Wrong grip size is the most common fitting error in tennis — and one of the quiet contributors to tennis elbow. The good news: measuring takes 30 seconds and fixing costs a few pounds.
UK grip sizes decoded
UK sizes run 0–5 (US 4 inches to 4 5/8): Grip 1 = 4 1/8, Grip 2 = 4 1/4, Grip 3 = 4 3/8, Grip 4 = 4 1/2. Most UK women play Grip 1–2; most men Grip 2–3. The days of huge grips are over — the modern game favours smaller.
The 30-second measurement
The finger test: hold the racket in your hitting grip. Slide your other hand's index finger into the gap between fingertips and palm heel. Snug fit = correct. No room = too small; spare room = too big.
The ruler method: measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger, in inches — that is your US size (e.g. 4 3/8 = Grip 3).
Between sizes? Go smaller
The rule every stringer knows: you can build a grip up, you cannot shave it down. An overgrip adds roughly 1/16 inch (half a size) — so Grip 2 plus one overgrip sits perfectly between 2 and 3. This is exactly what most tour players do: small base handle, built up with overgrips to personal taste.
Why size matters for your arm
Too small: the racket twists on off-centre hits and you squeeze harder to stop it — forearm fatigue, blisters, elbow strain. Too big: your wrist locks, spin generation drops, and the constant grip pressure fatigues the same tendons. Both errors converge on the same sore elbow.
Grip maintenance
Replace overgrips every few weeks of regular play (glassy = done) and base grips once or twice a year. Stock up from the grip range — and if your handle needs rebuilding or resizing, our workshop does it while you wait.
FAQs
What grip size do professionals use?
Smaller than you think — many top pros play the equivalent of Grip 2–3 with overgrips. Small handles enable the wrist action modern spin demands.
Can I change my racket's grip size?
Up, easily (heat sleeves or extra grips add a size). Down is surgery — sometimes possible on the pallet system used by Head frames; ask our workshop.
Does grip size affect power?
Indirectly — the right size lets you hold the racket loosely, and loose hands swing faster. Comfort is speed.
Grab overgrips from the grips collection, or get your grip checked free when you drop a racket in for stringing.
