Different Ukulele Sizes Explained in Simple Terms and Tables

With different ukulele sizes ranging from the smallest to the biggest, it’s all about tonal quality and resonance. Here, we dive deeper into the nuances of each ukulele size.

Unlike some other instruments, ukulele sizes aren’t named like separate instruments (violin vs. viola, and mandolin vs. mandola). This has led to confusion, and because the different body types sound and feel different when playing, many musicians aren’t sure which body style will be right for them. –

This ukulele size guide will help you understand each shape and size.

How Big Is The Ukulele? A Deep Dive

Manufacturers are free to design their ukuleles however they see fit. This means that the sizing of one ukulele manufacturer can be vastly different from another ukulele brand. Note that there are small variations between different brands and models, and as a result, the measurements provided below are approximate.

Soprano Ukulele

A soprano ukulele is the smallest commonly found ukulele. The soprano size has that trademark plinky ukulele sound, though because it doesn’t have a very large resonating surface, it doesn’t have the volume or depth of tone you’d find in a larger instrument. Even so, the best soprano ukulele will have a good trebly uke sound, often paired with impressive visual flair.

The traditional ukulele tuning of the soprano ukulele is A4, D4, F#4, and B4, though most musicians tune them down one whole step G4, C4, E4, and A4.

Soprano Ukulele Size

• Scale Length: 13-14 inches
• Overall Length: 21 inches

Concert Ukulele

The best concert ukulele is the middle ground between a tenor and soprano ukulele. It has the delicate and sweet tone of a soprano ukulele while having some of the depth of a tenor. Concert ukuleles are tuned the same as sopranos.

Concert Ukulele Size

• Scale Length: 15-16 inches
• Overall Length: 23-25 inches

Tenor Ukulele

Tenor ukes are becoming more and more popular due to their versatility. The tenor size is more appealing to finger-pickers due to its longer scale length (see the section below for a definition of scale length). Tenor ukuleles can be tuned to either high-G (the same as a soprano or concert) or low-G. Low-G tuning offers more possibilities, though it’s not as traditional-sounding as high-G tuning.

Tenor Ukulele Size

• Scale Length: 17-18 inches
• Overall Length: 26-27 inches

Here’s an example of the difference between high and low-G:

Baritone Ukulele

The baritone ukulele is unique in that it doesn’t use a reentrant tuning. What this means is that the strings are ordered from those lowest in pitch to those highest, as opposed to other ukuleles that are not.

This body style, while retaining some of the sounds the best ukulele is known for, has a response similar to that of a classical guitar. This means that it wouldn’t be the best fit for someone looking for a traditional ukulele tone, but at the same time, it does have a pretty unique sound.

The baritone ukulele is also tuned a fourth lower than other body styles, so playing music intended for tenor-style or smaller ukuleles will require some transposing.

Baritone Ukulele Size

• Scale Length: 19-20 inches
• Overall Length: 30-31 inches

What About Other Ukulele Sizes?

In addition to the main body size options, expect hybrids and unique types like the bass ukulele, which handles lower frequencies much like a regular bass guitar.

Bass Ukulele (or U-Bass)

The bass ukulele is the most recent addition to this instrument family. It veers away from the traditional ukulele sound and has deeper tones that’s reminiscent of a bass guitar. Following the tuning of bass guitars (E A D G), it’s seen as a more portable option as well due to its size.

Bass Ukulele Size

• Ukulele size: 76cm/30 inches
• Scale length: 50cm/20 inches

Pineapple Ukulele

Pineapple ukuleles (which, as you might have guessed, are shaped like a pineapple) have a similar response to that of a soprano ukulele but offer a more harmonically rich tone because of their larger resonating surface.

Pineapple Ukulele Size

• Scale Length: 13-14 inches
• Overall Length: 21 inches

Electric Ukulele

Electric ukuleles are another option, available in various sizes, each retaining their distinct tonal qualities and features but packing a greater auditory punch. Some models include built-in preamps and equalizers for easy amplification and sound customization, while others use passive pickups for a more traditional approach.

Our latest research on the best ukulele for beginners reveals the most popular types based on extensive user reviews.

How Do Ukulele Sizes Sound Different From Each Other?

