How to use
- 1Enter your body weight in kg or lb.
- 2Choose the use: bag and pads, sparring, amateur bout or pro bout.
- 3Select male or female.
- 4Read the recommended ounces, the gram equivalent and an alternative size, with the weight chart below.
Glove ounces by body weight
Glove “size” is weight in ounces (1 oz = 28.35 g). For bag and pad work the usual guide is 8 oz under about 40 kg (88 lb), 10 oz at 40–55 kg, 12 oz at 55–70 kg, 14 oz at 70–85 kg and 16 oz above 85 kg (187 lb). Heavier gloves protect the wrist and knuckles better and build shoulder endurance; lighter gloves feel faster but give less protection. Always wear hand wraps.
Sparring gloves
Sparring gloves are heavier and softer to protect your partner. Most gyms ask adults for at least 14 oz and 16 oz from around 70 kg (154 lb), with 18–20 oz for heavyweights. Lace-up gloves fit more snugly; hook-and-loop closures are easier when you train alone. Keep separate gloves for sparring, because bag work compresses the padding.
Competition rules
In Olympic-style amateur boxing the organiser supplies approved gloves: women use 10 oz in every weight class; men use 10 oz in the lighter classes and 12 oz in the heavier ones, with the cut-off between roughly 64 and 71 kg depending on the rulebook – check your national federation (England Boxing, USA Boxing) for the current rule. In professional boxing the usual rule is 8 oz up to welterweight (147 lb) and 10 oz above, but the sanctioning commission has the final word.
Frequently asked questions
What size boxing gloves should I get?
For bag and pad work: 10 oz at 40–55 kg, 12 oz at 55–70 kg, 14 oz at 70–85 kg and 16 oz above that. For sparring go heavier: 14 oz for most adults, 16 oz from about 154 lb (70 kg).
Are 16 oz gloves good for beginners?
Yes for most adult men and heavier women: they protect your hands and your partner, and work for both bag and sparring.
What oz gloves do pro boxers use?
Commonly 8 oz up to welterweight (147 lb) and 10 oz above, though the commission sets the exact rule for each fight.
What size gloves for a child?
Children usually use 6–8 oz gloves; older kids around 40–55 kg move to 10 oz. The hand should fill the glove without swimming in it.
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