What size boxing gloves do I need?
Choose 10 oz up to 60 kg, 12 oz up to 75 kg, 14 oz up to 90 kg and 16 oz above that; for sparring always 14 or 16 oz.
Boxing glove sizes are given in ounces (oz) and you choose them based on your body weight and what you use the gloves for. As a rule of thumb: 10 oz up to 60 kg, 12 oz from 60 to 75 kg, 14 oz from 75 to 90 kg and 16 oz above that. If you spar, you always go for at least 14 oz, and at most gyms 16 oz.
Oz refers to weight, not to your hand size
The abbreviation oz stands for ounce, a unit of weight of roughly 28 grams. A 12 oz glove therefore weighs around 340 grams. Almost all of that weight sits in the padding around your knuckles. More oz means more padding, more cushioning and a bigger glove.
Many beginners assume the oz size is about the size of your hand, like with a regular glove. It isn't. Boxing gloves are fairly roomy on the inside and most people fit into several sizes. So you don't choose by hand size, but by two things: your body weight and the kind of training you do. The rule is simple: the heavier you are and the harder you punch, the more cushioning you need to protect your own hands and your training partner.
Size chart by body weight
The chart below is the standard guideline most trainers and brands follow. It applies to general training: bag work, pad work and technique.
- Up to 60 kg: 10 oz
- 60 to 75 kg: 12 oz
- 75 to 90 kg: 14 oz
- Over 90 kg: 16 oz
If you're right on the border between two sizes, pick the heavier one. A slightly heavier glove gives your shoulders and stamina some extra work, and your wrists and knuckles will only benefit. Torn between 12 and 14 oz and training in a group where there's occasional sparring? Then 14 oz is the sensible choice, because you can use it for both.
Sparring: always 14 or 16 oz
When sparring, it's not about your own weight but about your partner's safety. That's why almost every gym in Europe sets a minimum of 14 oz, and for most adults 16 oz. Check with your own gym, because some clubs are strict and won't let you join in with 12 oz.
With 16 oz your punches land with less force and you also have more glove to block with. It feels a bit bulky at first, but you get used to it quickly. That's why many experienced fighters own two pairs: a lighter pair of 10 or 12 oz for the bag and the pads, and a 16 oz pair for sparring. Just starting out and on a budget? Then get one pair of 14 or 16 oz and use it for everything.
Bag work and pad work
For the heavy bag and pad work you can go down in weight compared to sparring. A lighter glove is more compact and gives you more feel in your punch, so you get better feedback on your technique. Still, it's not a good idea to jump straight into 8 or 10 oz as a beginner: your knuckles and wrists aren't used to the impact yet.
For bag work, stick to the weight chart and go down one size at most once you've been training for a while. For pad work, like Billy's one-to-one sessions, a slightly lighter glove is actually nice because you can throw combinations faster. Padding still matters: a glove with too little cushioning is something you feel in your knuckles after an intense bag session.
How a boxing glove should fit
Always try a glove on with hand wraps, because without wraps every glove feels too loose. Your fingers should reach the top of the glove without being bent. When you make a fist, your knuckles should sit exactly in the thickest part of the padding.
The wrist should feel firm as soon as you close the velcro or laces, without cutting off your circulation. A glove that stays loose at the wrist offers no protection on a glancing punch. Also check the thumb: it should be attached to the glove so it can't catch on an arm or a pad.
Kids, juniors and small hands
For children there are gloves of 4, 6 and 8 oz. A rough guideline: 4 oz up to around 25 kg, 6 oz up to 40 kg and 8 oz up to 55 kg. Juniors from about 14 years old usually already fall into the adult chart.
Adults with small hands, such as many women, don't necessarily need to go for a smaller oz size. The oz size determines the padding, and you simply need that. Instead, choose a brand that naturally runs a bit more compact, or fill the glove out with a thicker hand wrap. In our shop, every glove states whether the model runs roomy or narrow, so you can choose with confidence.
| Body weight | Bag and pads | Sparring |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 60 kg | 10 oz | 14 oz |
| 60 to 75 kg | 12 oz | 14 or 16 oz |
| 75 to 90 kg | 14 oz | 16 oz |
| Over 90 kg | 16 oz | 16 oz |
| Child up to 25 kg | 4 oz | n/a |
| Child up to 40 kg | 6 oz | n/a |
| Child up to 55 kg | 8 oz | n/a |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need boxing gloves for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
Can I spar with 12 oz gloves?
At most gyms, no. The usual minimum is 14 oz, and for adults often 16 oz. Check with your own trainer.
What does oz mean for boxing gloves?
Oz stands for ounce, roughly 28 grams. The number indicates the weight of the glove and therefore the amount of padding around your knuckles.
Should I go a size smaller if I have small hands?
No, the oz size is about padding, not hand size. Choose a model that runs more compact or use a thicker hand wrap.
Which size is best if I only buy one pair?
Go for 14 or 16 oz. That covers bag work, pad work and sparring without having to buy again.
Aren't 16 oz gloves too heavy to train with?
They feel a bit heavier for the first few weeks, but you get used to it quickly. Many fighters deliberately train with 16 oz for extra conditioning.
