The Definitive Bat Sizing Guide: Get the Right Bat for You

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Not sure what size baseball bat you need? You've come to the right place. Here, we'll break down the different types of wood use for our bats and which hitter profiles fit best with each. We’ll also cover the different parts of a bat, and, of course, the bat size chart with some helpful sizing tips.

We need to note that our quick-reference baseball bat size chart can help you select the appropriately sized bat for yourself (or for your Little Leaguer). Of course, the table below can only serve as a guideline to help you get close to a bat that may be appropriate. Much like professional baseball players, each batters' preferences, styles, and power greatly influence the type of bat that will work best.

With all that said, let's get to the breakdown, or click here to jump straight to the chart if you want to skip the tidal wave of information coming up next.

Type of Hitter Profiles

At Phoenix Bats, we're all about wood bats, and we've got three awesome types of wood in our arsenal: rock maple, northern white ash, and yellow birch. Our wood bat billets come from the top-notch mills in our area, so you know you're getting the absolute best cuts. Now, each wood type has its own special qualities that make it perfect for launching those epic home runs. We've put together a massive chart that breaks it all down for you. Let’s go!

Measurables

Now that we've covered the ins and outs of a baseball bat, let's dig into finding the perfect fit for your swing. The length and weight of your bat depend a lot on your height and weight, but there's also room for personal preference.

Length

Baseball and softball bats vary in length, ranging from 25 inches for the peewee ballers to 34 inches or even longer for the more towering players among us. Most youth bats measure between 25 and 32 inches, while standard bats typically fall between 32 and 34 inches. For the most accurate sizing, consult the chart based on the batter's height and weight.

Drop weight

A bat's drop weight, indicated as a negative number, represents its weight in ounces minus its length in inches. A smaller number suggests a heavier bat. For example, a 32-inch bat with a -3 drop weighs more (29 ounces) than the same bat with a -4 drop (28 ounces). Here's a trickier example: a 32-inch bat with a -2 drop weighs the same as a 33-inch bat with a -3 drop (both weighing 30 ounces).

At Phoenix Bats, our adult wood bats have drop weights of -2, -2.5, or -3, while youth bats range from -5 to -8. Metal bats can have even lower drop weights, going as low as -13, but we don't focus much on those (except for our incredible Smoke metal BBCOR bat, which boasts a -3 drop and is a true marvel of engineering).

The choice of drop weight depends on factors like your size, strength, personal preference, and the type of wood used. Once you determine the right length, I recommend trying out bats with different drop weights—some heavier and some lighter—to get a feel for the differences.

Swing weight

A bat's swing weight refers to how the weight is distributed along its length. When it comes to baseball and softball bats, there are three swing weight categories:

• Light-swinging: Ideal for younger or smaller hitters. These bats have more weight towards the middle of the barrel, closer to the hands. It requires less force to generate the right swing velocity.
• Balanced: A versatile choice for all-around performance. These bats are lighter, easier to swing, and more durable than end-loaded bats. However, they provide slightly less power.
• End-loaded: Perfect for power hitters. These bats have more weight concentrated at the end, delivering extra power upon contact. They result in longer hits. While the swing speed may be slightly slower due to the added weight, the increased momentum compensates for it.