Choosing the wrong bat size is one of the most common (and most avoidable) mistakes in cricket. Too big, and a young player can't control their shots. Too small, and you lose reach and power. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Why Bat Size Actually Matters
A correctly sized bat isn't just about comfort — it directly affects technique. A bat that's too long or heavy forces batters to compensate with poor form, slows down bat speed, and can genuinely hold back a junior player's development. A bat that's too short costs you reach on the front foot and power through the shot. Getting the size right matters more than getting the "best" bat.
Cricket Bat Size Chart (By Height and Age)
These are the standard sizing conventions used across the industry — a good starting point, though height matters more than age if the two don't line up for your player.
| Size | Age Guide | Height Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Size 0 | 4–5 years | Under 4'0" (122cm) |
| Size 1 | 5–6 years | 4'0"–4'3" (122–130cm) |
| Size 2 | 6–8 years | 4'3"–4'6" (130–137cm) |
| Size 3 | 8–9 years | 4'6"–4'9" (137–145cm) |
| Size 4 | 9–10 years | 4'9"–5'0" (145–152cm) |
| Size 5 | 10–11 years | 5'0"–5'3" (152–160cm) |
| Size 6 | 11–12 years | 5'3"–5'6" (160–168cm) |
| Harrow | 12–13 years | 5'6"–5'9" (168–175cm) |
| Short Handle (SH) | 13+ years / Adult | 5'9"+ (175cm+) |
Short Handle (SH) is the standard full-size adult bat — what you'll see used at club and professional level. Long Handle (LH) versions exist for taller players (roughly 6'2"/188cm and above) who need extra reach without the bat feeling heavy through the swing.
How to Check the Size Is Right (Beyond the Chart)
The chart gets you close, but two players of the same height can need different sizes depending on build and strength. Two quick checks:
- The standing reach test. Have the player stand up straight and hold the bat with the handle resting against their hip, arm relaxed at their side. The toe of the bat should reach somewhere between the ankle and just above it. If it reaches the ground with the arm bent, it's too long.
- The one-handed pick-up test. The player should be able to pick the bat up with one hand, at the very top of the handle, and hold it out horizontally without their wrist collapsing. If they can't control it one-handed, it's too heavy for them right now — even if the length is correct.
Length vs. Weight: They're Not the Same Decision
This trips a lot of people up. The size chart above governs length, but bat weight is a separate choice, usually somewhere between 2lb 7oz and 2lb 12oz+ for adult bats.
- Lighter bats (2lb 7oz–2lb 9oz) — faster bat speed, easier to adjust shots late, better for timing-based players. Most players should start here.
- Heavier bats (2lb 10oz–2lb 12oz+) — more natural power on mistimed shots, favoured by power-hitters, but only worth it once you can control the extra weight through a full swing without losing bat speed.
Our general advice: buy the lightest bat that still feels solid through the shot. Extra weight is easy to adjust to over time; a bat that's genuinely too heavy actively teaches bad habits.
What Happens If You Get It Wrong?
If a bat turns out to be the wrong size after a knock-in or some use, that's a normal part of buying gear for a growing junior player — it happens to almost everyone. Check our return policy for how we handle it if something's not right.
Quick Reference: Just Tell Me What to Buy
- Junior player, first bat, unsure of exact size: go with the height guide above, and size down if they're smaller-framed for their height.
- Adult, club or social cricket: Short Handle, start light (2lb 7oz–2lb 8oz) unless you already know you prefer a heavier bat.
- Adult, 6'2"+: consider Long Handle before sizing up in weight.
Browse our full range of SG, Gray-Nicolls, SS Ton, GM, Spartan, and New Balance bats sized from Size 0 through Short Handle and Long Handle.