Two measurements
Hand circumference and hand length, in millimetres.
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PPE guide · GlovesSafety glove sizes.
Protective gloves: hand circumference and length are all you need. The table then gives the size, from 6 to 11.
- EN ISO 21420 standard
- Sizes 6 to 11
- A tape measure is enough
In short
How do you choose the size of a safety glove?
In short: measure your hand circumference, thumb excluded, around the knuckles, and the length, from the wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger. A 203 mm circumference and a 182 mm length give size 8 (M). This reference comes from EN ISO 21420, which replaced EN 420; the manufacturer's size chart still takes precedence.
A scale from 4 to 13
The standard describes sizes 4 to 13. Sizes 6 to 11 cover most equipped adults.
The manufacturer's chart
The standard's system is indicative: each manufacturer may publish its own.
Size chart
Glove size chart, from 6 to 11.
Reference values from the EN ISO 21420 sizing system, in millimetres.
| Size | Letter | Hand circumference | Hand length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | XS | 152 mm (15.2 cm) | 160 mm |
| 7 | S | 178 mm (17.8 cm) | 171 mm |
| 8 | M | 203 mm (20.3 cm) | 182 mm |
| 9 | L | 229 mm (22.9 cm) | 192 mm |
| 10 | XL | 254 mm (25.4 cm) | 204 mm |
| 11 | XXL | 279 mm (27.9 cm) | 215 mm |
The size number roughly matches the hand circumference in inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm): 203 mm is 8 inches, so size 8. The standard also provides sizes 4, 5, 12 and 13.
Method
Measure your hand in three steps.
- 1
Hand circumference
Hand flat, fingers together. Wrap the tape measure around the palm, at the knuckles, between thumb and index finger: the thumb stays outside.
- 2
Hand length
Measure from the wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger, hand laid flat.
- 3
Reading the chart
Take the row closest to your two measurements. Measure the working hand, usually the dominant one.
The standard
EN 420 or EN ISO 21420: what changed.
| Point | EN 420:2003+A1:2009 | EN ISO 21420:2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Replaced. Gloves already certified remain valid until their certificate expires. | Current standard for the general requirements of protective gloves. |
| Sizing system | Hand circumference and length. | Hand circumference and length, sizes 4 to 13. Indicative system: the manufacturer may use another one if it explains it. |
| Minimum glove length | Set per size. | No general minimum length any more. Some specific standards set one (welders EN 12477, firefighters EN 659). |
| Protection | These standards do not cover protection itself: they are used with the standard for the specific risk (cut, chemical, heat…). | |
Key point: in France, the Labour Code requires PPE that can be worn, after adjustment if needed, in conditions compatible with the work and ergonomics (article R4323-91). In Great Britain, the PPE at Work Regulations 1992 require PPE to be capable of fitting the wearer correctly (regulation 4). A glove that is too large or too small does not meet this condition.
In an allocation
The right glove size for a whole team.
One size per wearer
Record each wearer's size and the product issued on their PPE issue record.
One size per model
A 9 from one manufacturer is not necessarily a 9 from another. Check the chart again whenever the product changes.
What about clothing?
For the garments in the allocation, WeeFizz calculates the size with no photo needed, from a few answers, in the real size chart of each product. Remote workwear sizing.
Other items: PPE size guide and safety shoe sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Glove sizes: your questions.
How do I find my safety glove size?
Measure your hand circumference, thumb excluded, around the knuckles, then the length, from the wrist crease to the tip of the middle finger. Read these two measurements in the size chart: a 203 mm circumference and a 182 mm length correspond to size 8 (M).
Is EN 420 still valid?
EN 420 has been replaced by EN ISO 21420:2020, general requirements for protective gloves. Gloves already certified to EN 420 may stay on the market until their certificate expires; new gloves are certified to EN ISO 21420.
Which sizes does EN ISO 21420 cover?
The sizing system runs from size 4 to size 13. It is based on two hand measurements: circumference and length. The system is indicative: a manufacturer may use another one if it explains it to the user.
What if my two measurements give two different sizes?
Use the glove manufacturer's size chart, which takes precedence over the general table, and try both sizes where possible. A glove must let you grip the objects used in the job without restricting movement.
Does the standard set a minimum glove length?
No. EN ISO 21420 no longer sets a minimum length for gloves. Some specific standards do, for example for welders' gloves (EN 12477) or firefighters' gloves (EN 659).
Are letter sizes (S, M, L) equivalent to number sizes?
In the reference table, 6 corresponds to XS, 7 to S, 8 to M, 9 to L, 10 to XL and 11 to XXL. Always check the correspondence given by the manufacturer, which may differ.
Sources: AFNOR, NF EN ISO 21420 (2020), replaces NF EN 420+A1; INSST, NTP 1177 (2023), guantes de protección (in Spanish); Wenaas, EN ISO 21420:2020, hand size table; Ejendals, changes from EN 420; French Labour Code, article R4323-91; PPE at Work Regulations 1992, regulation 4. Checked on 11 October 2026.
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