Cricket Bat Size Guide | Find the Right Bat by Height & Age
Cricket Bat Size Guide: Find the Right Bat for Your Height and Age
Choosing the wrong bat size is one of the most common mistakes in cricket — particularly for junior players. A bat that is too long, too short, or too heavy will limit your technique and make batting harder than it needs to be. Use this guide to find the right size first time.
Adult Bat Sizes
Most adult players use a Short Handle (SH) bat. This is the standard size used from club cricket through to international level.
| Size | Player Height | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Short Handle (SH) | 168cm – 195cm (5'6" – 6'4") | Most adult male and female players. Standard club cricket bat. |
| Long Handle (LH) | 195cm+ (6'4"+) | Very tall players who feel cramped with a Short Handle. |
| Harrow | 157cm – 170cm (5'2" – 5'7") | Teenagers aged 13–16; shorter adult women; players transitioning from junior to adult. |
| Small Mens / Academy | 163cm – 170cm (5'4" – 5'7") | Adults who prefer a slightly shorter blade. Also used by some women and youth players. |
Junior Bat Sizes
Junior bats are sized 0 through 6, with the size matched to the player's height. As a general rule, children grow through one or two sizes per season — buying a size up can make sense, but avoid going more than one size ahead as it will compromise technique development.
| Size | Player Height | Approximate Age |
|---|---|---|
| Size 6 | 155cm – 163cm (5'1" – 5'4") | 12–13 years |
| Size 5 | 147cm – 155cm (4'10" – 5'1") | 10–12 years |
| Size 4 | 140cm – 150cm (4'7" – 4'11") | 9–11 years |
| Size 3 | 130cm – 140cm (4'3" – 4'7") | 8–10 years |
| Size 2 | 122cm – 130cm (4'0" – 4'3") | 7–9 years |
| Size 1 | 116cm – 122cm (3'10" – 4'0") | 6–8 years |
| Size 0 | Under 116cm (under 3'10") | Under 6 years |
How to Check if a Bat Fits
The simplest test: have the player stand in their natural batting stance. Place the bat beside their lead leg with the toe resting on the ground. The handle should reach comfortably to the top of the hip or just below the wrist — without the player having to stretch or stoop.
If the bat taps well behind the foot when the player is in stance, it is likely too long. If it sits between the legs or feels cramped, it is too short.
How to Choose the Right Weight
Weight is just as important as size. The right bat weight is the heaviest bat a player can swing comfortably at full speed while maintaining their technique.
- Adult male players: Most club cricketers play best with bats in the 2.7–2.9 lb range. Lightweight bats (2.5–2.7 lb) suit technically focused players; heavier bats (2.10–2.12 lb) suit very strong, aggressive players.
- Adult female players: Typically 2.4–2.7 lbs. A lighter bat supports bat speed and technique.
- Junior players: Size-appropriate bats come in weights calibrated for each size. Do not add weight — choose the correct size instead.
SGM Cricket offers custom weights across all grades. If you are between weights, contact us and we can build to your exact specification.
Still Not Sure?
The SGM team in Melbourne is happy to help you choose. Get in touch with your height, playing level, and budget and we will point you to the right bat.
Once you have your size, see our full guide on How to Choose a Cricket Bat for advice on grade, profile, and willow quality.
Browse SGM's full range: Players Grade Bats | Performance Grade Bats | Reserve Edition Bats
