Free glove size calculator
Find your glove size in two seconds. Measure around your palm at the knuckles, type the inches (or centimetres), and the glove size calculator returns your numeric size (6–12), your letter size (XS–XXL), and the cm equivalent — with a full size chart and how to measure, updated live, as you type.
On this page14 sections
| Letter | Numeric | Inches | cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 6 | 5.5–6.5 | 14.0–16.5 |
| XS | 7 | 6.5–7.5 | 16.5–19.0 |
| S | 7.5 | 7.5–8.0 | 19.0–20.5 |
| M | 8 | 8.0–9.0 | 20.5–23.0 |
| L | 9 | 9.0–10.0 | 23.0–25.5 |
| XL | 10 | 10.0–11.0 | 25.5–28.0 |
| XXL | 11 | 11.0–13.0 | 28.0–33.0 |
Glove size equals your hand circumference in inches. See the full size chart
Results are estimates. Consult a professional.
What does glove size mean?
Your glove size is simply the circumference of your hand in inches — measured around the palm at the knuckles, with the thumb left out. An 8-inch hand takes a size 8 glove, a 9.5-inch hand takes a size 9.5 glove, and so on. This glove size calculator turns that one measurement into the three numbers retailers actually print on the box: the numeric size (6–12), the letter size (XS through XXL), and the metric circumference in centimetres.
That one-to-one rule — inches of hand equals number on the glove — is the reason glove sizing feels confusing at first and obvious once you know it. The catch is that not every brand prints the number. Many use letters (S/M/L/XL) instead, and a few size by hand length rather than circumference. The calculator above bridges all three systems from a single tape-measure reading so you can shop any brand with confidence.
How to measure your hand for glove size
You need a soft tape measure (the kind used for sewing) or a strip of paper and a ruler. Measure your dominant hand — the right if you are right-handed, the left if you are left-handed — because it is usually very slightly larger. Take both the circumference and the length, then let the calculator do the conversion.
- Measure the circumference. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your palm — across the knuckles at the base of your fingers, but not over the thumb. Make a loose fist so the hand is at its widest. Read the number in inches.
- Measure the length (optional cross-check). With your hand flat and fingers together, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the crease where your wrist meets your palm.
- Take the larger of the two. If the circumference and length point to different sizes, size up — a glove that is slightly roomy beats one that is tight across the knuckles.
- Enter the measurement above. Type the circumference in inches or centimetres and the calculator returns your numeric size, letter size, and cm equivalent instantly.
A worked example using the glove size calculator
Daniel wants to order leather work gloves online but the brand only lists S/M/L. Here is exactly how he goes from a tape measure to the right box.
Step 1 — Measure around the palm
Daniel makes a loose fist and wraps the tape around his knuckles, leaving the thumb out. The tape reads 8.5 inches. He notes his hand length too — 7.5 inches — but the circumference is the larger-sizing reading, so that is the one to use.
Step 2 — Read the numeric size
Because the numeric glove size equals the circumference in inches, 8.5 inches is a size 8.5 glove. The calculator rounds to the nearest half inch, so anything from about 8.25 to 8.75 inches lands on 8.5.
Step 3 — Convert to a letter and centimetres
A size 8.5 falls in the Medium band, and 8.5 inches is 21.6 cm (8.5 × 2.54). So Daniel orders a Medium with confidence — and if the brand uses cm, he knows to look for ~21–22 cm.
Glove size chart (inches, numeric, letter, cm)
This is the master conversion. Find your hand circumference in the first column and read across to the numeric size, the letter size, and the centimetre equivalent. Sizes are sold in half-inch steps, so a measurement between two rows rounds to the nearer one.
| Hand circumference (in) | Numeric size | Letter size | Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 – 6.5 | 6 | XXS | 14.0 – 16.5 |
| 6.5 – 7.5 | 7 | XS | 16.5 – 19.0 |
| 7.5 – 8.0 | 7.5 | S | 19.0 – 20.5 |
| 8.0 – 9.0 | 8 | M | 20.5 – 23.0 |
| 9.0 – 10.0 | 9 | L | 23.0 – 25.5 |
| 10.0 – 11.0 | 10 | XL | 25.5 – 28.0 |
| 11.0 + | 11 | XXL | 28.0 + |
Unisex glove size chart. The numeric size equals the hand circumference in inches; letter sizes are bands over that scale. 1 inch = 2.54 cm.
Numeric glove sizes vs. letter sizes
Gloves are sold in two parallel systems, and knowing both saves you from guesswork. The numeric system (6, 6.5, 7, 7.5 …) is the precise one: the number is your hand circumference in inches, full stop. It is common on work gloves, gardening gloves, and European brands.
