Softball glove size chart

Fastpitch softball glove size by age and position

The table shows the sizes our glove size tool gives a fastpitch player with typical hands. They follow Wilson's fastpitch chart from age 8, checked against the Baseball Monkey, Rawlings and DICK'S charts. Sizes are in inches.

Wilson gives ranges rather than single sizes. For ages 8 to 11 it lists 11 to 12 inches for the infield and 11.5 to 12 inches for the outfield and pitcher. From age 12 it lists 11.5 to 12 inches for the infield, 12 to 12.5 inches for pitchers and 12 to 13 inches for the outfield. The table picks one size inside each range.

Wilson's fastpitch chart starts at age 8. For younger players, Rawlings lists 10.5 to 11 inches for a youth fastpitch infielder, so the table uses 10.5 inches for every position.

Do not buy a bigger glove for your child to grow into. Wilson says a glove that is too large feels heavy and awkward, and a smaller glove gives a young player more control.

Slowpitch softball glove sizes

Slowpitch is mostly an adult game, so its charts go by position rather than age. Slowpitch gloves are larger than fastpitch gloves, and DICK'S says their pockets are usually deeper because the game has more fly balls.

DICK'S notes that slowpitch gloves made for catchers or first basemen are rare, and that most slowpitch gloves are utility gloves built for any position. The glove size tool covers baseball and fastpitch only, so use this table for a slowpitch glove.

Catcher's mitts and first base mitts for softball

A catcher's mitt is measured around the outside of the mitt instead of by length, which is why its size is a number like 32 or 33 inches. Baseball Monkey says a softball catcher's mitt has a deeper pocket and thinner side walls than a baseball mitt, to hold the bigger ball.

• Under 8: a softball catcher can use the same fielding glove as everyone else. Little League's softball rules allow a catcher to wear a fielder's glove or a first base mitt.
• Ages 8 to 11: a 32-inch catcher's mitt, the top of Baseball Monkey's 30 to 32-inch range for ages 8 to 10.
• Ages 12 to 13: a 32.5-inch mitt, inside Baseball Monkey's 31 to 32.5-inch range for ages 11 to 13.
• Ages 14 and up: a 33-inch mitt, at the start of Baseball Monkey's 33 to 35-inch range.

A first base mitt is longer than a fielding glove, with a deep pocket for scooping throws. Baseball Monkey recommends one from around age 10, because younger players find it hard to close. The tool gives a 12-inch mitt at ages 10 and 11 and a 12.5-inch mitt from age 12, inside Baseball Monkey's 12 to 13-inch range for ages 11 and up.

League rules differ, and some change every year, so check your league's rules before you buy a catcher's or first base mitt.

How a softball glove differs from a baseball glove

The ball is the main difference. DICK'S says softball gloves are designed to catch an 11-inch or 12-inch softball, which is much larger than a 9-inch baseball (both measured around the ball). Glove makers build softball gloves around that bigger ball.

• Size: at the same age and position, the tool's fastpitch sizes are usually the same as its baseball sizes or half an inch larger, and the youngest softball players start at 10.5 inches instead of 9 or 10.
• Pocket: softball outfield gloves often have closed webs, because the pocket needs to be extra deep for the larger ball (Baseball Monkey).
• Finger stalls: DICK'S says fastpitch and youth gloves have tighter finger openings than baseball gloves, to help smaller hands close the glove.
• Wrist strap: fastpitch gloves often have a Velcro or buckle strap at the wrist, so the fit can be tightened on a smaller hand (DICK'S, Baseball Monkey).

Fastpitch and slowpitch gloves are sized differently, as the tables above show, so buy the type that matches the league your child plays in.

How to measure a softball glove and check the fit

1. 1
   Look for the stamped sizeMost gloves have the size printed in the leather on the thumb or the pinky (Baseball Monkey).
2. 2
   Measure a glove with no sizeUse a soft tape measure. Start at the top of the index finger and run the tape down along the glove to the center of the heel. For a catcher's mitt, measure around the outside of the mitt.
3. 3
   Have your child squeeze it shutIf your child can squeeze the glove closed easily, the size is right. If closing it is a struggle, try a smaller glove (Wilson).
4. 4
   Check that it stays onWith the arm hanging down at the side, the glove should not feel like it will slide off. If it does, the glove or its hand opening is too big (Wilson).

For baseball sizes by age, see the baseball glove size by age table on the tool page.