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What Size Boxing Gloves Do You Need? Weight Chart by Body Weight
For sparring, most adults use 16 oz boxing gloves, and many gyms set 14 oz as the minimum. For bag and pad work, the glove weight follows body weight: about 10 oz under 100 lb, 12 oz up to 130 lb, 14 oz up to 160 lb and 16 oz above that. Kids usually use 4 to 8 oz gloves.
Boxing glove size chart by body weight
| Body weight | Bag and pad work | Sparring |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 lb (45 kg) | 10 oz | 12 to 14 oz |
| 100 to 130 lb (45 to 59 kg) | 12 oz | 14 oz |
| 130 to 160 lb (59 to 73 kg) | 14 oz | 16 oz |
| 160 to 175 lb (73 to 79 kg) | 14 to 16 oz | 16 oz |
| Over 175 lb (79 kg) | 16 oz | 16 to 18 oz |
This chart follows the body weight guide published by Hayabusa. Gyms may set their own minimum for sparring.
Why sparring gloves are heavier
The weight in ounces is mostly padding. A heavier glove spreads the force of a punch over a wider area, which protects both the partner and the puncher’s hands. That is why 16 oz is the usual sparring glove for adults.
Gloves for bag work
Bag work needs less padding, so many boxers use 10 to 14 oz gloves or lighter bag gloves. Always wear hand wraps or gel hand wraps underneath to support the wrist.
Kids boxing gloves
Young children usually use 4 oz gloves, and older juniors 6 to 8 oz, depending on hand size and weight. See QST’s kids boxing gloves.
What a gym should stock
- 16 oz gloves for adult sparring, plus some 14 oz for lighter members
- 12 oz gloves for classes and bag work
- 4 to 8 oz gloves for kids classes
- Hand wraps or gel wraps for every member
See QST’s velcro boxing gloves and lace up boxing gloves in 8 oz to 16 oz.
Who makes these gloves
QST International is a boxing equipment manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. The facility is WRAP certified and certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and it shares its ethical audit data with buyers through Sedex. The minimum order is 30 to 50 pairs or pieces per design, a sample takes 7 to 10 days, and bulk production takes 4 to 6 weeks after approval. Ask for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What size boxing gloves should I get for sparring?
Most adults spar in 16 oz gloves. Many gyms set 14 oz as the minimum, and heavier fighters may use 18 oz.
Are 12 oz gloves good for beginners?
12 oz gloves suit bag and pad work for many beginners. For sparring, most gyms ask for 14 to 16 oz.
Does glove weight change with hand size?
Glove weight mostly follows body weight and use. Fit around the hand also matters, so try the glove with wraps on.
What size gloves do kids need?
Young children usually use 4 oz gloves, and older juniors 6 to 8 oz.
