Dimensions of a Grand Piano

Characterized by its horizontal strings and frame, the grand piano is one of the basic configurations of modern pianos. It differs from other types such as the transposing piano and the silent piano. It is divided into several subcategories including the baby grand, the parlor grand and the concert grand. In this specific type of piano, each key has a repetition lever. Besides these interesting aspects, it is also important to know the dimensions of a grand piano.

The Grand Piano Dimensions

The grand piano varies in size, depending mainly on its different types. For instance, the biggest amongst the different types is the concert grand. It has a length of 7 feet and 2.61 inches to 9 feet and 10.11 inches or 2.2 meters to 3 meters. Also called boudoir grand, the parlor grand comes next in terms of size. Its length ranges from 5 feet and 6.92 inches to 7 feet and 2.61 inches or 1.7 meters to 2.2 meters. The grand piano is the smallest amongst these three different main types.

Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details

If pianos are longer, the strings are longer as well. This will create lower inharmonicity as well as richer and larger sound. The term ‘inharmonicity’ primarily refers to the degree of overtone frequencies. In the case of baby grand pianos, which are shorter but with strings that are thicker, more inharmonicity can be expected. Because of its longer strings, the concert grand vibrates better and more accurately compared to the thicker and shorter strings of the baby grand. The strings of a concert grand produce truer overtones.

In public concerts, the preferred choice is full-size grand pianos. In 1884, the New York-based piano manufacturer Sohmer & Co. introduced the smaller grand, which is the preferred choice today for houses and other places with less space available.

The other major type of piano is the upright piano, which is characterized by its vertical design. The movement of the hammers is horizontally. Compared to the grand piano, a common problem with this specific piano type is wear and tear. Known for its longer strings and taller frames, this kind of piano is also referred to as an upright grand. Characterized by a shorter cabinet, the standard height of studio pianos is somewhere around 42 inches to 45 inches. Meanwhile, console pianos have shorter hammers for a more compact action. Compared to studio models, this type of console piano is shorter by a few inches. The term ‘upright’ is commonly used by musicians to describe pianos that are taller than studio pianos.