Stratocaster Dimensions – Deep Dive

The Fender Stratocaster might be the most instantly recognizable guitar on Earth. For more than half a century, it has paved its way through the halls of rock n’ roll, funk, blues, pop, and beyond. From Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix to Stevie Ray Vaughan, the legendary musicians who have used the Stratocaster to create their unique hits are countless. 

Beyond its status as one of the great guitars, one thing that makes the Strat so unique is its dimensions — the nuanced yet critical specifications that shape every subtlety of its character.

Whether you’re getting ready to build your own Stratocaster or want a deeper insight into the anatomy of this electric guitar, continue reading as we explore the Stratocaster dimensions.

Fender Stratocaster Measurements & Dimensions

The Standard Strat Dimensions

For these measurements, I used my American Performer Stratocaster (above). Fender uses the imperial system for manufacturing, so all guitar dimensions are given in inches and pounds.

Overall Length	38.9  in.
Body Length	18.5 in.
Body Width (at lower bout)	12.75 in.
Body Depth	1.75 in.
Neck Profile	“C” Shape
Scale Length	25.5 in.
Nut Width	1.60 in.
Neck or Fretboard Length	18.5 in.
Neck Width	2.2 in
Neck Thickness	0.9 in. at 12th fret
Neck Radius	9.5 in.
Fretboard Radius	9.5 in.
Number of Frets	21 frets
Stratocaster Headstock Length	7.3 in.
Weight	7.5 pounds
Stratocaster Pickguard	11.5 x 8.3 in.
Bridge Cavity Width	2.2 in.
Bridge Cavity Length	3.5 in.
Bridge Cavity Depth	0.5 in.
Pickup Length (Single-Coil)	2.75 in.
Pickup Width (Single-Coil)	0.7 in.
Pickup Depth (Single-Coil)	0.75 in.
Fretboard Thickness (at 12th Fret)	0.85 in.

Super-strats & Other Modern Strat Designs

Jackson Soloist

Overall Length	39 in.
Body Length	17.5 in.
Body Width (at lower bout)	12.75 in.
Body Depth	1.75 in.
Neck Profile	Speed Neck (rounded D profile neck)
Scale Length	25.5 in.
Nut Width	1.6875 in.
Neck or Fretboard Length	18.5 in.
Neck Width	1.6875 in.
Neck Thickness	0.85 in. at 12th fret
Neck Radius	12 – 16 in.
Fretboard Radius	12 – 16 in.
Number of Frets	24 frets
Soloist Headstock Length	7.5 in.
Weight	8.33 pounds
Soloist Pickguard	N/A
Bridge Cavity Width	1.57 in.
Bridge Cavity Length	3.14 in.
Bridge Cavity Depth	0.75 in.
Pickup Length (Single-Coil)	1.4 in.
Pickup Width (Single-Coil)	3.06 in.
Pickup Depth (Single-Coil)	0.557 in.
Fretboard Thickness (at 12th Fret)	0.75 in.

Charvel 5150

Overall Length	39 in.
Body Length	17.5 in.
Body Width (at lower bout)	12.5 in.
Body Depth	1.75 in.
Neck Profile	Modified “C” profile
Scale Length	25.5 in.
Nut Width	1.685 in.
Neck or Fretboard Length	19.4 in.
Neck Width	2.08 in. at 12th fret
Neck Thickness	.85 in. at 12th fret
Neck Radius	12 – 16 in.
Fretboard Radius	12 – 16 in.
Number of Frets	24 frets
5150 Headstock Length	7.5 in.
Weight	7.05 pounds
5150 Pickguard	N/A
Bridge Cavity Width	1.57 in.
Bridge Cavity Length	3.14 in.
Bridge Cavity Depth	0.75 in.
Pickup Length (Single-Coil)	1.4 in.
Pickup Width (Single-Coil)	3.06 in.
Pickup Depth (Single-Coil)	0.557 in.
Fretboard Thickness (at 12th Fret)	0.75 in.

