There are many methods of measuring hand size and the reference system you can use depends on why you are taking these values. To find the right size of the gloves you need to measure the circumference of the palm or the length in centimeters or inches. The span value, on the other hand, may be necessary to evaluate a person's aptitude for certain sports. Furthermore, the size of the hand is fundamental in the choice of certain musical instruments.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Measure the Circumference of the Hand
Step 1. Understand why hand circumference matters
This is the reference value that manufacturers use for glove sizes. The circumference is evaluated in the upper part of the palm and goes from the base of the little finger to the base of the index finger. If you have the option of wearing gloves, you can just try it out, but when you need to order them online or have them tailored, then you need these measurements.
Step 2. Ask a friend to help you
The process is much easier if there is someone to assist you. If possible, detect the size of the dominant hand to determine a precise glove size.
Step 3. Extend your hand upward
If someone is measuring it for you, turn your palm towards this person as if you were waving goodbye. This will make it easier to see the palm if you have to measure the circumference. Keep your fingers straight and relax your thumb into a comfortable position.
Step 4. Measure your hand
Wrap it with a tape measure at the widest point, where the fingers meet the palm. This dimension usually extends from the outside of the palm (right at the base of the little finger) to the webbed area between the thumb and forefinger. Do not include the thumb in the measurement, only the palm of the hand.
If you don't have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string or a long strip of paper. Wrap the yarn around your palm as if it were a flexible measuring tape and draw a mark where the end closes the circle. At this point you just need to open the string and measure with a ruler the distance from the end to the mark you have drawn
Step 5. Write down the value
Read the number that corresponds to the point where the end of the meter overlaps itself. The hands of an adult usually have a circumference between 15 and 28 cm. Children, on the other hand, have a palm circumference between 2, 5 and 15 cm. This value is directly related to the size of the gloves.
Step 6. Find the size for the gloves
Once you know the circumference of the hand, you can compare the value with the "standard" measurements to find the correct size of the gloves. Here is a reference table:
- XS: 17.8cm;
- S: 19-20.5 cm;
- M: 21.5–23cm;
- L: 24-25.5cm;
- XL: 26.5–30cm;
- XXL: 29-30.5cm
Part 2 of 3: Measure the Length of the Hand
Step 1. Measure the length of your hands
If yours are particularly large or long, to find the right glove size you should use the length as a reference value, rather than the circumference. Most of these garments are designed for hands with a standard width / length ratio. For this reason, if your hands are particularly longer than average, then you need to get larger gloves, even if the palms are not very wide.
Step 2. Keep your hand pointing up, as if you are waving
The fingertips should point towards the sky.
Step 3. Measure the distance between the tip of the middle finger and the base of the palm
The base of the palm is that fleshy part where the wrist connects to the hand. Write down the value. If the length is greater than the circumference, use this value to find the corresponding glove size.
- If you are measuring the size of the hand to choose a baseball glove, then consider the distance between the wrist and the tip of the index finger. This value, in centimeters, corresponds to a certain size.
- If you are measuring to buy the tennis racket with the correct grip, then you need to consider the length between the tip of the ring finger and the lowest lateral crease of the palm. This is where the palm closes along the thumb line.
Part 3 of 3: Measure the Span
Step 1. Measure the span
This value is usually taken into account when evaluating a person's natural advantage in certain sports that involve catching, throwing, tackling or grabbing. For example, it's a very important detail for American football quarterbacks. The size of the span also helps in choosing the right size of the cello and violin.
- If the span is 6 inches or more, then you should buy a full size 4/4 cello. If it is 12.5-15 cm, you should choose a 3/4 tool; those who have a hand with a 7.5-10 cm span should orient themselves on a 1/4 cello. Remember that factors such as height, arm length, age and skill level of the musician are also important when choosing an instrument.
- Sports field analysts and selectors use the span value as a heuristic reference. If you are looking to become a professional basketball goalkeeper or player, this physical trait of yours may also be considered.
Step 2. Place a ruler on a flat surface
Secure it to the table with duct tape if the surface is slippery. Check that you can extend your hand over it.
Step 3. Open your hand
Extend the dominant one and spread all your fingers as far as possible. Focus mainly on your thumb and little finger, trying to spread them as far as possible.
Step 4. Place the left side of the dominant hand on the zero of the ruler
You can take the measurement of both the right and left hands, so you can place the thumb of one hand or the little finger of the other on zero. Place your palm on the ruler, your middle finger should be perpendicular to the measuring tool.
Step 5. Note the span length
Read the value that corresponds to the rightmost point of your hand. You should be able to see the "span", which is the maximum width of the hand, measured from left to right. If you need to know the width of your grip, then you need to measure the distance from the tip of the thumb to that of the little finger, both fingers must be well extended.
Advice
- If you are looking for a pair of gloves on US or Anglo-Saxon sites in general, you should convert the measurements to inches. Just divide the centimeter value by 2.54 and you will get the equivalent in inches. Probably on the site you will also find conversion tables to go back to the size starting from the size of the hand.
- If you have small hands and are having trouble fully grasping the fingerboard of a standard violin, consider buying a smaller 7/8 model. This is also called "women's violin".