The letter system (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) is the looser one, common on winter, fashion, and sports gloves. Each letter covers roughly a half-to-full inch of circumference, and the exact cutoffs drift from brand to brand. That is why two gloves both labelled "Large" can fit differently — and why converting back to your numeric size, then to the brand's own chart, beats trusting the letter alone.
Men's vs. women's vs. kids' glove sizes
The measurement rule never changes — a glove size is always the hand's circumference in inches. What changes between men's, women's, and kids' ranges is the shape of the glove and where the letter sizes land, because hands differ in proportion as well as size.
- Men's gloves are cut for wider palms and thicker fingers, and run from about size 8 (Medium) up to 11–12 (XXL). A typical adult man measures 8.5–9.5 inches.
- Women's gloves are cut for narrower palms and longer, more slender fingers. The same letter sits lower on the inch scale — a women's Medium is often around size 7–7.5, where a men's Medium is size 8.
- Kids' gloves are usually listed by age, but hands grow at very different rates, so always measure first. Children's circumferences run roughly 5–7 inches (sizes 5–7), and adding a quarter-inch of room leaves space to grow.
| Range | Typical circumference | Typical numeric size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's | 6.5 – 8 in | 6.5 – 8 | Narrower palm, longer fingers |
| Men's | 8.5 – 9.5 in | 8.5 – 9.5 | Wider palm, thicker fingers |
| Kids' | 5 – 7 in | 5 – 7 | Listed by age; always measure |
Typical ranges only — individual hands vary widely. The numeric size comes from your own measurement, not your gender or age.
Fitting work, winter, and sports gloves
Once you know your number, the right fit depends on what the glove is for. The same hand can take a snug size in one category and a roomier size in another — here is how to adjust.
Work and safety gloves
Work gloves should fit snugly without pinching — a loose glove slips, bunches, and ruins your grip and dexterity. Go with your exact measured size. If your circumference and length disagree, size up just enough that the fingertips reach the ends without extra material at the palm.
Winter and ski gloves
Insulated gloves need a little air space to trap warmth, and many people layer a thin liner underneath. Size up by a half if you run cold or plan to wear a liner — a glove packed too tight compresses the insulation and actually feels colder.
Sports and cycling gloves
Cycling, batting, golf, and weightlifting gloves are meant to be close-fitting for feel and grip, so stick to your exact size or even the snugger end if you are between sizes. Note that baseball and softball fielding gloves are sized by length in inches, not hand circumference — a different system this calculator does not cover.
Common glove size questions
What does a size 8 glove mean?
It means your hand measures about 8 inches around the palm at the knuckles, excluding the thumb. In letter sizing, a size 8 is a Medium. The number on a glove is simply your hand circumference in inches.
Which hand should I measure?
Measure your dominant hand — right if you are right-handed, left if you are left-handed. It is usually a touch larger, so sizing to it ensures both gloves fit comfortably.
Should gloves fit tight or loose?
Snug but not tight. A well-fitting glove has no loose material at the palm and lets your fingertips reach the ends without pressing. Too tight restricts movement and circulation; too loose ruins grip and dexterity. For insulated winter gloves, allow a little extra room for warmth and liners.
What size glove am I if I'm between two sizes?
Round to the nearest half inch, then size up if you are still on the fence — especially for winter or work gloves. A slightly roomy glove is far more comfortable than one that is tight across the knuckles.
How this calculator works and sources
This glove size calculator applies the standard industry rule used across glove retailers and sizing guides: the numeric glove size equals the hand circumference in inches, rounded to the nearest half inch, with letter sizes (XS–XXL) mapped as bands over that scale and centimetres derived at 1 in = 2.54 cm. The maths is pure and runs entirely in your browser — your measurement is never sent anywhere. It is designed for fabric and material gloves (knit, leather, rubber, latex); specialty gloves such as baseball mitts, which are sized by length, follow a different system.
Wells Lamont — How to Determine Your Glove Size (industry sizing guide).Omni Calculator — Glove Size Calculator (hand-circumference method and chart).Frequently asked questions about the free glove size calculator
About this glove size calculator
This glove size calculator runs entirely in your browser. The measurement you enter never leaves your device — nothing is sent to a server, logged, or shared. It applies the standard rule exactly: your glove size is your hand circumference in inches, rounded to the nearest half, with letter sizes (XS–XXL) and centimetres derived from it, updating instantly on every change.
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