How do you measure hand circumference?

Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of the hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Keep the tape level and snug, then read centimeters or inches.

Where exactly do I wrap for gloves?

Across the knuckles at the widest point—not around the palm alone and not including the thumb. That is the number most US glove letter charts use.

What if I only have a string?

Wrap non-stretch string the same way, mark the overlap, then measure the string flat with a ruler in centimeters.

Is hand circumference the same as hand length?

No. Length is wrist crease to middle fingertip. Circumference is the knuckle wrap. Glove letters need circumference; averages and visual comparisons often use length.

What glove size is 22 cm hand circumference?

Often unisex M or men's medium on many charts. Confirm the brand table—ski gloves with liners may need the next letter.

How to Measure Hand Circumference

Wrap the knuckles—thumb out—then match cm to a glove letter. 19 cm (~7 in)–20 cm (~8 in) ≈ S · 21 cm (~8 in)–22 cm (~9 in) ≈ M. Use the larger hand.

Typical US retail, work (EN-style numeric), and coaching charts—confirm the brand chart you buy.

How to measure hand circumference around the knuckles excluding the thumb — Wrap knuckles, thumb out—use the larger hand.

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
The glove size chart open while you read the number

4 steps

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

Step 2 — Wrap the knuckles: Place a soft tape around the widest part across the knuckles—usually just below the finger joints. Exclude the thumb.

Step 3 — Keep the tape level and snug: The tape should lie flat all the way around. Snug is enough; do not dig into skin or leave large gaps.

Step 4 — Read cm (or inches) on both hands: Record left and right. Use the larger number on the glove chart. About 19 cm (~7 in)–20 cm (~8 in) often maps to S; 21 cm (~8 in)–22 cm (~9 in) to M.

Match cm to a letter

Circumference	Letter
17–18 cm (~6.7–7.1 in)	XS
19–20 cm (~7.5–7.9 in)	S
21–22 cm (~8.3–8.7 in)	M
23–24 cm (~9.1–9.4 in)	L
25–26 cm (~9.8–10.2 in)	XL
27–28 cm (~10.6–11.0 in)	XXL

Batting gloves use the same wrap—see the batting glove size chart.

Circumference vs length vs span

Circumference (this page): glove and batting-glove letters
Length: how to measure hand size — averages and visual comparisons
Span: NFL combine style—not for S/M/L tags

Common mistakes

Including the thumb in the wrap
Measuring only around the palm below the knuckles
Pulling so tight that skin bulges
Using only one hand when the other is larger
Applying baseball glove inches or boxing ounces to this number

FAQ

How do you measure hand circumference?: Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of the hand across the knuckles, excluding the thumb. Keep the tape level and snug, then read centimeters or inches.
Where exactly do I wrap for gloves?: Across the knuckles at the widest point—not around the palm alone and not including the thumb. That is the number most US glove letter charts use.
What if I only have a string?: Wrap non-stretch string the same way, mark the overlap, then measure the string flat with a ruler in centimeters.
Is hand circumference the same as hand length?: No. Length is wrist crease to middle fingertip. Circumference is the knuckle wrap. Glove letters need circumference; averages and visual comparisons often use length.
What glove size is 22 cm hand circumference?: Often unisex M or men's medium on many charts. Confirm the brand table—ski gloves with liners may need the next letter.