Different sizes of ukuleles are responsible for the timbre, resonance, and sound projection. Generally speaking, bigger instruments have a much greater resonance which means they can create a fuller sound. As you go smaller, the sound becomes more focused on the higher frequencies, producing a brighter sound.

For simplicity’s sake, the baritone and tenor ukuleles are the larger ukulele types. They’re described as having a richer sound projection and a warmer sound. Due to their bigger bodies, they almost sound close to a nylon string guitar.

Concert and soprano ukuleles, however, have more of a brighter tone because they are smaller. Shorter strings also mean more focus on high frequencies. Some would even describe it as the “Hawaiian sound.” If we compare concert vs. soprano ukulele, the concert ukulele has a much mellow tone, as opposed to a soprano ukulele.

So which should you choose, soprano, concert, tenor or baritone? It will ultimately depend on the tonal characteristics you want in a ukulele. Do you want a warmer, brighter tone or a blend of both? Do you want a good balance or more dominance over warmth or brightness?

The sound you want from a ukulele depends on your personal preferences and what music you want to play.

Tuning Differences

The soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles all use standard tuning which is G, C, E, A.

The baritone ukulele, however, is tuned differently. It is tuned to a fifth step lower than other ukuleles.

This means that a baritone ukulele sounds more like a bass guitar. But it has a tuning of D, G, B, E.

Price Impact Of Ukulele Size

Generally speaking, ukuleles smaller in size are often cheaper than larger ukuleles. The more material is needed to make the instrument, the more expensive it is.

This means that the size of the ukulele directly affects the price. However, workmanship, brand, and individual design can also increase the cost of your instrument.

Ukuleles are generally cheap compared to guitars and other types of string instruments. This makes them ideal musical instruments to start learning.

If you’re new to the instrument, you may want to spend a little less money until you have a good understanding of the basics.

I found that ukuleles can still vary a lot in price, depending on what ukulele brand you buy and where.

As baritone and bass models require the most material, you can also expect these ukuleles to cost more than a standard soprano ukulele. The use of premium tonewood and other ukulele parts can also increase the price.

Another price consideration is the use of built-in electronics, such as those found in the best electric ukulele models.

Ukulele Sizes Chart

Here’s a comparison table explaining the different ukulele sizes. To reiterate, these are average estimates of what you could expect in each types:

Ukulele Size	Length	Number of Frets	Sound Characteristics	Playability	Tuning	Best For
Soprano	21 inches (53 cm)	12-15	Bright, light, traditional ukulele sound	Small hands, portable, beginner-friendly	GCEA	Beginners, children, portability seekers
Concert	23 inches (58 cm)	15-20	Richer, fuller sound with more volume than Soprano	Comfortable for most hand sizes	GCEA	All-around use, beginners to intermediate players
Tenor	26 inches (66 cm)	17-22	Deeper, more resonant tone with increased bass	Larger hands, more advanced techniques	GCEA, DGBE (Baritone tuning)	Intermediate to advanced players, performers
Baritone	30 inches (76 cm)	18-21	Deep, guitar-like sound with a mellow tone	Larger hands, less traditional ukulele sound	DGBE	Guitar players, advanced musicians, rich tones
Sopranissimo (Pineapple, Pocket)	16 inches (41 cm)	10-12	Very bright, high-pitched, somewhat limited in volume	Very small hands, ultra-portable	ADF#B or GCEA (re-entrant)	Travel, novelty, collectors
Bass Ukulele	30-31 inches (76 cm)	16-20	Warm, deep bass tones, similar to an acoustic bass guitar	Larger hands requires amplification for the best sound	EADG	Bassists, ensemble players, recording artists

This table covers all the different ukulele sizes, comparing their length, number of frets, sound characteristics, playability, tuning, and best use cases.

Final Thoughts

You can also find a wide variety of individual ukulele sizes, from a tiny sopranino ukulele to standard concert ukuleles.

Similar to choosing an acoustic guitar, you just need to pick the one that feels right for you and your playing style. Remember that there is no one size fits for a musician. It also takes a lot of experimentation to find the best ukulele brands that fits your playing style and physical makeup.

Whether you prefer the size of a pineapple ukulele or baritone uke size, the different sizes of ukuleles give you a great choice for our playing style and your musical preferences.