One of the most overlooked factors in racket selection. Get it right and your game improves. Get it wrong and your arm suffers.
VKS Rackets · Est. 1973 · London's Leading Racket Sports Specialist
Most players spend a lot of time choosing the right racket brand and weight, but grip size gets far less attention. It shouldn't. The grip is your only physical connection to the racket and getting the size right affects everything from how comfortable the racket feels to how likely you are to develop tennis elbow. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Section 01
Grip Sizes Explained
Tennis racket grips are sized by circumference. In the UK and Europe, adult rackets use a numbered system from 0 to 4. Here is what each one means and who it typically suits.
Grip
Size
Circumference
Typically suits
Grip 0
4”
100–103mm
Very small hands, juniors moving to adult rackets
Grip 1
4⅛”
103–106mm
Women and younger players with smaller hands
Grip 2
4¼”
106–110mm
Most popular for women, also suits some men
Grip 3
4⅜”
110–113mm
Most common men's size, also suits women with larger hands
Grip 4
4½”
113–116mm
Larger hands or players who prefer a thicker handle
VKS Advice: Most adult men start at Grip 3 and most adult women at Grip 2. But hand size varies significantly, so always measure rather than guess. If you are between sizes, go smaller and add an overgrip to build it up.
Section 02
Why Grip Size Matters
Grip size affects three things directly: how comfortable the racket feels, how well you can control it, and how much strain you put on your arm.
Too Small
Common problem
Your hand has to squeeze harder to keep the racket stable, causing excess muscle fatigue in the forearm. This is one of the leading causes of tennis elbow. The racket can also twist in your hand on off-centre hits, reducing control. You may also develop blisters from the handle moving against your palm.
Too Large
Less obvious but just as damaging
A grip that is too large reduces wrist mobility, making it harder to generate spin and making your shots feel rigid and flat. It can also force your wrist and shoulder into unnatural positions during play, increasing the risk of wrist, elbow and shoulder strain. Unlike a small grip, a large grip is very hard to fix.
Just Right
What to aim for
The racket feels like a natural extension of your arm. You can swing freely, generate power and spin without straining, and maintain a relaxed grip between shots. Your hand should never feel tense or fatigued after a normal session.
Section 03
How to Measure Your Grip Size
Method 1 - Finger Gap Test
The most reliable method, and the one we use in store at VKS.
1Hold a racket in your dominant hand using an Eastern forehand grip - base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the handle.
2With your other hand, try to slide your index finger into the gap between your ring finger tips and the base of your palm.
3Your finger should fit snugly with little or no room to spare. Too tight = grip too small. Too much space = grip too large.
VKS Advice: Come in store and we will measure your hand for you in under a minute. No guesswork, no ordering the wrong size. We are at 31 Bond Street, Ealing, Mon to Sat 9am to 6pm.
Section 04
What to Do if the Grip Isn't Right
The good news is that a grip that is too small is easy to fix. A grip that is too large is much harder to deal with, which is why sizing down is always the safer starting point.
Grip Too Small
Easy fix
Add an overgrip. These are thin, cushioned wraps that sit over the base grip, increasing the circumference by around 1.5mm (roughly half a size). They are inexpensive, easy to apply and available in a range of textures and thicknesses. You can stack two overgrips if needed, though adding more than two can make the handle feel spongy. We stock a wide range of overgrips in store at VKS.
Grip Too Large
Harder to fix
You cannot easily reduce the size of a grip. The best option is to try a smaller size racket. We do stock Babolat replacement grips that can reduce the original grip size by half a size, so it is worth asking us in store. In most cases though, if the grip is significantly too large, the right answer is to start with a smaller base size.
Replacing Grips
Maintenance
Overgrips should be replaced as soon as they feel slippery or lose cushioning, typically every 10 to 15 hours of play. Base grips last longer but should be replaced every few months for regular players. A worn grip can slip during play and lead to poor technique and extra arm strain. We fit replacement grips and overgrips in store while you wait.
Section 05
Quick Reference
Use this table to match your hand measurement to the recommended grip size. Measure from the tip of your ring finger to the middle crease of your palm.
Hand measurement
Recommended grip
Overgrip?
100–103mm
Grip 0 (4”)
Optional
103–106mm
Grip 1 (4⅛”)
Optional
106–110mm
Grip 2 (4¼”)
Recommended
110–113mm
Grip 3 (4⅜”)
Recommended
113–116mm
Grip 4 (4½”)
Optional
Things to Remember
Between sizes? Always go smaller and add an overgrip. You can build a grip up but not down.
Use overgrips? Factor this in. If you always play with an overgrip, start one size smaller than your measurement suggests.
Don't copy others. Grip size is personal. What works for your partner or favourite pro may not work for you.
Arm or elbow pain? Check your grip size first. It is one of the most common and most overlooked causes of tennis elbow.
Junior players. As children grow, their grip size changes. Reassess each time you buy a new racket.
Section 06
Frequently Asked Questions
What grip size do most men use?
Grip 3 (4⅜”) is the most common starting point for adult men. That said, hand size varies considerably and some men use Grip 2 or Grip 4. Always measure rather than assume.
What grip size do most women use?
Grip 2 (4¼”) is the most popular size for women, though Grip 1 and Grip 3 are also common. Many female players add an overgrip on top of a Grip 1 or 2 for a slightly thicker feel.
Can I use the same grip size on all my rackets?
Most players do, yes. Some prefer a fractionally smaller grip on rackets used for heavy topspin as it allows more wrist freedom. But for most players, consistency across rackets is the right approach.
How much does an overgrip increase the grip size?
One overgrip adds approximately 1.5mm to the circumference, which is roughly half a grip size. Two overgrips add around 3mm. Beyond two, the handle can start to feel spongy and the balance of the racket can be affected.
How often should I replace my overgrip?
As soon as it feels slippery or loses its cushioning, typically every 10 to 15 hours of play. A worn overgrip can cause your hand to tense up, which adds strain to your forearm and elbow. We stock and fit overgrips in store at VKS.
Can grip size cause tennis elbow?
It can be a contributing factor, yes. A grip that is too small forces your hand to squeeze harder, increasing forearm tension and strain. If you have been experiencing elbow pain, it is worth checking your grip size alongside other factors like string type and tension.Not Sure What Grip You Need?
Come in to VKS at 31 Bond Street, Ealing and we will measure your hand, let you try different sizes and fit the right grip while you wait. No appointment needed.
