Quick answer:
- Length by age: most 8–9 year olds swing a 26–28" bat, 10 year olds 28–29", 11–12 year olds 30–31", and 13–14 year olds 31–32" (Rawlings).
- Drop weight: players under 11 generally use -10 or lighter, and stronger older players move to -8 or -5 (Rawlings).
- Exact fit: use the height/weight chart below, then confirm with the three fit tests.
Bat length by age
| Age | Typical bat length |
|---|---|
| 5–7 | 24"–26" |
| 8–9 | 26"–28" |
| 10 | 28"–29" |
| 11–12 | 30"–31" |
| 13–14 | 31"–32" |
| 15–16 | 32"–33" |
| 17+ | 34" |
Source: Rawlings sizing guide. Age is the roughest guide. Height and weight are better.
Bat length by height and weight
Find your player's weight (rows) and height (columns).
| Weight | 3'0"–3'4" | 3'5"–3'9" | 3'10"–4'0" | 4'1"–4'4" | 4'5"–4'8" | 4'9"–5'0" | 5'1"–5'4" | 5'5"–5'8" | 5'9"–6'0" | 6'1"+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 lbs or less | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | |||||
| 61–70 lbs | 27" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | ||||
| 71–80 lbs | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | ||||
| 81–90 lbs | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 91–100 lbs | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 101–110 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 111–120 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
| 121–130 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 131–140 lbs | 29" | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 141–150 lbs | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | |||
| 151–160 lbs | 29" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | ||
| 161–170 lbs | 31" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | |||
| 171–180 lbs | 32" | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" | |||||
| 180+ lbs | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" |
Chart adapted from Rawlings (heights converted from inches).
Between sizes? Go with the shorter bat. A bat that's too long or heavy slows the swing and causes a long, looping path to the ball.
How to pick the drop weight
Drop = bat length minus bat weight. A 30", 20 oz bat is a -10 (Rawlings). The bigger the number, the lighter the bat.
| Player | Typical drop |
|---|---|
| Tee ball and coach pitch | -12 to -13 (tee ball bats) |
| 7–10 years old | -10 to -12 |
| 11–12, average strength | -10 |
| 11–12, strong / travel ball | -8 |
| 13U | -8 or -5 (check event rules) |
| High school | -3 BBCOR (USABat -4/-5/-6 allowed from 2028; see our 2028 bat rule guide) |
Don't forget league limits. Little League allows bats up to 33" with a max 2 5/8" barrel (Little League). Before you buy, check whether your league requires a USA or USSSA stamp. See USA vs. USSSA bats.
Three quick fit tests at home
- Chest test: stand the bat knob-up against your player's leg. The knob should reach about the middle of the palm when the arm hangs straight down.
- Arm-reach test: hold the bat against the center of the chest, pointing out to the side. If your player can reach the end of the barrel with their fingertips, the length is about right.
- Hold test: have your player hold the bat by the handle, arm straight out to the side, for 10 seconds. If the barrel drops, the bat is too heavy. Go one drop lighter.
Signs the bat is wrong
- The barrel drags below the hands, or your player "casts" the bat out wide.
- Lots of late swings and foul balls to the opposite side.
- Your player chokes up several inches all the time.
- The bat is more than 1–2 inches longer than last season.
The most accurate way: HitTrax fitting
Charts get you close. Swing data gets it right. At 27 Baseball, your player can swing two or three lengths and drops on HitTrax and compare exit velocity and contact side by side. A fitting is included with any bat purchase.
- Where: 1634 GA-42 S, McDonough, GA (south metro Atlanta)
- Call: 678.272.2267
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FAQ
What size bat should an 8 year old use? Usually 26"–28". A typical 8 year old who is 4'1"–4'4" and under 70 lbs swings a 29" or shorter (Rawlings). Most use a -10 or lighter drop.
What size bat should a 10 year old use? Usually 28"–29" in a -10 drop (Rawlings).
What size bat should a 12 year old use? Usually 30"–31". Strong travel players may move to -8.
Is it OK to buy a bat to grow into? One inch longer is fine for fast-growing players. More than that usually hurts swing mechanics.
What's the longest bat allowed in Little League? 33 inches for Majors and below (Little League).