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Reference guideBaby grand, parlour grand, concert grand: what the size labels actually mean.
Baby grand is a size description, not a standard specification. There is no universal cutoff between a baby grand and a parlour grand or between a parlour grand and a concert grand. This guide explains how grand piano lengths are categorised, what reference sizes the makers publish, and what the length actually changes.
Published 23 October 2026 · 3 minute read · Written for buyers, not for any one instrument
A size description, not a specification.
Baby grand is an informal category. The term generally describes a grand piano at the shorter end of the size range, but there is no industry standard that says exactly where a baby grand ends and a parlour grand begins. Two sellers may describe the same length differently.
What matters is the actual length of the instrument you are considering, measured from the keyboard end to the tail. Case size is a useful starting measurement, but it does not specify the entire string scale, soundboard construction, present condition or musical response. Compare the actual instruments as well as their dimensions.
Keyboard to tail, in one straight line.
Grand piano length is the distance from the front of the keyboard to the furthest point of the curved tail, measured in a straight line along the longest axis of the case. Width is measured across the keyboard. Height is the case from the floor to the closed lid. Length is not width, and neither is height.
When planning a room, the playing space extends beyond the instrument itself. Measure the bench and the player’s position separately, and allow for the actual lid and any required access. The provider must assess the route, equipment and handling method; a case measurement does not settle those questions.
Examples, not every model made.
The lengths below are manufacturer reference figures. They illustrate the range of sizes a buyer may encounter, not a complete catalogue and not a stock list. Confirm the exact model, length and availability of the instrument being offered.
Yamaha examples (from Yamaha’s size comparison page and existing verified references):
| Model | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Height (cm) | Mass (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1K | 151 | 146 | 99 | 261 |
| GC1 | 161 | 149 | 101 | 290 |
| C1X | 161 | 149 | 101 | 290 |
| C2X | 173 | 149 | 101 | 305 |
| C3X | 186 | 149 | 101 | 320 |
The examples above are all from the same Yamaha UK size reference. Other makers publish their own model measurements; check the exact model rather than transferring these figures to another brand.
These are reference examples, not a complete market catalogue. Do not assume every grand at a given length has the same sound, touch or quality. The model, the condition and the production year all matter.
Bass, sustain and projection.
Use the size reference to shortlist instruments, then compare what you can actually hear and control:
- Bass clarity: play the same bass passage on each and listen to the clarity and balance. Length alone does not decide which used piano sounds better.
- Sustain: listen to held notes and slow chords at similar playing levels. Construction, preparation, condition and the room all affect what you hear.
- Projection: try the instrument at the intended playing level and discuss the room or venue with the provider. A length label is not a room-acoustics assessment.
None of these differences can be assessed from the length alone. They can be heard by playing the same music on two grands of different lengths in the same room. Condition, voicing and regulation affect the sound at least as much as length does.
The piano is longer than its footprint.
The playing area of a grand includes the bench behind the keyboard, clearance for the lid to open, and space around the case for the sound to develop. A room that technically fits the piano may not leave enough room for the player or for the sound.
Delivery is a separate question. The provider determines which components require preparation and how the actual model will be handled. Turns, lift openings, stairs, equipment and the full route need assessment. A grand that fits the room may still be unsuitable for the available route.
The delivery guide covers the logistics. The used grand assessment guide covers what to ask the seller or technician about a specific grand.
Grand piano sizes, answered.
How long is a baby grand piano?
There is no universal standard. The label is used for smaller grands, but the cutoff varies by maker and seller. Yamaha’s UK reference lists GB1K at 151 cm and C1X at 161 cm; these concrete measurements are more useful than assuming a shared category boundary. Ask for the exact length of the instrument rather than relying on the category label.
Is a baby grand big enough for serious playing?
It depends on what is being played and what the player needs. Case length alone does not establish the exact string design, tonal quality or suitability of a particular used grand. Compare its bass, touch and control at the playing levels you use. Compare the actual instrument rather than deciding on a size label.
What size grand fits a Singapore flat?
Measure the room, the route into it, and the space needed for the bench, the lid and the player. A 151 cm grand needs less floor area than a 186 cm one, but access through the building depends on the lift, corridors and turns, not only the room. Send the measurements and ask for a route assessment.
Does Music Companion have baby grands?
Ask which grand pianos are currently available. The floor stock changes as instruments arrive and leave, and a model listed here is a reference, not a stock promise.
Is length the same as width on a grand piano?
No. Length is measured from the keyboard end to the tail of the case, along the longest dimension. Width is the shorter measurement across the keyboard. The two are not interchangeable. When planning a room, you need both, plus the space for the bench and the open lid.
Where the rest is set out on this site: Upright vs grand decision → Assessing a used grand → Grand pianos we carry → How delivery works → All guides →
Looking at a grand?
Tell us the room dimensions and who plays. Ask which grands are currently available and what size suits your space.