By Justin Ma, 7x US Junior National Badminton Champion.
Last updated September 3, 2024
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5 min read
Do you struggle to find the best badminton grip size for you?
I hear you. Choosing the wrong grip size:
As a result, you may buy the wrong badminton racket – and waste your hard-earned money.
But, don’t you worry! In this blog post, I’ll outline a simple step-by-step plan to find the best badminton racket grip size for you.
I’ve bought many badminton rackets in my 8-year professional career and have advised hundreds of clients in-person and online on which best badminton racket (and grip size) to go after!
As a quick overview:
| # | Step | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Factor In Your Age And Height | Find the right standard grip size based on a combination of your age and height. |
| 2 | Consider Your Play Style | Choose larger grip sizes if you’re a power player. Smaller ones if you’re a control-focused player. |
| 3 | Consider Your Physical Fitness Level | Choose smaller grip sizes if you’re not yet physically super fit. Choose larger grip sizes if you have strong arms and shoulders. |
So let’s dive right in:
As an overview, the badminton racket grip size ranges from G1 to G5. Whereas G1 is the largest grip, and G5 is the smallest grip:
So keep in mind, the smaller the number – the larger the badminton racket grip!
In general, the G3 and the G4 badminton racket grip size are the most common and will suit most amount of regular adult players:
For more detail on the badminton racket grip sizes:
| Grip Size | Measurement (Inches) | Measurement (Millimeters) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | 4.00 inches | 102 mm | Largest grip size, preferred by players with larger hands or those who want more grip. |
| G2 | 3.75 inches | 95 mm | Slightly smaller than G1, offering a balance between grip and maneuverability. |
| G3 | 3.50 inches | 89 mm | Medium grip size, suitable for many players seeking a balance of control and comfort. |
| G4 | 3.25 inches | 83 mm | Smaller grip, ideal for those with smaller hands or players who prefer a thinner grip. |
| G5 | 3.00 inches | 76 mm | Smallest standard grip size, offering maximum maneuverability. |
But which of the five grip sizes is best for you?
There are 3 simple steps to determine your ideal badminton racket grip size. Here they are:
For the ideal badminton grip size, the length between your palm and the tip of your ring finger is the most critical metric.
If you want to be safe, find a ruler or measuring tape to take measurements from the tip of your middle finger down to the second line on your palm. Compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s grip size chart to find the best fit.
If that is too tedious, remember that the taller you are and the older you are – the larger your hands will be. Here’s an approximate guideline on which badminton racket grip size is the best for you:
| Racket Grip Size | Player Size | Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| G5 | Child / Teenager | Recommended for children or teenagers with smaller hands, generally under 5’3″ (160 cm). |
| G4 | Teenager / Smaller Player | Ideal for teenagers or smaller adult players, typically between 5’3″ and 5’6″ (160-168 cm). |
| G3 | Average Sized Player | Suited for average-sized adult players, generally between 5’6″ and 5’9″ (168-175 cm). |
| G2 | Tall Player | Designed for taller players, typically those who are 5’9″ to 6’2″ (175-188 cm) in height. |
| G1 | Very Tall Player | Best for very tall players, usually above 6’2″ (188 cm) in height, with larger hands. |
Let’s say you’re an average-sized adult, so G3 is the right grip size for you, right? Wrong.
Or at least, not always.
It also depends on your play style, as you can see in this illustration here:
So before making your final decision, consider your playing style and the type of shots you play most often.
Pro tip: if you’re a doubles player, you generally want to have a smaller grip than normal, as you’d need to be able to maneuver your badminton racket more rapidly.
The actual difference between grip sizes is small, just 3 – 4 grams.
However, if you swing a badminton racket 100s or even thousands of times in a workout, it can add up. Right?
This means if you have:
… you’re better off choosing a smaller grip and save some weight during the training.
While I’ve tried to create this blog post as thoroughly as possible, there might still be open questions you have about finding the right badminton racket grip size.
Here are the most common questions you might have lingering at the top of your mind:
A proper grip size can reduce stress on your fingers, palms, and wrists. The correct grip size can also improve your racket maneuverability and overall performance.
In short: Grip thickness and material can greatly impact your game, so choose wisely. Thicker grips can provide more power and comfort, while thinner grips can provide more control and precision.
The material you choose generally does not influence your grip size choice. It’s more about personal preference.
Some players prefer towel grips for their absorbency and comfort. If you sweat a lot each time you play, a towel grip can help you feel better and control your shots. You may need to change the towel grip every few sessions, but it can greatly help your overall play.
You might also go for a ribbed replacement grip to feel even more comfort during your practices.
However, for most players, tacky grips are the easiest and best solution.
These are generally a one-size-fits-all type of grip and provide a high level of comfort and use. An added benefit is that these last a long time (given you do not sweat a ton) and you can reuse it over several weeks or months.
