Baseball glove size chart and calculator
Glove size depends on two things: the player's age and the position they play. Infielders want a small glove to get the ball out fast; outfielders want reach. Pick both below to see the size to buy.
By World Baseball News · Updated October 2026Glove size calculator
Glove size by age and position (inches)
| Age group | Infield | Outfield | First base | Catcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-ball (4 to 6) | 8.5" to 10" | 8.5" to 10" | n/a | n/a |
| Youth (7 to 9) | 10" to 11" | 10.5" to 11.5" | 11" to 12" | 30" to 31" |
| Youth (10 to 12) | 10.75" to 11.5" | 11.5" to 12.25" | 11.5" to 12" | 31" to 32" |
| Teen (13 to 15) | 11" to 11.75" | 12" to 12.75" | 12" to 12.5" | 32" to 33" |
| Adult (16+) | 11.25" to 12" | 12" to 12.75" | 12" to 13" | 32.5" to 34" |
Use the chart as a starting point. Strength, hand size and personal feel matter as much as age.
Glove size and web by position (adult)
| Position | Size | Web | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second base / shortstop | 11.25" to 11.75" | I-web or H-web | Shallow pocket for quick transfers on double plays. |
| Third base | 11.5" to 12" | H-web or closed | A little more glove to knock down hard-hit balls. |
| Pitcher | 11.5" to 12" | Closed web | Hides the grip from the hitter. |
| Outfield | 12.25" to 12.75" | H-web or trapeze | Deep pocket and reach for fly balls. |
| First base | 12" to 13" (mitt) | Open web | Long, scoop-shaped mitt for picks and stretches. |
| Catcher | 32.5" to 34" (mitt) | Closed | Heavy padding for hundreds of pitches a game. |
How to choose the right glove size
- Know how gloves are measuredGlove size runs from the tip of the index finger down to the heel of the glove, along the inside. Catcher's mitts are measured around the circumference instead, which is why they read 30 to 34 inches.
- Start with positionMiddle infielders use the smallest gloves, outfielders the largest. A pitcher uses an infield-sized glove with a closed web.
- Then check age and hand sizeYoung players need a smaller, lighter glove they can close with one hand. A glove that is too big is the most common mistake parents make.
- Choose a webOpen webs (I, H, trapeze) are lighter and drain dirt; closed webs hide the ball and add support. Infielders lean open, pitchers closed.
- Test the fitYou should be able to close the glove fully with one hand, and it should not slide off when you hold it down. Most players wear it with the index finger outside the back.
Frequently asked questions
What size glove should I get?
Adults usually play with an 11.25 to 12 inch glove in the infield and 12 to 12.75 inches in the outfield. Youth players aged 7 to 12 typically need 10 to 12 inches, depending on position.
How do I measure a baseball glove?
Measure along the inside of the glove from the tip of the index finger, down through the pocket, to the heel. Catcher's mitts are measured around the outer edge.
What size glove for a 10 year old?
Most 10-year-olds use a 10.75 to 11.5 inch glove in the infield and around 11.5 to 12 inches in the outfield.
Is a bigger glove better?
No. A glove that is too big is heavier, harder to close and slower to get the ball out of. Buy the size that fits the position and the player's hand.
What is the best glove size for all positions?
An 11.5 to 11.75 inch glove is the best all-round size for adults who play both infield and outfield. For youth players, 11 inches covers most positions.
How long does it take to break in a glove?
Most quality leather gloves take two to six weeks of regular catch. Pre-broken-in models, like Rawlings R2G, can be game-ready in about two weeks.