What this calculator does
Glove size is hand circumference in inches, rounded to the nearest half size. A hand measuring 21.5 cm around the knuckles is 8.5 inches, so it takes a size 8.5, which is a medium.
The measurement to take is around the palm and knuckles with the thumb excluded, hand relaxed and open. Measuring with the hand clenched or including the thumb both overstate the figure, typically by half a size or more, which is enough to make a fitted glove uncomfortable.
The formula
The hand circumference is converted from centimetres to inches, and that figure is the glove size directly, rounded to the nearest half. Letter sizes come from the standard bands. The convention is the same for most glove types, though ski and work gloves are often cut larger to allow for liners.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Glove size | Hand circumference in inches, rounded to the nearest half size. |
| Hand circumference | Around the palm and knuckles, excluding the thumb, with the hand relaxed. |
| Letter size | S, M, L and so on, mapped from the numeric bands. |
| Dominant hand | Usually slightly larger. Measure it and size to it, since gloves are sold in pairs. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Hand circumference (around the knuckles) (cm) | Hand circumference in centimetres, measured around the palm at the knuckles with the thumb excluded and the hand relaxed. Measure your dominant hand, which is usually the larger of the two. |
When to use it
Buying gloves online
Without trying them on, the circumference is the only reliable guide, and it maps directly to the numeric size.
Buying work or ski gloves
These are often cut larger for liners and dexterity, so check the maker sizing chart against the measurement rather than assuming.
Buying gloves as a gift
Measuring an existing pair they wear across the palm is a reasonable substitute for measuring the hand.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
What glove size does each hand measurement take?
A range of hand circumferences with the corresponding sizes.
| Hand circumference | Glove size | Letter size | Hand circumference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 cm | 7.0 | S | 7.1 in / 18.0 cm |
| 20 cm | 8.0 | M | 7.9 in / 20.0 cm |
| 21.5 cm | 8.5 | M | 8.5 in / 21.5 cm |
| 23 cm | 9.0 | L | 9.1 in / 23.0 cm |
| 25 cm | 10.0 | XL | 9.8 in / 25.0 cm |
Questions
How do I measure my hand for gloves?
Wrap a tape around your palm at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, with your hand relaxed and open. That circumference in inches is your glove size. Measure your dominant hand, which is usually slightly larger.
Should I include my thumb in the measurement?
No. The measurement is around the palm and knuckles with the thumb outside the tape. Including it adds roughly half a size to an inch, which will give you gloves that are noticeably loose.
What if my hands are different sizes?
Size to the larger, which is usually the dominant hand. Gloves are sold in pairs, and a glove that is slightly loose on one hand is far more workable than one that is too tight on the other.
Do work and ski gloves size the same way?
The measurement is the same but the fit intent differs. Ski gloves are often cut roomier to allow a liner and to keep air space for warmth, and work gloves vary widely by type. Check the specific sizing chart rather than assuming a size 9 is a size 9 everywhere.
For hat sizing, see the hat size calculator. For shoes, see the shoe size converter.