Bat size guide
Height is the best guide to bat size. Age helps if you don’t know the height.
| Bat size | Player height | Usual age |
|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | up to 4′3″ (130 cm) | 4–5 |
| Size 2 | 4′3″–4′6″ (130–137 cm) | 5–6 |
| Size 3 | 4′6″–4′9″ (137–145 cm) | 6–8 |
| Size 4 | 4′9″–4′11″ (145–150 cm) | 8–9 |
| Size 5 | 4′11″–5′2″ (150–157 cm) | 9–10 |
| Size 6 | 5′2″–5′4″ (157–163 cm) | 10–11 |
| Harrow | 5′4″–5′6″ (163–168 cm) | 12–13 |
| Academy (small adult) | 5′6″–5′8″ (168–173 cm) | 14–15 |
| Short Handle (SH) | 5′8″–6′2″ (173–188 cm) | 16+ |
| Long Handle (LH) | over 6′2″ (188 cm) | Adults |
A general guide used across the industry. Each brand’s sizes differ slightly, so try a bat in hand when you can.
Checking the fit
- Stand the bat next to the player’s leg, toe on the ground: the top of the handle should reach roughly the top of the thigh.
- Take a stance: the player should be able to tap the bat comfortably behind the back foot without stooping.
- Between two sizes, younger players usually do better with the smaller, lighter bat. A bat that’s too heavy slows the swing and spoils technique.
Before the first hard ball
A new leather-ball bat needs knocking-in first. See bat care and knocking for which package suits you.