How to Measure a Kid for a Baseball Bat

Measuring a child for a bat is an important decision. The wrong size bat can hurt a child’s play ability, either by being too heavy and causing the ball to fly a shorter distance or at a slower speed, or by causing balls to shoot wildly out of place because the bat is too short or light for the child. Each child has a specific bat size that is best for his play style. Parents should work with coaches to determine the best bat size and weight for their child, however, there are also general guidelines parents can follow.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Scale
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the guidelines on the bat length and weight restrictions for your child’s league. Most leagues have a drop limit, which is the difference between the weight of the bat and the length. Three inches is a common drop limit, which means any bat 30 inches long must weigh at least 27 ounces.

    • 2

      Measure the height of the child. Weigh the child on a scale. The height and weight of a child are determining factors in choosing the correct size of bat for that child. In general, children should choose the longest and lightest bat they are comfortable with for best results.

    • 3

      Choose a bat based off of the following scale: children between 3 and 4 feet tall weighing under 100 pounds should choose a bat between 27 and 29 inches in length. Children the same height weighing over 100 pounds can go up to a 30-inch bat. Children between 4 and 5 feet high and weighing under 100 pounds should choose a bat between 29 and 31 inches in length. Children over 100 pounds at the same height may want to go up to 32 inches. Children over 5 feet tall should choose a bat between 31 and 34 inches in length regardless of weight.