Choosing Hand Tools

What is My Hand Size?

Everyone is different, but there are some key measurements that will help you select hand tools that are the right size for you. You will need to know your hand (length), grip, and palm size. Some people may be able to gauge these measurements by just looking at their hand in relation to a tool. Others may prefer to use precise measurements.

The following is a detailed explanation of how to measure your hand. These measurements are used to answer the questions: "How do I use my hand size when buying hand tools?" and "What should I look for in a hand tool?"

Hand Size

Photo 1 - Hand Size

A person's hand size is measured by the length of their hand. A British Study found that hand sizes for males range from 6.25" to 8.1" with an average hand size of 7.44".[1] Female hand sizes overlap, but are generally somewhat smaller, with an average size of 6.77". Hand tools are frequently designed for the "average male" hand.

To figure out the length of your hand, measure the distance from the fold in your wrist below the palm to the tip of your middle finger when your hand is flat. In this photo, for example, the hand length is about 7.25" (or 7-1/4").

You can use your hand size to determine your grip size.

Grip Size

There are several ways to find your grip size:

1. Experiment. Take a tool you already own that has a handle that feels too small and put a few wraps of duct tape around the handle in the place where you hold it the most. Use the tool for a day. Keep adding tape until it starts to feel too large, and then remove a few wraps until it is comfortable. Wrap a tape measure around the area that you’ve taped to find the grip size that works best for you.

2. Measure your hand's grip diameter and use it to calculate your grip size.

  • Use your hand size. 20% of your hand length equals your grip diameter. EXAMPLE: 20% of a 7-1/4" (or 7.25") hand length equals about 1-1/2" (calculated as follows: 7.25" x 0.20 = 1.45" --rounds up to 1.5")

    OR
  • Use the "OK" test. Make the okay sign using your thumb and index finger and then measure the inside of the "O" formed to find the diameter. In photo 2, for example, the hand diameter is about 1-1/2" (or 1.5").

Photo 2 – Hand Size

Once you know your hand's grip diameter, you can calculate your grip size by multiplying your grip diameter by 3.14. EXAMPLE: A hand with a grip diameter of 1-1/2" (or 1.5") would have a grip size of roughly 4-3/4" (calculated as follows: 1.5" x 3.14 = 4.7").

3. Rely on the research. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests a grip diameter range of between 1-1/4" to 2". These measures are equal to grip sizes of roughly 3.9" to 6.3" for a "power grip." If the length of your hand is on the larger size, go for the higher grip size. If the length of your hand is on the smaller size, go with a lower grip size.

 

TIP

There are two easy to use online calculators that can help:

"Calculating the Area of Circles - Online Calculator" calculates your grip size (the circumference) -- just enter your hand diameter and click "solve the others".

"Fraction Decimal Calculator With Equivalents Table" quickly translate decimal points to fractions or fractions to decimal points.

Photo 3 – Measure Strongest Grip Strength

Grip span. Your grip span is the distance between the thumb and fingers when the tool jaws are open or closed.

To calculate your strongest grip span, measure your hand while spread wide open from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger in centimeters (cm) (photo 3), divide that number by 5, and add 1.5 cm. For example, if your open hand size from the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb is 18 cm, then your strongest grip would be about 5.1 cm or 2" (Calculation: 18 cm divided by 5 = 3.6 cm; 3.6 cm + 1.5 cm = 5.1 cm or about 2".) (This online Metric Conversion calculator easily converts centimeters to inches.)

Palm Size

Photo 3 - Palm Size

The widest part of your palm is your palm size. The average palm size for a male is 3.3" and 2.91' for a female.[1] In photo 3, for example, the palm size is about 3 inches.

[1] The Average Body.com, accessed 2013.