Badminton Racket U & Tennis Grip Size Chart

Understanding the racket weight and grip size chart — concept and principle

This chart looks up two common racket sizing systems: the badminton "U" weight class, which tells you how heavy a racket frame is, and the tennis grip size, which tells you how thick the handle is. Use it when choosing a new racket, reading a product label such as "4U G5" or "L2", or comparing rackets from different brands.

How it is calculated

There is no formula; both are lookup tables. The calculator takes a badminton class and returns its weight band; tennis grip sizes are listed in their own table below it.

• Badminton class: each U class is a 5 g band of unstrung frame weight. 2U is 90–94 g, 3U 85–89 g, 4U 80–84 g, 5U 75–79 g and 6U 70–74 g.
• Tennis grip: sizes L0 to L5 (US) or 0 to 5 (Europe) step by 1/8 inch of handle circumference, from 4 inches (101.6 mm) to 4 5/8 inches (117.5 mm). Millimetres = inches × 25.4.

The two systems are independent: a badminton U class says nothing about a tennis grip size.

The principle

In badminton, a larger U number means a lighter racket: each step removes about 5 g. Heavier frames give more stability and power on full swings, while lighter frames are quicker to move for defence and fast exchanges. In tennis, the grip size is the distance around the handle. A grip that fits lets you hold the racket firmly without squeezing; too thin and the racket twists, too thick and the wrist and forearm tire faster.

Worked example

Default input: badminton class 4U.

1. Find the 4U row: weight 80–84 g (unstrung frame).
2. That is 5 g lighter than 3U (85–89 g) and 5 g heavier than 5U (75–79 g).
3. Tennis grip table, for comparison: L2 is 4 + 2/8 = 4 1/4 inches of circumference, and 4.25 × 25.4 = 107.95 ≈ 108.0 mm.

How to read the result

For badminton, 3U and 4U are the most common classes for general players; 5U and lighter suit players who want fast handling. Strings and an overgrip add weight, so the racket you play with is heavier than its class. For tennis, a common way to estimate grip size is to measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. If you are between sizes, many players choose the smaller size and build it up with an overgrip.

Common mistakes

• Thinking a higher U number is heavier. It is the opposite.
• Assuming a badminton class implies a particular tennis grip; the two scales are unrelated.
• Ignoring balance point. Two rackets of the same weight can feel very different if one is head-heavy.
• Confusing badminton grip codes such as G4 and G5 with tennis L sizes. In the Yonex system, G5 is thinner than G4.

Frequently asked questions

Is 4U lighter than 3U?

Yes. 4U is 80–84 g and 3U is 85–89 g.

What size is an L2 tennis grip?

4 1/4 inches (about 108 mm) around the handle.

Which badminton weight is best for beginners?

Many beginners start with 4U because it is light enough to swing easily while still stable, but personal feel matters most.

Does an overgrip change grip size?

Yes. It adds a little thickness, which is why players often fine-tune their grip with one.

Sources: Yonex product specifications (badminton U weight classes and G grip sizes)