Sporting Goods & Recreation / Guide
How to Choose a Tennis Racket Grip Size
Compare racket grip sizes by handling the actual racket and accounting for the base grip and overgrip you plan to use.
A tennis racket grip can feel different across brands even when the nominal size matches. If you can borrow or demo a racket, compare two neighboring sizes using the same kind of grip surface. Hold each as you normally do and try changing grips between strokes.
Compare the racket you’ll actually use
Check whether a demo has an overgrip on it, especially if you’ll buy the racket without one. An overgrip changes the finished circumference and can make the handle shape feel different. Ask a shop to identify the printed size and help you compare the same racket in another size.
Watch what your hand does
Swing gently in a clear area or hit a few balls during a demo. Notice if you’re squeezing harder to keep the racket steady or struggling to change grip. The USTA’s racquet sizing guide also explains how other dimensions can affect play. Keep those variables the same for your grip test.
Keep a record of the setup
Write down the grip size, any overgrip and the racket model you liked. If you buy online, choose a seller with clear return conditions and avoid removing protective packaging until you understand them.