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