How Are Hands Measured in the NFL?

Wondering how NFL players’ hands are measured? Get the answer, plus see hand size measurements for some of the league’s biggest stars.

Measuring for NFL Gloves

When it comes to playing in the NFL, the size of one’s hands can be a pretty big deal. That’s why, when it comes time to measure for gloves, the process is a whole lot more complicated than just pulling out a tape measure. Here’s a look at how it all works.

Hand Length

In the NFL, all gloves must be a certain size. The size is based on the player’s hand length and width. To measure your hand, use a soft tape measure or a piece of string. Measure from the top of your middle finger to the bottom of your palm. This is your hand length. Next, measure around your knuckles (not including your thumb). This is your hand width.

After you have both measurements, refer to the chart below to determine your glove size. If you fall between sizes, always choose the larger size.

Hand Length (in) Hand Width (in) Glove Size
7 4.5 Small
7.5 5 Medium
8 5.5 Large
8.5 6 Extra Large

Hand Width

The NFL uses two different measurements for hand width: the circumference at the knuckles and the width of the palm. To measure the circumference of your hand, use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your knuckles. Make sure to measure both hands, as some people have differently sized hands. To measure the width of your hand, hold your hand outstretched and use a ruler or a tape measure to measure from the base of your thumb (where it meets your palm) to the outer edge of your pinky finger. Again, make sure to measure both hands.

How NFL Gloves are Measured

NFL gloves come in all shapes and sizes. Many players have their favorite brands and styles, but they all have one thing in common: they must meet NFL size guidelines. The size of a player’s hand is measured from the tip of the longest finger to the base of the palm. The width of the hand is measured from the thumb to the little finger, at the point where the glove would naturally crease.

Measuring the Length

To ensure that gloves fit properly, the NFL uses a standardized measuring system. The first step is to measure the length of your hand. To do this, simply extend your hand out in front of you and make a fist. Measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm (where it meets your wrist), and make note of the number.

Measuring the Width

The palms of NFL gloves are measured by width. The width of a player’s hand should be just about the same as the width of the glove palm. So, if a player has a hand that is 7 inches wide, he would wear a size 7 glove. If his hand is 8 inches wide, he would wear a size 8 glove. There are no half sizes in NFL gloves, so if your hand falls between sizes, you should buy the larger size.

Why the Hand Measurements Matter

When it comes to the NFL, one thing that fans may not think about is how hand measurements are important. The reason hand measurements are done is because they give insight to a player’s catch radius. The catch radius is the area in which a receiver can reasonably be expected to catch a football.

The Length

The reason why the hand measurements matter in the NFL is because it is one of the few physical attributes that can be easily and accurately measured. While 40-yard dash times can be affected by the playing surface and weather conditions, hand size is relatively consistent.

This is important for two reasons. First, larger hands can help a receiver make plays in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Second, receivers with larger hands tend to have an advantage in contested catch situations, because they can more easily pluck the ball away from a defender.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on determining which receivers have the biggest hands. This is because receivers with big hands often become some of the best at their position. For example, Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr., two of the best receivers in the NFL, both have very large hands.

The Width

The width is probably the most important hand measurement for a football player. A wide receiver needs large hands to be able to catch the ball and prevent it from being knocked away by a defender. A quarterback needs large hands to be able to grip the ball and throw it with accuracy. Linemen need large hands to be able to grip and control their opponents.