Buying the wrong size is the most common — and most fixable — glove mistake in baseball. A glove that’s an inch too long means slow transfers and balls rattling loose; one that’s too small limits your reach. This baseball glove size chart shows you exactly what size glove you need by position and age, how to measure correctly, and how to match the size to the way you actually play. Get this right once and your glove works with you, not against you.
How Baseball Gloves Are Measured
Baseball gloves are measured in inches from the heel of the glove (the bottom edge where your palm rests) straight up to the tip of the index finger. This is the universal standard across every brand — Wilson, Rawlings, Marucci, Nokona — so an 11.5″ from one brand is the same length as an 11.5″ from another. The one exception is the catcher’s mitt, which is measured by circumference around the outside of the mitt, not by length, which is why its numbers (32″–34.5″) look so different.
Baseball Glove Size Chart by Position
Position is the single biggest factor in choosing a glove size. Infielders want smaller, quicker gloves for fast transfers; outfielders want larger gloves with deeper pockets for reach; catchers and first basemen use specially shaped mitts.
| Position | Typical Adult Size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Second Base / Middle Infield | 11.25″ – 11.5″ | Small and quick for fast glove-to-hand transfers |
| Shortstop / Third Base | 11.5″ – 11.75″ | A touch more reach while staying controllable |
| Pitcher | 11.75″ – 12″ | Closed web to hide grip and pitch selection |
| Outfield | 12.5″ – 12.75″ | Length and a deep pocket for tracking down fly balls |
| First Base (mitt) | 12.5″ – 13″ | Long, flexible mitt to scoop and pick throws |
| Catcher (mitt) | 32″ – 34.5″ (circumference) | Heavily padded to handle velocity behind the plate |
Shopping by position? Our gloves are organized exactly this way — browse infield gloves, outfield gloves, catcher’s mitts, and first base mitts to jump straight to the right size for your spot. [Link “baseball gloves” → /product-category/gloves/]
Baseball Glove Size Chart by Age
For younger players, age and hand size matter as much as position. A glove that’s too big is hard to control and slows development. Use this as a starting point, then adjust for the player’s position and hand size.
| Age | Recommended Size (Infield) | Recommended Size (Outfield) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 7 (Tee Ball) | 9″ – 10″ | 10″ – 10.5″ |
| 7 – 9 | 10.5″ – 11″ | 11″ – 11.5″ |
| 10 – 12 | 11″ – 11.5″ | 11.5″ – 12″ |
| 13 – 14 | 11.25″ – 11.75″ | 12″ – 12.5″ |
| 15+ / Adult | 11.25″ – 11.75″ | 12.5″ – 12.75″ |
A good rule for kids: go for the right size now, not a glove they’ll “grow into.” An oversized glove teaches bad habits and is harder to close.
Glove vs. Mitt: What’s the Difference?
People use the words interchangeably, but they’re not the same. A glove has individual finger stalls — like your hand — and is used everywhere except two positions. A mitt has a single closed pocket with no separated fingers, and is only legal at catcher and first base, where the extra padding and scooping shape matter most.
Getting the Right Fit (Not Just the Right Size)
Length gets you in the ballpark; fit seals the deal. A glove should sit snug around the hand without cutting off circulation, and it shouldn’t slide around when your hand relaxes. Players with smaller hands — or anyone who wants maximum control — often prefer a snug-fitting pattern like Wilson’s Pedroia Fit or a narrower hand stall. If you’re between sizes, a slightly smaller glove usually gives better control, especially for younger players.
Right-Hand vs. Left-Hand Throw
One more thing people get backwards: you wear the glove on the opposite hand from the one you throw with. A right-handed thrower wears the glove on the left hand (a “right-hand throw” glove), and vice versa. Always order by throwing hand.
Find Your Perfect Glove
Now that you know your size, the fun part begins. Browse our authentic Wilson, Rawlings, Marucci, and Nokona baseball gloves in every size and position, and once you’ve chosen, add professional break-in so it shows up game-ready. Not sure between two sizes? We’ve been fitting players since 1958 — reach out and we’ll help you choose. We ship across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. [Link → /product-category/gloves/ and /glove-break-in/]
FAQs: Baseball Glove Sizing
What size baseball glove does a 10-year-old need?
Most 10-year-olds fit an 11″–11.5″ glove. Infielders should lean toward 11″ for quicker transfers; outfielders can go up to 11.5″–12″. Adjust for hand size and position.
How do I measure a baseball glove?
Measure in inches from the heel of the glove (bottom of the palm) straight to the tip of the index finger. Catcher’s mitts are the exception — they’re measured by circumference around the outside.
What’s the difference between an 11.5″ and an 11.75″ glove?
The 11.5″ is quicker and favored at second base and shortstop; the 11.75″ adds a little reach and is popular at shortstop and third base. The right one comes down to position and fit preference.
What’s the difference between a glove and a mitt?
A glove has individual finger stalls; a mitt has a single closed pocket with no separated fingers. Mitts are only used at catcher and first base.
Should I size up so my child can grow into the glove?
No. An oversized glove is hard to control and close, and can slow a young player’s development. Buy the right size for now.
