How To Choose the Correct Cricket Bat Size (and the sizing mistakes to avoid)

A new cricket season is the perfect time to reassess your gear. One of the most overlooked — yet most important — decisions is choosing the correct bat size. A bat that doesn’t fit properly can negatively impact technique, power, comfort, and long-term development, especially for junior players.

If you’re browsing while you read, explore the full range of cricket bats at WHACK Sports to see what sizes and styles are available:

Why cricket bat size matters

Cricket bat sizing is not just about height. It’s about how the bat sits against your body and how naturally you can swing it.

A correctly sized bat helps you:

Maintain a comfortable, upright stance
Get the bat down cleanly with no gaps between bat and ball
Generate power through a full follow-through
Reduce strain on the back, hands, and wrists

The most reliable bat sizing method: “stack it against you”

This is the simplest and most accurate way to size a bat, especially for juniors, teenagers, and female cricketers.

What you need

The bat
The player who will use it

How to do it

Stand upright in normal shoes
Place the bat vertically next to you
Check where the top of the handle sits

Correct size:
The top of the handle should sit between the end of your pocket area and your wrist.

Junior cricketers

For juniors who are still growing, the handle can sit up to waist height, but no higher. Anything beyond this usually means the bat is too long and too heavy, which can negatively affect technique.

If you’re buying for an adult player, stick closer to the pocket-to-wrist range and consider browsing senior cricket bats designed for full-size players.

Find all complete size chart range here.

Common mistake #1: choosing a bat that’s too small

If the bat sits below where your pocket ends, it is likely too small.

Problems caused by a bat that’s too small

Excessive hunching, leading to back discomfort
Gaps between bat and ball, increasing the chance of being bowled
Frequent contact with the toe of the bat
Increased shock travelling into the hands
Premature toe damage, which is not covered under warranty

This is often seen when players delay upgrading their bat size as they grow.

Common mistake #2: choosing a bat that’s too big

If the handle sits well above the wrist, the bat is usually too big.

Problems caused by a bat that’s too big

The bat feels too heavy to swing freely
The handle gets stuck during the follow-through
Reduced bat speed and power, especially on pull shots and cover drives

The “grow into it” mistake

Parents often buy a larger bat so a child can grow into it. While this sounds logical, it usually comes at the expense of technique. Bats that are too big and heavy are difficult for juniors to swing properly and can slow development.

If you’re shopping for younger players, explore junior cricket bats that are sized and weighted correctly for developing players.

Bat sizing advice for female cricketers

Generic bat size charts are typically based on male body proportions. For female cricketers, this can make sizing less accurate.

Best practice:

Always stack the bat against your body
Use size charts only as a guide, not the final decision

This ensures the bat suits your individual build rather than a generic standard.

How to size a bat using a tape measure (useful when buying online)

If you don’t have a bat available to test in person, you can still get a reliable estimate.

Place a tape measure at your wrist or the top of your pocket
Drop it vertically to the ground
Use this measurement to compare against bat length guidance

This gives you a practical idea of where the bat will sit when held upright.

Final bat buying checklist

Before purchasing a bat, make sure:

You have stacked the bat against the player wherever possible
The handle sits between pocket and wrist (up to waist height for juniors)
The bat is not too heavy to swing naturally
You are not oversizing purely for growth
You have considered bat care to protect the toe and blade

To extend the life of your bat, consider cricket bat repairs and maintenance services:

For comfort and protection, pair your bat with:

Ready to choose the right bat this season?

Browse the complete cricket bat collection at WHACK Sports and find the correct size and weight for your game.