What Size Baseball Glove Do I Need? Glove Sizing by Position and Age
Posted by Burghardt Sporting Goods on Jul 28th 2026
What Size Baseball Glove Do I Need? Glove Sizing by Position and Age
What size baseball glove do you need? It comes down to the player's age and fielding position.
Quick answer: Baseball gloves are measured in inches from the heel of the palm to the tip of the index finger. The right size depends on age and position. Young players (ages 7 to 9) usually fit a 10 to 11.25 inch glove. Infielders run smaller, roughly 11.25 to 11.75 inches, for a fast transfer from glove to hand. Outfielders run larger, about 12 to 12.75 inches, for extra reach on fly balls. First base mitts measure 12 to 13 inches, and catcher's mitts are measured by circumference, about 32 to 34.5 inches. Burghardt Sporting Goods in New Berlin, Wisconsin carries youth and adult gloves for every position and can help you size one in the store.
How are baseball gloves measured?
A fielder's glove is measured from the heel, at the bottom of the palm, to the top of the index finger, in inches. That single number is the length you see on the tag, such as 11.5 inches. Catcher's mitts are the exception. They are measured by circumference around the outer edge, which is why their numbers look so much larger. First base mitts are measured heel to tip like a standard glove but are longer, more curved, and have no individual finger stalls.
Size is also capped by the rulebook. Major League Baseball's Official Baseball Rules limit a standard fielder's glove to 13 inches, and most youth and high school leagues follow the same equipment guidance. That is why you will not find a legal fielding glove larger than 13 inches.
What size glove does my child need by age?
Age is the starting point for young players, then you adjust up or down for position. These are common fitting ranges, not hard rules. A glove that swallows a small hand is harder to close and control than one sized correctly.
| Age | Typical glove size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 (tee-ball) | 8.5 to 10 in | Small, easy to close, all-purpose |
| 7 to 9 | 10 to 11.25 in | Position preference starts to matter |
| 10 to 12 | 11 to 12 in | Infielders smaller, outfielders larger |
| 13 to 14 | 11.5 to 12.25 in | Approaching adult sizing |
| 15 and up | Adult sizing by position | See the position chart below |
What glove size is best for each position?
Once a player settles into a position, the glove should match the job. Infielders want a smaller, shallower glove for a quick exchange. Outfielders want length and a deep pocket. First basemen and catchers use specialized mitts built to receive throws and pitches.
| Position | Adult size range | Common web type |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | 11.5 to 12 in | Closed or basket web (hides grip) |
| Middle infield (2B, SS) | 11.25 to 11.75 in | I-web or H-web (open, fast transfer) |
| Third base | 11.5 to 12 in | Closed or H-web |
| Outfield | 12 to 12.75 in | Trapeze or H-web (deep pocket) |
| First base | 12 to 13 in (mitt) | Scoop mitt, no finger stalls |
| Catcher | 32 to 34.5 in (circumference) | Padded mitt, closed pocket |
Infield vs. outfield glove: what is the difference?
An infield glove is shorter and shallower, usually 11.25 to 11.75 inches, with an open web so dirt falls through on grounders and the ball can be pulled out fast for the throw. An outfield glove is longer and deeper, usually 12 to 12.75 inches, so it can run down fly balls and hold the catch. A player who bounces between the infield and outfield can compromise with a middle size around 11.75 to 12 inches, but a dedicated position player is better off with a glove built for that spot.
What web type should I choose?
The web is the laced section between the thumb and forefinger, and the pattern is matched to the position. An open web, such as an I-web or H-web, lets an infielder see through it and shed dirt for a clean transfer. A closed or basket web gives pitchers a solid pocket to hide their grip, and gives outfielders and third basemen extra support. A trapeze web makes a deep basket that outfielders like for tracking fly balls. Web pattern is about function, so pick it based on where the player stands on the field.
Burghardt Sporting Goods
15333 W National Avenue, New Berlin, WI 53151
Phone: (262) 790-1170
Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM, Sat 9 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–6 PM
Frequently asked questions
How is a baseball glove measured?
A fielder's glove is measured in inches from the heel of the palm to the tip of the index finger. Catcher's mitts are measured by circumference instead, which is why their sizes are much larger.
What size glove does a shortstop need?
Adult middle infielders, including shortstops, usually use an 11.25 to 11.75 inch glove with an open web, such as an I-web or H-web, for the fastest transfer from glove to throwing hand.
What size glove does an outfielder need?
Adult outfielders usually use a 12 to 12.75 inch glove with a deep pocket, often a trapeze or H-web, so they can reach and hold fly balls.
Is there a maximum legal glove size?
Yes. Major League Baseball's Official Baseball Rules cap a standard fielder's glove at 13 inches, and most youth and high school leagues follow similar equipment rules.
What size glove does a 10 year old need?
Most 10 year olds fit an 11 to 11.5 inch glove. Infielders lean toward the smaller end for quicker transfers, while outfielders can size up slightly for reach.
Can I try a glove on before buying it?
Yes. Burghardt Sporting Goods carries youth and adult gloves for every position, and staff can help fit and size a glove in the store.
Glove sizing conventions and web-pattern terms are used consistently across major glove manufacturers. Maximum glove size reflects Major League Baseball's Official Baseball Rules. Product availability reflects Burghardt Sporting Goods in New Berlin, Wisconsin.