How to Size a Softball Glove | Measure Once, Play Comfortably

Size a softball glove by measuring from the tip of the index finger down to the heel and comparing that length to position-specific charts.

Choosing the right glove size separates smooth plays from constant readjusting. Whether you’re buying for a youth player or yourself, the process takes about 30 seconds with a tape measure and a chart. The sizing works differently for catcher’s mitts, which measure by circumference instead of length. Understanding these basics makes any purchase easier, and if you’re shopping for a glove that fits, our tested roundup of the best baseball and softball gloves narrows the field.

How Do You Measure a Softball Glove?

Grab a flexible tape measure. Place the end at the top tip of the index finger and run it straight down to the bottom edge of the heel—the spot where the palm padding ends. That distance in inches is your glove size.

Fielders gloves and first base mitts use this same method: from the top of the index finger through the pocket down to the heel. Catcher’s mitts break the pattern entirely—you measure their circumference by wrapping the tape around the outside edge of the mitt.

Sizing Charts by Position and Level

Glove size is measured in inches, but there’s no single chart that fits every player. Rawlings’ official softball sizing splits ranges by fastpitch and slowpitch, youth and adult, and infield versus outfield. Here’s what their numbers show:

Key Differences: Fastpitch vs. Slowpitch and Position

Position drives size more than anything else. Infield gloves run smaller for quicker transfers—Rawlings lists 11.5″–12″ for adult fastpitch infield. Outfield gloves run larger to snag fly balls, with adult fastpitch models reaching 12″–13″. The same logic applies to slowpitch, where DICK’s Sporting Goods recommends even larger outfield options at 13″–15″.

Game type matters too. Rawlings’ glove sizing resources show slowpitch gloves running bigger than fastpitch at every position. A fastpitch infielder typically plays well with an 11.5″–12″ glove, while a slowpitch infielder might prefer 12″–13″.

Some retailers split fastpitch gloves by age bands like 7–12 and 13+, so check the labeled level before you buy.

Common Sizing Questions

What size glove does my daughter need for youth fastpitch?

Youth fastpitch gloves typically measure 10.5″–11″ for infield and 11″–11.5″ for outfield. If you can’t get a tape measure on the glove first, try it on—a snug fit with the index finger resting near the tip is the ideal sign.

Is a baseball glove the same size as a softball glove?

No. Softball gloves use different size ranges than baseball gloves. Position, game type, and player level all shift the numbers, so you can’t assume the size carries over between sports.

How do catcher’s mitts fit differently?

Catcher’s mitts size by circumference rather than length. Fastpitch catchers generally use a mitt measuring 32.5″–34.5″ around. This measurement method keeps them distinct from fielding gloves.

Final Sizing Order

Follow this order to find the right fit: measure from index finger tip to heel, compare that to your level’s chart, verify whether it’s fastpitch or slowpitch, and check the position range. When the measurements sit between sizes, opt for the larger glove—you can always tighten the fit with lacing adjustments.

For those ready to buy, our tested list of the best baseball or softball picks compares top options side by side.