The hand’s length is measured from the base of the palm to the top of the middle finger.
In this article, we will look at the average hand size of Men, Women, and Children.
We’ll also show female and male adults’ circumference and grip sizes.
Plus, we’ll explain how to measure gloves to fit your hands. The relationship between hand height and size, comparison of athletes’ hands, and the most extensive hands ever measured.
Average Hand Size Of an Adult:
The average female hand size is 6.8 inches, whereas the average male hand size is 7.6 inches.
There are three essential dimensions of adult hand size:
Length: It is measured from the top of the middle finger to the bottom of the palm.
Breadth: Measured across the widest part where the fingers connect the palm.
Circumference: Measure around the fullest part of the hand around the knuckles and excluding the thumb.
According to the National health survey , here are the averages in hand size of an adult (1):
Gender | Average Hand Length | Average Hand Width | Average Hand Circumference |
Female | 6.8 Inches | 3.1 Inches | 7.0 Inches |
Male | 7.6 Inches | 3.5 Inches | 8.6 Inches |
Average Hand Size Of Children:
Here are the average length and breadth sizes for children aged 6 to 11, as per the survey (2):
Gender | Age | Average Length | Average Breadth |
Female | 6 Years | 4.4 – 5.5 Inches | 2.0 – 2.7 Inches |
11 Years | 5.6 – 7.0 Inches | 2.0 – 3.1 Inches | |
Male | 6 Years | 4.6 – 5.7 Inches | 2.1 – 2.6 Inches |
11 Years | 5.5 – 6.8 Inches | 2.0 – 3.1 Inches |
Average Grip Size Of An Adult:
Accurate grip size can help you with the appropriate selection of the tool.
Take a tool that has a handle that feels too small. Put a few wraps of canal tape around the handle where you hold it the most.
Use the tool for a day and add tape until it feels too large. Remove a few wraps until it is comfortable.
Wrap a tape measure around the region that you’ve taped to get the grip size that works best for you.
According to a study, the ideal handle diameter is 19.7 per cent of the person’s hand size (3).
For example: if the user’s hand length is 7.6 inches, multiply it by 0.197 to get 1.49 inches. It means the optimal handle diameter for a tool like a hammer would be about 1.5 inches.
It would be best if you were sure that the tool is designed for the job and comfortable to hold.
The Correct Way To Determine The Glove Size:
Your glove size is the measurement around the palm of your hand. It helps you to determine the correct glove size that ensures a combination of comfort and protection.
The following chart you can use to select your glove size:
Hand size | Glove size |
7 inches | X Small |
7.5–8 inches | Small |
8.5–9 inches | Medium |
9.5–10 inches | Large |
10.5–11 inches | X Large |
11.5–12 inches | 2 X Large |
12–13.5 inches | 3 X Large |
Ways To Measure Hand Size
There are different ways to measure hand size, depending on the purpose and context of the measurement. Here are a few common methods:
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Hand length: Measure the distance between the base of the hand (where the wrist meets the palm) and the tip of the middle finger.
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Hand width: Measure the distance across the widest part of the hand, usually just below the knuckles.
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Hand circumference: Measure the circumference of the hand at its widest point, usually just below the knuckles.
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Finger length: Measure the length of each finger, from the base to the tip.
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Palm length and width: Measure the length and width of the palm, excluding the fingers.
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Hand span: Measure the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended.
These measurements can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as choosing the right size of gloves, assessing hand strength and dexterity, or evaluating the fit of hand-held devices or tools.
The Correlation Between Hand Size And Height:
A study published in 2013 suggests that hand length can be used as an alternative measurement for height when it is not possible to obtain an actual height measurement.
The study involved a consecutive sample of 465 inpatients, and a regression equation was formulated to predict height using hand length, age, and gender.
The study found that predicted height (PH) based on the regression equation was strongly correlated with measured height (MH) and that using PH in body mass index (BMI) calculations did not result in significant errors.
The study suggests that the formulated regression equation using hand length, age, and gender provides a valid estimation of height and is useful in the clinical context. (4).
Hand Sizes Of Professional Athletes:
In professional sports, hand size is measured in length and span. Hand length is the measurement from the base of the palm to the top of the middle finger.
Span is measured from the top of the pinky finger to the tip of the thumb with your hand outstretched.
National Basketball Association (NBA):
The NBA takes body measurements of players every year (5).
Some greats like Michael Jordan benefited from having large hands. His hand measurements were 9.75 inches in length, with a span of 11.375 inches.
Jordan’s hand span is 21 percent wider than the average male’s.
Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA):
Brittney Griner, one of the world’s best women’s basketball players, has a hand size of 9.5 inches. She is 6’9″ tall.
National Football League (NFL):
According to the report from 2018, Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray has a hand size of 9.5 inches. He is 5’10” tall (6).
The World’s Largest Hands:
As per the Guinness World Records, the living person with the most extensive hands in the world belongs to Sultan Kösen. He was born in Turkey in 1982, and his hand length is 11.22 inches. Sultan is 8’3″ tall.
Additionally, the record for the most extensive hands ever belongs to Robert Wadlow (1918–1940), whose hand length was 12.75 inches.
The Bottom Line:
Besides sports, a hand span is essential in music, as well. For example, you are choosing the correct size of the guitar. Without the proper span, you may not be able to play a too big guitar for your hands.
Therefore, hand measurements play a vital role in the selection of tools. You can now find the measures of your hand span by applying one of these methods.
You can send the hand measurements to your sports representatives and scouts or pick the best-fitting gloves online.
It is essential to perform an exercise for those who want to increase their hand size. You can use special equipment to improve your hand muscle size and strength.