Last updated: August 2026 · Badminton House
Quick answer for parents
Start with height, then check the fit. A shorter junior racket can help a smaller child control the head. Use the height bands below as a starting point, then check floor clearance, grip and an easy swing before moving to an adult model.
Spend $20–40 CAD if they are just starting, and $55–90 once they play weekly and have joined a club. Children outgrow rackets and break them; a flexible, light frame matters far more than a brand.
Badminton Racket Size Chart for Kids
Height is the reliable guide. Age is a rough proxy that goes wrong quickly — two nine-year-olds can be 20 cm apart.
| Child’s height | Rough age | Racket length |
|---|---|---|
| Under 105 cm | 3–5 | About 41–45 cm |
| 105–120 cm | 5–7 | About 53 cm |
| 110–125 cm | 6–9 | About 58 cm |
| 120–135 cm | 8–11 | About 60–62 cm |
| 130–140 cm | 10–13 | About 65–66.5 cm |
| Over 140 cm | 12+ | Adult model after a fit check |
These bands are approximate fitting guidance, not a manufacturer sizing standard. Children differ in reach and coordination, so check the racket in the child’s hand rather than choosing from age alone.
The quick in-person test: have them stand holding the racket down by their side. The head should clear the floor comfortably without them tilting. If the frame is dragging, it is too long.
Check the actual length. Adult rackets vary by model; 66.5 cm is not a universal adult specification. The maximum permitted racket length under BWF’s laws is 68 cm.
Best Junior Badminton Rackets in Canada
| Best for | Racket | Length / weight | Tension | Purchase check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First racket, age 4–6 | Victor AL-530 or similar aluminium junior | 53 cm | Pre-strung | Check current Canadian listing |
| Up to about age 8 | Victor Training junior | 58 cm, ~107 g | Pre-strung | Check current Canadian listing |
| Smallest hands | Yonex Muscle Power 2 Junior | ~53 cm (21 in) | 14–18 lbs | Check current Canadian listing |
| Club juniors, weekly play | Yonex Nanoflare Junior | 66.5 cm, 4U ~83 g, G7 grip | 17–22 lbs | Check current Canadian listing |
| Competitive juniors | Victor Thruster Ryuga Junior, Li-Ning AxForce Junior | Full length, light graphite | See listing | Check current Canadian listing |
| Very light adult frame | Yonex Astrox 22 LT | Full length, ~63 g, G5 | 19–26 lbs | Check current Canadian listing |
Yonex’s 2026 international catalogue places the Muscle Power 2 Junior and Nanoflare Junior in its junior section. The Astrox 22 LT is an adult frame; low weight alone does not make an adult-length racket suitable for every child.
And the G7 grip is specific to the Nanoflare Junior. The Muscle Power 2 Junior and Astrox 22 LT both ship with a standard G5, so do not assume junior-badged means thin-handled.
What Tension for a Child’s Racket?
Stay inside the range printed on the frame, and start at the bottom of it. This matters more on junior rackets than adult ones, because their ranges are genuinely lower — the Muscle Power 2 Junior prints 14–18 lbs, which is below where a lot of generic junior advice starts.
Start with a suitable, forgiving string setup within the frame’s printed range. Increasing tension is not an automatic improvement for a developing player; adjust with a coach or stringer as contact becomes more consistent.
Most junior rackets come pre-strung and will not need restringing before they are outgrown. If one does break, see our string tension guide.
How Much Should You Spend?
The honest answer is: less than you think, until they ask you to spend more.
| Stage | CAD | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trying the sport | $20–40 | Aluminium junior. They will outgrow it in a year and may clash it into a wall. |
| Playing weekly at a club | $55–90 | Full graphite. Lighter and easier to swing correctly, which actually helps technique. |
| Competing, coached | $100–140 | A light adult frame they will not outgrow. Ask their coach first. |
A useful rule: buy the cheap racket twice rather than the expensive one once. Children grow, and a frame that fits now will not fit in eighteen months. The money is better spent on court time and shoes — shoes are the one piece of kit where the cheap option genuinely risks an injury.
Common Questions
What size badminton racket for a 7 year old?
Usually about 53–58 cm, depending on height. If they are tall for their age, go to 58 cm. Check the frame clears the floor when held at their side.
What size for a 10 year old?
Around 60–65 cm is a starting point for many children this age. A taller child may manage an adult model, but check its actual length, grip and swing feel.
When should a child move to an adult racket?
Consider an adult model when the child controls the current racket comfortably and can manage the next model’s actual length, grip and weight. Height is a starting guide, not an automatic upgrade threshold.
How heavy should a kids badminton racket be?
Junior rackets vary in length and construction. Choose a weight the child can control through the whole stroke without struggling to prepare or recover the racket.
Is a junior racket really necessary?
A shorter junior racket often helps smaller children. A light adult frame can suit a child who comfortably manages its length and grip; check the fit rather than relying on the junior label alone.
What is the maximum racket length allowed?
The maximum permitted racket length is 680 mm under BWF’s Laws of Badminton; actual adult and junior models vary.
Not sure what size your child needs? Send us their height and age through our contact page and we will tell you what to look for. Shoes matter more than the racket at this stage — see our beginner shoe guide.
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