Ibanez Prestige

Overall Length	39 in.
Body Length	17.5 in.
Body Width (at lower bout)	12.1 in.
Body Depth	1.49 in.
Neck Profile	Wizard neck profile
Scale Length	25.5 in.
Nut Width	1.6875 in.
Neck or Fretboard Length	18.5 in.
Neck Width	2.2 in. at 24th fret
Neck Thickness	0.74 at 12th fret
Neck Radius	12 – 16 in.
Fretboard Radius	12 – 16 in.
Number of Frets	12 – 16 in.
Prestige Headstock Length	7.97 in.
Weight	8.2 pounds
Prestige Pickguard	N/A
Bridge Cavity Width	1.57 in.
Bridge Cavity Length	3.14 in.
Bridge Cavity Depth	0.75 in.
Pickup Length (Single-Coil)	1.4 in.
Pickup Width (Single-Coil)	3.06 in.
Pickup Depth (Single-Coil)	0.557 in.
Fretboard Thickness (at 12th Fret)	0.75 in.

Mini Stratocaster Dimensions

For these measurements, I used a standard Squier Mini Stratocaster.

Overall Length	33.5 in.
Body Length	13 in.
Body Width (at lower bout)	10.5 in.
Body Depth	1.5 in.
Neck Profile	“C” Shape
Scale Length	22.75 in.
Nut Width	1.6 in.
Neck or Fretboard Length	15.75 in.
Neck Width	1.6 in.
Neck Thickness	0.9 in. at 12th fret
Neck Radius	9.5 in.
Fretboard Radius	9.5 in.
Number of Frets	20 frets
Mini Stratocaster Headstock Length	5.75 in.
Weight	5.8 pounds
Mini Stratocaster Pickguard	8.6 x 6.2 in.
Bridge Cavity Width	2.2 in.
Bridge Cavity Length	3.5 in.
Bridge Cavity Depth	0.5 in.
Pickup Length (Single-Coil)	2.75 in.
Pickup Width (Single-Coil)	0.7 in.
Pickup Depth (Single-Coil)	0.75 in.
Fretboard Thickness (at 12th Fret)	0.85 in.

Key Features Of Stratocasters

• Wood: Most Fender Stratocasters are made with alder, though some Deluxe models use ash.
• Necks: While most popular Fender Stratocasters use classic “C” necks, depending on the model you get, it could also have a “D”, “V”, or “U” neck profile.
• Fingerboard: Depending on the model you get, your Strat could come with a rosewood or maple fingerboard.
• Electronics: Most standard Stratocaster models have three single-coil pickups and a five-way pickup switch.
• Tremolo: Synchronized tremolo systems can change depending on the model. You can either get a 6-saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo or a modern 2-point Pop-In Tremolo

A Timeline History of Fender Strats '54-Today: What's The Difference?

Which Stratocaster Design Is Right For Me?

With so many different Stratocaster models out there, there are several things to consider before making the ultimate choice. 

Let’s take a look at a few of the most important considerations. 

• Your Size: Are you relatively small? How about your hands or arms? If so, consider a smaller Strat, such as the Squier Mini, the smallest Stratocaster.
• Neck Profile: Though the “C” neck shape is pretty versatile, some people prefer something different, such as a rounded “U” neck for a more substantial feel or a “Slim C” neck for a slightly narrower grip.
• Scale Length: The biggest influence scale length has is the tension on the strings. While 25.5” is standard for Strats, you might consider shorter Stratocaster neck dimensions for smoother, easier bends with less tension. 
• Body Size: This is entirely preferential, and you might be best off going to your local guitar shop and sitting down with a bunch of different Strat models to decide which contour fits your body best.
• Weight: How much a guitar weighs can be a huge consideration if you plan to play out live. The lighter the guitar, the easier it will be to play standing up for hours on end.
• Tone: Hundreds of small characteristics can impact the overall tone of your guitar, from the type of pickups to the wood on the neck. Again, I recommend checking out your local guitar shop or watching a few video reviews of these guitars to find one that best suits your tonal preferences.

Now that you better understand Strat body dimensions and why they’re so important, you might also consider seeing how they compare to other electric guitar body shapes.

5 Best Stratocasters

• Best Overall: Fender American Performer Stratocaster.
• Best Premium Option: Fender American Ultra Stratocaster.
• Best Super-Strat: Jackson Soloist.
• Best Mini-Strat: Squier Mini Stratocaster.
• Best Budget: Squier Affinity Stratocaster.

Conclusion

While Stratocaster dimensions might look like plain old numbers to some people, true guitarists know how much impact they can have on a guitar’s playability and tone. 

With this in mind, your next step is to get out there and start testing some different Fender models! 

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