How to Measure the Size of an Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Measuring a guitar is important for multiple reasons. Determining the dimensions of a guitar can help you to find an instrument that fits your body size and personal preferences best. Measuring the size of a guitar also helps you to find a case that will fit your instrument and protect it properly.

Lay the guitar flat on a clean, flat surface.

Measure the length of the neck from the body of the guitar to the intersection of the neck and the head of the instrument.

Measure the length of the guitar's body, not including the neck and head.

Measure the upper bout width. This is the distance from one side of the guitar to the other at the widest portion of the upper section of the body.

Measure the lower bout width. This is the distance at the widest point in the guitar's lower body section.

Measure the depth of the guitar's body, not including the bridge. Perform this measurement at both the lower and upper sections of the body and record each measurement.

Measure the total length of the guitar from the tip of the head to the tip of the tail. Do not include a tail strap pin in this measurement.

Measure the overall depth of the guitar from the back of the guitar to the front, including the bridge.

Measure the width of the guitar's body at its narrowest point.

Measure the width of the neck. Perform this measurement at the beginning of the neck (next to the guitar's body) and at the nut (next to the head). Record both measurements.

Measure the space between the flat surface upon which the guitar is resting and the underside of the neck at both the 12th fret and the nut. Record both measurements.

Measure the distance between the flat surface upon which the guitar is resting and the bottom of the headstock.