How to Measure Grip Size for Pickleball Paddle

Like any tool, the right-sized grip is an essential part of your game. A comfortable grip influences your performance and playability. Therefore, it’s not enough to choose the right pickleball paddle; you must also look for the right grip. And that’s why you should never ignore the necessity of the correct grip size on your paddle.

So, how can you measure to get the correct grip size? Well, the methods are pretty easy. This article will go through the details of various grip sizes and how to measure and find a suitable grip for you.

But before that, let’s find out why grip size matters in pickleball.

What is the Grip Size of a Pickleball Paddle?

Grip size is the circumference of the pickleball paddle handle, and varies between 4 and 4.5 inches. During picking a paddle, you must check the grip fits in your hand, and that you can grab and move on angles comfortably.

How are Grip Sizes Related to Pickleball Paddles

A pickleball paddle weighs between 6 ounces and 14 ounces and has a standard dimension of 16 inches in length and 8 inches in width, including a 4 to 5.5-inch long handle. Its grip perimeter varies between 4 and 4.5 inches, which entirely depends on how the paddle was made or on its design and the target player groups. Remember, grip size or diameter does not depend on paddle length or handle length. It’s not like a standard width paddle of 16 inches will have the largest 4.5-inch grip or an elongated-shaped paddle of 17 inches can have the shortest 4-inch grip.

When you randomly pick paddles, they will either be suitable for your palm or unfit.

Why Correct Grip Size Matters for Pickleball Players

Choosing a suitable grip is essential for a pickleball player. You will never be able to perform the best with either a bigger or smaller grip. Though the grip sizes differ between only 4 and 4.5 inches and seem negligible, human hands can’t move anything if they can’t grab it properly. Whether you play left-handed or right-handed, never worry about grip size. All paddles have a fixed grip, and you need to check if it’s right in your palm.

What happens when it is inappropriate for your palms? Let’s check the facts.

• When it’s larger, it will stress your palm and limit your wrist’s movement, resulting in decreased balance and control. And it gets difficult while you try to change grips for different shots.
• When it’s shorter, you have to gather more energy to hold it tightly to keep it in place. Therefore, it becomes difficult to perform power shots correctly. And finally, the extra pressure increases the risk of injuries, including tennis elbow. The paddles will tend to slip, and the incidence of dropping will increase.

What is the Standard Size of a Pickleball Paddle Grip

Generally, grip perimeters are divided into 3 major groups: 

• Small Grip: 4 to 4.125 inches
• Medium Grip: 4.25 inches
• Large Grip: 4.5 inches

However, perimeters are available in seven different sizes from 4 to 4.75 inches, increasing by 0.125 (or ⅛) inches for each size. These measurements apply to the US.

Note that, the circumference should be measured in the exact middle of the handle.

Which is the Perfect Grip for You

Grab a paddle and feel if your fingers are comfortable around the handle. If you are comfortable moving the handle and having a half-inch space between the fingers and palm, there’s no doubt that’s the right size for you.

Ways to Measure Pickleball Paddle Grip Size

You can use 2 common methods to measure your grip size. However, use the following tests to ensure you are not going to miss the right paddle:

1. Natural Grip Test
2. Index Finger Test
3. Ring Finger Measurement
4. Body Height Check

Natural Grip Test: 

• First, try the natural grip test. It’s very basic. 
• Hold the paddle, and if your fingernails poke the palm, the paddle is likely shorter than you need. 
• If the gap between your nails and palm is more than an inch, it’s extra-large for your wrist.

Index Finger Test: 

• Choose a paddle with a continental grip. Keep your palms and fingers firm but a little loose. 
• Then, place the index finger of your other hand in the gap between your fingertips and palm. 
• If it can not fit there relaxed or stop by the nail-top of your ring finger, it’s proof that the gap is narrow and you can consider the grip too short. 
• On the other hand, the grip is too big if the index finger reaches the thumb’s knuckle. 
• Consider it the right size grip when the index finger fits in the gap, touching the ring finger’s head and thumb base. 
• Try this test several times to ensure you have found a suitable grip.

Ring Finger Measurement: 

• This test is more reliable and accurate than other tests. For this test, you just need a ruler or a measurement tape. 
• If you are a right-handed player, keep your right hand fully extended. 
• Keep all your fingers flat, relaxed, and close to each other. 
• Then, take the ruler and lay it down parallel to your ring finger. 
• Then, find the two long creases that go horizontally across your palm’s center. 
• Now align the ruler’s starting edge with the bottom of the second lateral crease in your palm. 
• Measure the distance between the ruler edge and your ring finger’s top. For example, in one of our tests, we found the distance was 4 ¼ inches several times. In this case, it is the right grip size.

Body Height Test: 

• This test will give just a rough idea of your grip based on your body height. 
• If you are an average-weighted male person of 5’2″ inches in height, you might have a reach of 4 inches. 

The grip size increases along with the growth of human height. For example, the following chart will give you an estimation. However, grip depends on various health factors including genetics.

Height of Player	Grip Size (Inches)
under 5’2″	4 inches
5’2″ to 5’5″	4 ¼ inches
5’6″ to 5’9″	4 ½ inches
5’10” to above	4 ¾ inches

Few Tips For Selecting the Right Pickleball Paddle Grip Size

• If you find 2 different sizes close to your grip but any of them doesn’t fit your grip completely, pick the smaller one. It will cause less stress than the bigger one. As an example, if you get confused between the sizes of 4 and 4 ½ inches, go straight for 4 inches.
• Use overgrips for a shorter grip till you can hold the handle tightly with comfort.
• Never use a grip that is much bigger or smaller than your grip. The question is, how to check this? Hold a paddle and move through the full range of motion, trying different strokes and shots. If you find moving it difficult, it’s too large for your palm.
• Also, do not forget to check if the handle’s circumference is much larger to limit your wrist movement comfortably.
• Do not go for a grip that is 0.5 inches shorter than your palm. The gap is not enough to hold the paddle comfortably, and you have to play it with more force than the fitted one.
• Some pickleball shots are more effective with a loose grip. Therefore, if the grip is not of a suitable size, you need to spend extra emphasis on holding it. And that additional stress might affect your hand muscles, especially the forearm and elbow. And finally, it leads to inducing pain in your tendons.

How to Increase the Grip Size of Your Pickleball Paddle

If you find the paddle grips are smaller and uncomfortable, do not worry. You can make it fit your grip.

The easy way to increase the grip size is to add overgrips. An overgrip is a thick tape made of rubber or polyurethane. It’s put over the original grip to make the grip larger. At the same time, it offers more cushioning and traction; even if it helps to absorb the sweat.

The overgrip is simple to place. First, clean the paddle handle, and then apply the piece of overgrip from the paddle base, which is referred to as the “butt cap.” And then slowly wrap up towards the top of the handle or the neck of the paddle.

FAQs

Final Verdict

Before buying a pickleball paddle, measuring your grip size is more reasonable than finding it unfit during play. The paddle is the first and most important tool that determines fun, success, and enjoyment. The more comfortable it is, the more chances are you can continue a long career without injuries.

We believe this article has given the right directions to measure your grip. You might want to know how to grip a pickleball paddle. Read this related article.