HOW TO MEASURE HAND FOR THE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL GLOVE

To measure your hand for a baseball/softball glove, you'll need a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler.

In basebal and softballl, the throwing hand is typically the dominant hand, and it remains bare while the glove is worn on the opposite hand for catching and fielding the ball.

So, if you throw with your right hand, you would wear the glove on your left hand to catch the ball.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Start by measuring your catching hand, as you'll be wearing the glove on that hand. If you're right-handed, measure your left hand, and if you're left-handed, measure your right hand.
  2. Measure finger length for Glove Size. The index finger length is always the most important consideration when choosing baseball gloves. Usually, the index finger length is always smaller in size than the middle finger.
  3. Measure hand circumference for Glove fit. You may wonder, what is the hand circumference? Well, ‘hand circumference is the contact area between the pointer finger and the small finger on the palm.’
  4. Open your hand and extend your fingers as much as possible. This will ensure that you have enough room inside the glove.
  5. Take the measuring tape or string and wrap it around the widest part of your hand, which is typically just below your knuckles. Make sure the tape or string is snug but not too tight.
  6. Note the measurement in inches or centimeters.
  7. Once you have the measurement, you can use it as a guide to select an appropriately sized baseball/softball glove. 

Different brands and models may have slight variations in sizing, so refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart for the specific glove you're interested in.

Remember that the size of the glove also depends on the position you'll be playing. Infielders generally use smaller gloves, while outfielders typically use larger gloves. Additionally, youth gloves will have different sizing guidelines compared to adult gloves.

If you have the opportunity, it's always a good idea to try on gloves in person to ensure the best fit. The measurements serve as a starting point, but actually trying on the glove will give you a better sense of how it feels on your hand.

Measuring your catching hand

measuring your catching hand

Types of fit (glove cut)

What glove fit matches your hand?

Baseball

Standard Narrow Contour Youth Pro Taper

Standard

Narrow

Contour

Youth Pro Taper
Standard hand opening size. Standard finger stalls. 7"-7.5" wrist opening. Narrow hand opening size. Standard finger stalls. 6.5"-7" wrist opening. 6"-7" adjustable wrist opening tailored to athletes with smaller, thinner hands. Smaller hand opening with lowered finger stalls. 6"-6.5" wrist opening.

Softball

Standard Youth Pro Taper

Standard

Youth Pro Taper
Standard hand opening size. Standard finger stalls. 7"-7.5" wrist opening. Smaller hand opening with lowered finger stalls. 6"-6.5" wrist opening.

Also interesting and useful is our other article on how to select right baseball/softball glove.