Piano sizes are simpler than they look. Every full size piano has 88 keys and roughly the same keyboard width of around 150cm. What varies is the height of an upright or the length of a grand, and that is what shapes both the sound and the space you need.

Upright piano sizes

Uprights are measured by height, and taller generally means longer strings, a larger soundboard and a fuller tone.

Compact uprights, roughly 109 to 113cm tall. Pianos like the Yamaha b1 sit in this range. They suit smaller rooms and beginners, and modern compact pianos sound far better than their size suggests.

Studio uprights, roughly 114 to 124cm. This is the heart of the market and includes the famous Yamaha U1 at 121cm, the piano more teachers recommend than any other. Excellent for learners heading through the grades and for serious home players.

Full size uprights, 125 to 131cm and above. The Yamaha U3 at 131cm is the classic example. These approach baby grand richness in upright form and are the choice for advanced players who want depth of tone without a grand's footprint.

One charming exception: the little Kemble Classic and its cousins have 85 notes rather than 88 and measure a mere 130cm across, perfect where every centimetre counts.

Grand piano sizes

Grands are measured front to back with the lid closed.

Baby grands, up to about 160cm. The Yamaha GB1K at 151cm is a popular example. They fit comfortably in an ordinary living room.

Medium grands, roughly 160 to 190cm. Yamaha's C1 to C3 sit here. This is where the true grand sound arrives, with a richness uprights cannot quite reach.

Large grands, roughly 190 to 230cm. Instruments like the Yamaha C5 and C7 suit big rooms, schools and small venues.

Concert grands, around 275cm. The full nine feet you see on a concert hall stage.

What actually fits your room?

Less than you might fear. An upright needs about 150cm of wall and 60cm of depth plus room for the stool, roughly the footprint of a small sofa. A baby grand occupies about as much floor as a generous armchair and its angled side softens the visual bulk. The more important question is sound: a large instrument can overwhelm a small room, and a silent piano system solves practice volume entirely. Tell us your room size and we will give you an honest steer.

Browse our upright pianos and grand pianos, read the piano buying guide for the wider decisions, or email sales@thepianogallery.co.uk with your measurements and we will tell you what fits.