Piano size greatly influences the musical tone and potential of the piano. The larger area for soundboard and string length the better. Lengths, for grands, and heights, for uprights, in general are:
Concert grand 8′-9′
Medium grand 6′-8′
Small grand 4.5′ – 6′
Full size upright 49″ or more
Studio 45″ – 48″
Console 41″ – 44″
Spinet 36″ – 40″
Grand pianos are constructed on a horizontal plane and vertical pianos (uprights, studios, consoles, & spinets) are constructed on a vertical plane. Older uprights that have been named “upright grand” or “cabinet grand” are misleading and incorrect. These were poor attempts at marketing by the manufacturers to increase sales. Likewise, some spinet pianos are labeled consoles to aide in sales.