How to Choose & Size a Baseball Bat
Picking out a new baseball bat is one of the most exciting parts of getting ready for the season. But with so many options—different league regulations, drop weights, and bat lengths—it can also be a bit overwhelming. Before heading to the store or shopping online, it’s helpful to understand what to look for in a bat. Our Baseball Experts break down common terminology and share tips for choosing the right size, taking into account league rules, bat materials, and more.
Understand Your League Regulations
Before you start looking into baseball bat, it's important to first know and understand your league's rules and regulations. With continuous changes and updates, you’ll want to make sure to talk with the coach or another league official to know exactly which baseball bat meets the league’s standards.
Baseball Bat Certification
There are three main bat certifications including BBCOR, USA, and USSSA. If your player is between the ages of four and six, you'll look for a tee ball bat.
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BBCOR Certification: These are typically used for high school or collegiate players.
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USSSA Certification: These bats are typically used for travel ball players.
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USA Certification: This standard of bat is intended for younger players who may be playing for the first time.
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Baseball Bat Drop
Your league regulations will also influence your bat's drop. The drop of a baseball bat is the bat length minus the bat weight. For instance, if you’re looking at a 28-inch baseball bat that weighs 18-ounces, the drop would be -10.
Related Expert Content | What is Bat Drop? >
How to Size a Baseball Bat
Having the proper bat length is important for developing and maintaining a good swing path and offering the right amount of plate coverage. Most baseball bats are between 24 and 34 inches long from knob to end cap. No matter the player's age, a good place to start when sizing a baseball bat is with their weight and height. Your goal is to find a bat that hits at the player's hips.
Baseball Bat Size Chart
Please note that the chart below is a guideline and a good starting point when choosing the right length of bat.
| PLAYER WEIGHT (lbs.) | PLAYER HEIGHT (in.) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 41" | 41-44" | 45-48" | 49-52" | 53-56" | 57-60" | 61-64" | 65-68" | 69-72" | + 73" | |
> 60 | 26" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 29" | |||||
61-70 | 27" | 27" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | ||||
71-80 | 28" | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | ||||
81-90 | 28" | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 32" | |||
91-100 | 28" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
101-110 | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
111-120 | 29" | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | |||
121-130 | 29" | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 32" | ||
131-140 | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | |||
141-150 | 30" | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | |||
151-160 | 30" | 31" | 31" | 32" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | ||
161-170 | 31" | 31" | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | 33" | |||
171-180 | 32" | 33" | 33" | 33" | 34" | |||||
181+ | 33" | 33" | 34" | 34" |
Popular Bat Lengths By Age
| AGE | LENGTH |
|---|---|
7 & under | 24-26" |
8 - 10 | 26”-29" |
11 - 12 | 30”-31" |
13 - 14 | 31”-32" |
15 - 17 | 32”-33" |
18+ | 33”-34" |
Testing the Bat Size
Once you’ve confirmed the certification, drop, and general length, it’s time to test the bat:
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Have the player hold the bat in their non-dominant hand.
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Lift the bat horizontally to the side while facing forward.
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Watch for dipping, shaking, or leaning—signs the bat may be too heavy.
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Take several practice swings to check for arm fatigue.
Expert Tip | If the player falls between two lengths, start with the longer bat. If they can hold it level comfortably, the extra length can provide better plate coverage.
Baseball Bat Materials
The material of a bat affects weight, swing speed, durability, and hitting feel.
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Aluminum Bats: This material makes for a lightweight and durable bat.
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Composite Bats: These bats feature a composite barrel and handle allowing for a larger sweet spot.
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Hybrid Bats: These bats have an aluminum barrel and composite handle to reduce vibration for a better feel.
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Wood Bats: These bats are the traditional choice and often used at higher levels of play or for practices.
Baseball Bat Construction
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One-Piece Bat: The barrel and handle are made as a single piece. Typically, one-piece bats are made from aluminum or wood.
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Two-Piece Bat: The barrel and handle are made separately and joined together. This allows more flex in the handle, reducing vibration and providing a softer feel. Two-piece designs are common in hybrid and composite bats.
Related Expert Content | Baseball Bat Material & Construction Explained >
Once you know the league's regulations, drop weight, and bat length, you’re ready to start shopping for a new baseball bat. Remember these suggestions are starting points—player preference and feel is important to consider too. With leading brands like Easton, Louisville, DeMarini, and more, you'll find the right bat fit for you or your player. If you have questions on how to choose a baseball bat, stop into your local SCHEELS and talk with one of our Baseball Experts.
