About the Tennis Grip Size Calculator
This tennis grip size calculator turns a simple hand measurement into the racket grip size to buy. Measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger with your fingers held straight and together; that distance in inches is roughly the grip circumference that fits your hand.
The calculator shows the matching US size (4 to 4¾ inches), the European number (0 to 6), the grip circumference in millimetres and what the handle will measure with an overgrip added. You can enter the measurement in inches or centimetres, and choose whether to round to the nearest size or go down a size when you fall between two.
Most racket retailers advise going smaller when in doubt, because an overgrip or heat-shrink sleeve can build a handle up but a modern lightweight handle can rarely be reduced. A grip that fits well reduces the squeeze needed to hold the racket, which helps comfort and may lower strain on the forearm.
How to use the tennis grip size calculator
- 1Hold your hitting hand open with fingers straight and together.
- 2Measure from the bottom lateral crease of the palm to the tip of the ring finger.
- 3Enter the measurement in inches or centimetres.
- 4Choose whether to go smaller or round to the nearest size when between sizes.
- 5Read the recommended L size and confirm it with the index-finger test in a shop.
Formula and method
Tennis grip sizes are the circumference of the handle in inches, running in 1/8-inch steps from 4" (L0 or Europe 0) to 4¾" (L6). The palm-to-ring-finger measurement approximates the circumference your hand wraps comfortably, so the calculator converts it to eighths of an inch above 4 to get the size number. Centimetres are divided by 2.54 first.
In “go smaller” mode the calculator rounds down unless you are within 1/32" of the next size, following the common retailer advice to choose the smaller grip and build it up; “nearest” mode rounds to the closest size. An overgrip adds about 1/16" and a heat-shrink sleeve about 1/8". Different manufacturers’ handle shapes vary slightly, so try a racket in hand if you can.
- Size
- Grip circumference in inches (4 to 4¾)
- L
- Grip size number, 0–6 (same as the European number)
Worked examples
Adult hand measuring 4.4 inches
4.4" is 3.2 eighths above 4", just past the 4 3/8" size, so the calculator recommends L3 (Europe 3), a 111 mm circumference.
11.6 cm measurement, between sizes
11.6 cm ÷ 2.54 = 4.567", which sits between 4 1/2" and 4 5/8". Going smaller gives L4 (4 1/2"); an overgrip brings it close to 4 9/16".
Same hand, rounded to nearest
4.567" is 4.54 eighths above 4", which rounds to 5, so nearest-size mode picks L5 (4 5/8").
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my tennis grip size?+
Hold your hitting hand open with fingers together and measure from the bottom lateral crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. The length in inches, such as 4 3/8", is your approximate grip size.
What grip size do most adults use?+
Adult grips cluster in the middle of the 4" to 4¾" range, with women more often on L1–L3 and men on L2–L4, but hand size varies widely, so measure rather than guess.
Is it better to have a grip that is too small or too big?+
Retailers generally recommend going smaller, because you can increase a small grip with an overgrip (about 1/16") or heat-shrink sleeve (about 1/8"), while most modern handles cannot be made smaller.
What is the difference between L2 and L3?+
L2 is a 4 1/4" (108 mm) circumference and L3 is 4 3/8" (111 mm). In Europe they are labelled grip 2 and grip 3. The step between any two adjacent sizes is 1/8 inch.
Can a wrong grip size cause tennis elbow?+
A grip that does not fit can make you squeeze the handle harder to control the racket, adding strain on the forearm. A correct size is one of the simple equipment changes coaches suggest for arm comfort.