Buzz
There are several ways to measure your hand size, and the specific measurements you need will depend on your goal. If you're selecting gloves that fit properly, measure the circumference or length using inches or centimeters. Hand length can also provide insight into a person's athletic abilities. Hand size is also a key factor when choosing certain musical instruments.
Steps
Measuring Hand Circumference
Measuring Your Hand. Wrap a measuring tape around your hand at the widest point, where the fingers meet the palm. This circumference typically extends from the outside of the palm (just below the pinky) to the inner crease of the palm (between the index and thumb). Avoid measuring the outside of your thumb as the true circumference is found at the widest part of the palm.
- If you don’t have a measuring tape, you can use a string or strip of paper. Wrap the string (or flexible measuring strip) around your palm as you would with a measuring tape. Mark where the ends meet after a full loop. Then, take the string off and measure the marked length using a ruler.
Record the measurement. Read the number at the point where the end of the string meets itself after one full loop. This is your hand's circumference. Adult hands typically have a circumference ranging from 15.2 cm (6 inches) to 27.9 cm (11 inches). Children's hands usually measure from 2.5 cm (1 inch) to 15.2 cm (6 inches). The centimeter measurement often directly reflects glove size.
Determine Glove Size. After measuring your hand's circumference, you can compare the measurement with a 'standard' sizing chart to find your glove size. Below is a standard glove size chart based on hand circumference measurements:
- XS: 17.8 cm (7 inches)
- S: 19.2 - 20.3 cm (7.5 - 8 inches)
- M: 21.6 - 22.0 cm (8.5 - 9 inches)
- L: 24.1 - 25.4 cm (9.5 - 10 inches)
- XL: 26.7 - 27.9 cm (10.5 - 11 inches)
- XXL: 29.2 - 30.5 cm (11.5 - 12 inches)
Measure Hand Length
Measuring Length for Large Hands. If you have particularly large or long hands, you may need to use hand length instead of circumference to determine your glove size. Most gloves are designed with a relatively even length and width, so if your hand is especially long, you may need to choose the largest glove size even if your palm isn’t excessively wide or thick.
Raise your hand as if you're about to wave. Point your fingers upwards toward the ceiling.
Measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm. This is the point where your hand meets your wrist. Record this measurement. If your hand is longer than its circumference, use this measurement to choose your gloves. The measurement in centimeters will correspond to the glove size that fits you.
- If you are selecting baseball gloves, measure from the tip of your middle finger to the wrist. The length in centimeters will correspond to the glove size listed.
- For tennis racket grip size, measure from the tip of your ring finger to the lowest crease on the side of your palm, where your palm grips along the thumb line.
Measure Glove Length
Consider Before Measuring. In sports, glove length is a key indicator for natural advantages in catching, throwing, blocking, or gripping actions; this is especially true for American football quarterbacks. Glove length is also used when choosing a cello or violin.
- If your glove length is 15.24 cm (6 inches) or longer, you should opt for a 4/4 cello. If your glove measures 12.7 - 15.2 cm (5 - 6 inches), a 3/4 cello is appropriate; for a glove length of 10.2 - 12.7 cm (4 - 5 inches), a 1/2 cello is best; and if your glove is 7.6 - 10 cm (3 - 4 inches), a 1/4 cello will be ideal. Keep in mind that height, arm length, age, skill level, and other factors also play a role in choosing the right cello size.
- Sports camps and data analysts often use glove length as an essential method for self-assessment. If you're aiming to make a name for yourself in football or basketball, you might be asked to report your glove length.
Place the ruler on a flat surface. If the surface is smooth, tape the ruler to the table. You'll need ample space to comfortably spread your hand on the flat surface.
Open your palm. Use your dominant hand to fully spread your fingers. Focus on stretching your thumb and pinky as far apart as possible to fully extend your hand.
Place the dominant hand’s left side at the 0 mark on the ruler. Depending on whether you're right or left-handed, this point could be either your thumb or pinky. Lower your palm so that your middle finger is perpendicular to the ruler.
Record the glove length. Note the measurement where the outermost edge of your palm touches. This is the width or 'glove length,' measured from left to right across the thickest part of your hand. For grip size, you’ll need to measure the distance from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your outstretched pinky finger.
Tips
- It might be easier to convert from cm to inches when purchasing gloves made overseas. To convert from cm to inches, multiply the cm measurement by 0.3937 (since 1 cm equals 0.3937 inches).
- If you have small hands and cannot comfortably grip a standard violin, you should choose a smaller size like 7/8 (3/4 is a common choice for most women).
What You’ll Need
- Measuring Tape
- Pen
- Pencil
- Friends or an assistant
- Adhesive tape
