Hand Size Chart
Two numbers matter most: length (wrist crease → middle fingertip) and circumference (knuckles, thumb out). Men often ~7.6 in (~19.3 cm) / 22 cm (~9 in); women ~6.9 in (~17.5 cm) / 19 cm (~7 in). Use circumference for glove letters.
Last updated: September 2026 · Typical US retail, work (EN-style numeric), and coaching charts—confirm the brand chart you buy.
Cm or inches? Brand charts here use centimeters. A tape marked in inches is fine—read the number and match the cm row on the chart (1 in ≈ 2.54 cm).
Quick answer
- Buying winter / dress / batting gloves: measure circumference → glove size chart
- Comparing hands or averages: measure length → bands below + visual comparison
- NFL “hand size”: span (thumb to pinky)—not the glove wrap
Which measure for which job
| Measure | How | Women (near avg) | Men (near avg) | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand length | Wrist crease → middle fingertip | ~16.8–18.2 cm near average | ~18.5–20.0 cm near average | Comparisons, averages, visual charts |
| Hand circumference | Around knuckles, thumb out | ~17.5–20.5 cm near average | ~20.5–23.5 cm near average | Everyday & batting glove letters |
| Palm breadth | Across palm at widest (optional) | ~7.9 cm mean | ~8.9 cm mean | When gloves feel wide/narrow in the palm |
| Hand span (NFL-style) | Thumb tip → pinky tip, hand stretched | Varies widely | Varies widely | Combine / curiosity—not glove letters |
Adult women (typical mean)
- Length: 17.5 cm (6.9 in)
- Circumference: 19 cm
- Glove letter often: S–M
Adult men (typical mean)
- Length: 19.3 cm (7.6 in)
- Circumference: 22 cm
- Glove letter often: M–L
Circumference → glove letter
Same wrap as how to measure hand circumference. Full men/women maps on the glove size chart.
| cm | inches | Unisex |
|---|---|---|
| 17–18 | 6.7–7.1 | XS |
| 19–20 | 7.5–7.9 | S |
| 21–22 | 8.3–8.7 | M |
| 23–24 | 9.1–9.4 | L |
| 25–26 | 9.8–10.2 | XL |
| 27–28 | 10.6–11.0 | XXL |
Length on one scale
Average woman ~17.5 cm vs Average man ~19.3 cm—gap about 1.8 cm. Tap the chart below to edit lengths or add another hand on Size Comparison.
Visual length reference—not a glove circumference chart.
How to use this chart
- Measure length and circumference with the steps on how to measure hand size.
- Compare length to the adult means and bands on average hand size.
- Match circumference to a glove letter—or batting gloves if you hit.
FAQ
- What is a hand size chart?
- A hand size chart lists typical adult hand length, knuckle circumference, and sometimes palm breadth, then points each measure to a use—comparisons, glove letters, or NFL-style span. It is a starting map, not a medical standard.
- Which hand measurement do I need for gloves?
- Hand circumference around the knuckles (thumb out). Match centimeters on the glove size chart. Hand length alone does not pick S/M/L on most retail charts.
- What is the average hand size on this chart?
- Adult men often average about 7.6 in (~19.3 cm) length and 22 cm (~9 in) circumference. Adult women often average about 6.9 in (~17.5 cm) and 19 cm (~7 in).
- How do I measure for this hand size chart?
- Length: wrist crease to middle fingertip. Circumference: soft tape around knuckles, excluding the thumb. Measure both hands and note the larger reading for gloves.
- Is hand span on this chart?
- NFL combine hand size is hand span: tip of thumb to tip of pinky with the hand stretched flat—not the same as glove circumference or wrist-to-middle-finger length.