Baseball glove size is measured in inches from the tip of the index finger to the heel of the glove. As a rule of thumb: tee-ball players use 9–11″, youth players 10.5–12″, and adults 11–12.75″ for infield/outfield. Catcher’s mitts (32–34.5″) and first base mitts (11.5–13″) are measured by circumference and length rather than a standard fielding size.
Size by age
| Age | Glove size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 7 (tee-ball) | 9–11″ | Small, soft, easy to close. |
| 7–9 | 10.5–11.5″ | Room to grow without being too big to control. |
| 10–12 | 11–12″ | Sized closer to position by now. |
| 13–14 | 11.5–12.5″ | Near-adult sizing. |
| 15+ / adult | 11.5–12.75″ | Choose by position, not age. |
Size by position
| Position | Glove size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Second base / shortstop | 11–11.5″ | Smaller for a quick transfer out of the pocket. |
| Third base | 11.5–12″ | A little more glove for hot shots down the line. |
| Pitcher | 11.5–12″ | Closed web to hide the grip. |
| Outfield | 12–12.75″ | Longer with a deep pocket for tracking fly balls. |
| First base | 11.5–13″ mitt | Long, scooped mitt with no individual fingers. |
| Catcher | 32–34.5″ mitt | Measured by circumference; extra padding. |
How to measure
Lay the glove flat and measure from the tip of the index finger, down along the pocket, to the center of the heel. That number — in inches — is the glove’s size. Fielding gloves list this size on the thumb or pinky; catcher’s and first base mitts use their own scales.
Got a glove that fits but plays stiff or floppy? Sizing isn’t the problem — break-in and lacing are. See how to break one in or fix a floppy glove.
Frequently asked questions
How is baseball glove size measured?
From the tip of the index finger down to the heel of the glove, measured in inches. Fielding gloves are labeled by this length; catcher’s and first base mitts use their own circumference-based scales.
What size glove for a 10 year old?
Most 10-year-olds use an 11–12″ glove, sized toward their position — smaller for infield, larger for outfield.
What size glove for an adult infielder?
Adult infielders typically use 11–11.5″, kept smaller for a fast transfer. Third basemen often go 11.5–12″.
What size glove do outfielders use?
Outfielders use 12–12.75″ gloves with a deep pocket and longer reach for tracking fly balls.
Are catcher’s mitts measured differently?
Yes. Catcher’s mitts are measured by circumference (32–34.5″) rather than the finger-to-heel length used for fielding gloves.