≈1/16") than to shrink a handle.
-
Plan for seasons:
-
Summer/outdoors: Sweat = slippery. Use tacky, absorbent overgrips and consider a half-size smaller plus an overgrip.
-
Winter/indoors: Air is drier. A cushioned replacement grip can boost comfort and reduce vibration.
-
-
Demo locally: Test two nearby sizes at a Tennis Canada–affiliated club or TennisNetPro—5–10 minutes of rallies tells you a lot.
-
Juniors & growing hands: Recheck grip size every 6–12 months; add overgrips as a low-cost bridge between sizes.
-
History of elbow/wrist pain: Avoid grips that feel too small (they force over-gripping). Pair the right size with softer strings/lower tension and a vibration-dampening setup.
-
Keep spares in your bag: Overgrips, a small towel, and alcohol wipes (to clean the handle) keep your grip consistent match to match.
-
Log your setup: Note racket, base grip, number of overgrips, and feel. Replicating a comfy setup saves time (and your arm).
Ready to size up? Check demos, grips, and overgrips at TennisNetPro to dial in the perfect feel 🇨🇦.
Conclusion
Your tennis grip size is more than just a number — it’s the foundation of your comfort, control, and long-term performance on the court. Choosing the wrong size can lead to fatigue, blisters, or even injury, while the right size helps you swing with confidence, generate power, and stay consistent across long rallies.
Thankfully, measuring your grip size is simple with the Ruler Test or Index Finger Test, and adjustments can easily be made with overgrips or professional build-ups. For Canadian players, trying demo rackets and considering seasonal conditions can make all the difference in finding that perfect fit.
Don’t underestimate this small detail — your grip size could be the key to unlocking better accuracy, more comfort, and more wins.