A glove that fits well keeps your hand protected and lets your fingers move. One that is too small restricts blood flow and tears at the seams, and one that is too big slips and loses grip. Protective gloves in Europe are sized under the standard EN 420 (now EN ISO 21420) with sizes from 6 to 11, based on two hand measurements. This calculator turns your measurements into that size.
How to use the glove size calculator
- Palm circumference: wrap a tape around your dominant hand just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb, with the hand slightly clenched.
- Hand length: measure from the wrist crease to the tip of the longest finger.
- Enter both, choosing millimetres, centimetres or inches.
- Read the size. The calculator gives the size by circumference, the size by length and the larger of the two, which is the recommended size.
Glove size formula (EN 420 table lookup)
size by length = first size whose length value ≥ your hand length
glove size = the larger of the two
The table is the EN 420 size scale as printed on the Showa glove size chart (retrieved 2026-10-15). A second chart from MoG, based on the same standard, gives 193 mm instead of 192 mm for size 9 and adds a size 12 (304 mm palm, 226 mm length); this page uses the Showa values and stops at size 11. Inches are converted from millimetres by dividing by 25.4.
| EN 420 size | Palm circumference (mm) | Palm circumference (in) | Hand length (mm) | Hand length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 152 | 6.0 | 160 | 6.3 |
| 7 | 178 | 7.0 | 171 | 6.7 |
| 8 | 203 | 8.0 | 182 | 7.2 |
| 9 | 229 | 9.0 | 192 | 7.6 |
| 10 | 254 | 10.0 | 204 | 8.0 |
| 11 | 279 | 11.0 | 215 | 8.5 |
If a measurement is exactly on the table value it belongs to that size. A hand larger than the size 11 values is outside this table and should use a maker’s larger sizes.
Worked example
Palm circumference 190 mm (19 cm), hand length 185 mm.
- Circumference 190 mm is above size 7 (178) and within size 8 (203) → size 8.
- Length 185 mm is above size 8 (182) and within size 9 (192) → size 9.
- The larger result is the recommended size: 9, made for a palm of 229 mm and a length of 192 mm.
Getting the best fit
- Measure both hands. Hands are rarely identical, so size to the larger one.
- Fit depends on the job. Close-fitting thin gloves are chosen for dexterity; thicker insulated gloves need a little more room.
- Mesh and cut-resistant gloves: some makers advise adding a small allowance (one maker suggests at least 5 mm) to your hand measurement; follow the maker’s guide.
- Check the cuff length against the minimum glove length on the chart for the size.
The scale here applies to protective gloves; for rings, hats and belts see the Ring Size Calculator, Hat Size Calculator and Belt Size Calculator. This page is general guidance and does not replace the safety information supplied with protective equipment.
Sources
Every figure above comes from these pages, read directly on the dates shown.
- SHOWA — glove size chart (EN 420 palm circumference, length, minimum glove length) — checked 2026-10-15
- MoG — Standard EN 420 size chart (cross-check, includes size 12) — checked 2026-10-15
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my hand for gloves?
Wrap a tape around your dominant hand just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb, with the hand slightly clenched into a fist. For the length, measure from the wrist crease to the tip of the longest finger.
What does EN 420 glove size 8 mean?
Under EN 420, size 8 is made for a hand with a palm circumference of about 203 mm (8 in) and a length of about 182 mm. Sizes run from 6 for small hands to 11 for large hands.
What if my two measurements give different sizes?
Take the larger size. A glove that is slightly big loses a little dexterity, whereas one that is too small can restrict circulation, as Showa warns on its chart. Which of the two limits you is shown in the results.
Do work gloves and fashion gloves use the same sizes?
Not always. EN 420 (now EN ISO 21420) governs protective gloves. Leather dress gloves are often sold in fractional sizes or S/M/L. Use the maker’s chart for fashion gloves.
Are men’s and women’s sizes different?
The EN 420 size chart is unisex: it depends on the hand, not on the wearer. Brands that cut “women’s” gloves narrower may use their own sizes. See also Hat Size Calculator for a head measurement.