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Baseball glove size chart

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Glove size chart by position

Sizes are from the Rawlings baseball glove sizing chart, which it calls a general guide. Rawlings lists 8.5 to 10 inches for T-ball players ages 3 to 6 at all positions.

How to use the size charts

1. Pick the position first. Decide where the player spends most of their time in the field, since every chart is organized by position.
2. Find the age row. Use the youth rows for younger players and the adult rows once a player outgrows them; the charts overlap around ages 12 and 13.
3. Check the brand's own chart. The ranges on this page differ slightly between Rawlings and Wilson, so read the chart for the brand you are buying.
4. Confirm the fit. A size from the chart is a starting point; the fit checks below decide whether a particular glove works for a particular hand.
5. Match the sport. Fastpitch and slowpitch softball gloves have their own charts, so make sure you are reading the baseball rows.

How Wilson's chart compares

Brands publish slightly different ranges, so check the chart of the brand you are buying. Wilson splits youth players into ages 8 to 10 and 11 to 12:

• Youth infield: 10.75 to 11.5 inches (8 to 10) and 11 to 11.75 inches (11 to 12).
• Youth outfield: 10.75 to 11.5 inches (8 to 10) and 11.75 to 12.5 inches (11 to 12).
• Youth pitcher: 10.75 to 11.5 inches (8 to 10) and 11.5 to 12.5 inches (11 to 12).
• Adults 13 and up: infield 11 to 12 inches, outfield 12.5 to 12.75 inches, pitcher 11.5 to 12.5 inches.

For tee ball, Wilson lists 9 to 10 inches for ages 5 and under and 10 to 10.5 inches for ages 6 to 7. When a player falls between two ranges, the fit checks below matter more than the exact number.

Checking the fit

Wilson gives two quick checks:

• Squeeze test. If the player can easily squeeze the glove closed, it should work; if they struggle, try a smaller glove.
• Arm-down test. If the glove feels like it will slide off with the arm at the side, the glove or its hand opening is too large.

Wilson also says a too-large glove feels heavy and awkward, and that younger players get more control from a smaller glove.

Buying a glove several sizes too big so a child can grow into it works against these checks. A glove that fits now is easier to close, which is the whole point of the squeeze test.

Glove types by position

Wilson describes infield gloves as often the smallest, with shallower pockets for quick transfers; outfield gloves as larger with deeper pockets; pitcher gloves as infield-sized with a closed web to hide the grip; first base mitts as larger with a deep pocket; and catcher mitts as extra padded. Utility gloves suit players who move around.

For a young player who has not settled on a position, pick the size range that matches the position they play most, or an all-position glove in the right range. Older players who split time between two spots can use the larger of the two ranges, as long as the glove still passes the fit checks above.

Breaking in a new glove

Rawlings describes break-in as loosening the leather, laces and padding so they bend more easily. Its steps:

• Work the padding. Hold the heel with both hands and alternate twisting the thumb and pinky down and in to loosen the stiff hinges.
• Soften lightly. A light coat of glove oil can help stiff leather, but do not saturate it; the leather should still resist when you push and pull.
• Form the pocket. Put a baseball in the pocket, fold the glove closed, secure it with rubber bands and let it rest in a cool, dry place for a day or so.
• Play catch. Rawlings says playing with the glove is the best way to get it into playing shape.

Rawlings does not recommend steaming, boiling, baking or otherwise heating a glove, or using petroleum jelly, and says these can damage the glove and affect the warranty. Wilson notes its youth gloves are made with game-ready materials, so they need little or no break-in.

Caring for the glove

Rawlings suggests inspecting the laces every six months and replacing them as needed, storing the glove in a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket, and applying a light glove oil treatment after every season or so to keep the leather from getting brittle.

To finish the gear bag, see our baseball batting helmet guide, and for sore muscles after games, our muscle rub cream guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What size glove does a 10 year old need?

Rawlings lists 10.25 to 11.5 inches for youth infield and 11.5 to 12.25 for outfield, ages 7 to 12.

What size glove for T-ball?

Rawlings lists 8.5 to 10 inches for ages 3 to 6 at all positions.

How do I know if a glove is too big?

If it feels like it will slide off with the arm at the side, or the player cannot squeeze it closed, Wilson says to go smaller.

Should I put my glove in the oven or microwave?

No. Rawlings does not recommend heating, steaming or boiling a glove, which can damage it and affect the warranty.

How do I store a baseball glove?

In a cool, dry place with a ball in the pocket, Rawlings says.

Do outfielders need a bigger glove?

Usually yes; outfield gloves are typically larger with deeper pockets for reach and fly balls.

Sources

• Sizing Charts (baseball gloves) (rawlings.com), Rawlings
• How to Choose a Glove (wilson.com), Wilson Sporting Goods
• How to Break In a New Glove, the Rawlings Way (rawlings.com), Rawlings

Sources checked 2026-10-15.