Do I measure both hands?

Yes. Measure both hands and use the larger circumference on the glove size chart. Most people have a slight left/right difference.

Is hand length the same as glove size?

No. Glove letter sizes use circumference around the knuckles. Hand length (wrist crease to middle fingertip) is useful for comparisons or NFL-style span—see how to measure hand size.

What if I am between glove sizes?

Size up for insulated or leather winter gloves if you wear liners. Dress leather gloves should fit snug—try the smaller size if you are only 0.5 cm over a row.

Can I use a string instead of a tape measure?

Yes. Wrap non-stretch string around the knuckles, mark the overlap, then measure the string flat with a ruler in centimeters.

How do I measure hand circumference for gloves in inches?

Use the same knuckle wrap, then read inches on the tape or convert cm ÷ 2.54. Many US charts list both—match either column on the glove size chart.

Do ski gloves use a different measure?

Same knuckle circumference. Ski gloves often need the next letter up when you wear liners, and some brands add a finger-length check—read that brand’s chart.

How to Measure Glove Size

Wrap the knuckles—thumb out—then match centimeters on the chart. 19 cm (~7 in) often fits women's M / unisex S; 22 cm (~9 in) fits many men's M. Repeat on both hands; use the larger reading.

Last updated: September 2026 · Typical US retail, work (EN-style numeric), and coaching charts—confirm the brand chart you buy.

Measuring hand circumference around knuckles for glove size — Wrap knuckles, thumb out—use the larger hand on the chart.

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).

What you need

Soft tailor's tape (or non-stretch string + ruler)
Both hands free; remove thick rings if they block the tape
The glove size chart open while you read cm

3 steps

Step 1 — Open the hand flat: Relax the fingers. Keep the thumb slightly out so the tape does not catch it.

Step 2 — Wrap across the knuckles: Circle the widest part of the hand—usually across the knuckles—excluding the thumb. Keep the tape level and snug, not tight enough to squeeze skin.

Step 3 — Read cm and match the chart: Record both hands. Use the larger reading. About 19 cm (~7 in) often lands on S; 22 cm (~9 in) on M—then confirm on the glove size chart.

Match your cm to a letter

Circumference	Letter	Note
17–18 cm (~6.7–7.1 in)	XS	Narrow adult or teen hands
19–20 cm (~7.5–7.9 in)	S	Often women's M on brand charts
21–22 cm (~8.3–8.7 in)	M	Men's M / women's L on many charts
23–24 cm (~9.1–9.4 in)	L	Men's L
25–26 cm (~9.8–10.2 in)	XL	Men's XL
27–28 cm (~10.6–11.0 in)	XXL	Extra-wide palms

Men's and women's letter maps: glove size chart.

Adjust for glove type

Dress / leather fashion: Fit snug at first—leather softens. Prefer the smaller letter if you sit between rows.
Ski / snowboard: Size up if you wear liner gloves; check finger length on the brand chart.
Work / mechanic: Allow room to make a fist with tools; some brands size by palm width mm.
Touchscreen knit: Slight stretch—start true to chart; size up only if fingertips feel tight.
Kids: Use the child's measured cm, not adult letter guesses. Re-measure each season.

Circumference vs hand length

Everyday glove charts need circumference (this page). For wrist-to-middle fingertip length or adult averages, use how to measure hand size and average hand size.

Hand size comparison: Average woman 17.5 cm next to Average man 19.3 cm on one scale — Hand length vs glove circumference
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.

Common mistakes

Wrapping over the thumb—charts exclude it.
Pulling the tape so tight that skin bulges—use snug, not constricting.
Measuring only the dominant hand—use the larger of both.
Assuming shoe size or ring size predicts glove letter.
Using baseball glove inches or boxing ounces on this chart.

FAQ

Where do I wrap the tape for glove size?: Around the widest part of the hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Keep the tape level and snug—not tight enough to squeeze skin.
Do I measure both hands?: Yes. Measure both hands and use the larger circumference on the glove size chart. Most people have a slight left/right difference.
Is hand length the same as glove size?: No. Glove letter sizes use circumference around the knuckles. Hand length (wrist crease to middle fingertip) is useful for comparisons or NFL-style span—see how to measure hand size.
What if I am between glove sizes?: Size up for insulated or leather winter gloves if you wear liners. Dress leather gloves should fit snug—try the smaller size if you are only 0.5 cm over a row.
Can I use a string instead of a tape measure?: Yes. Wrap non-stretch string around the knuckles, mark the overlap, then measure the string flat with a ruler in centimeters.
How do I measure hand circumference for gloves in inches?: Use the same knuckle wrap, then read inches on the tape or convert cm ÷ 2.54. Many US charts list both—match either column on the glove size chart.
Do ski gloves use a different measure?: Same knuckle circumference. Ski gloves often need the next letter up when you wear liners, and some brands add a finger-length check—read that brand’s chart.