Nitrile Gloves Size Chart Canada: A Practical Guide for Clinic Managers

July 20, 2026

Standard Nitrile Glove Size Chart (ASTM D6319)

Size	Palm Width (inches)	Palm Width (mm)	Hand Length (mm)	Recommended Hand Circumference
XS	2.9 – 3.1"	74 – 79 mm	220 – 240 mm	≤ 7" (178 mm)
S	3.1 – 3.5"	79 – 89 mm	240 – 260 mm	7 – 8" (178 – 203 mm)
M	3.5 – 3.9"	89 – 99 mm	260 – 280 mm	8 – 9" (203 – 229 mm)
L	3.9 – 4.3"	99 – 109 mm	280 – 300 mm	9 – 10" (229 – 254 mm)
XL	4.3 – 4.7"	109 – 119 mm	300 – 320 mm	10 – 11" (254 – 279 mm)

Note: Sizing may vary slightly between manufacturers. Always verify against the supplier's spec sheet. ASTM D6319-19 sets minimum length and palm width requirements — any glove meeting these tolerances is compliant for medical examination use in Canada.

Nitrile glove size measurement chart

How to Measure Your Team for Glove Sizing

When procuring gloves for an entire clinic, don't guess sizes. Here is the standard method:

Measure palm width: Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of the dominant hand (across the palm, below the knuckles, excluding the thumb). Record the circumference.
Measure hand length: From the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm.
Cross-reference both against the chart above. If measurements fall between sizes, size up for better comfort during extended wear.

For bulk procurement, order a size distribution based on your staff profile. A typical primary care clinic orders roughly: 15% S, 40% M, 35% L, 10% XL. Adjust based on your team's actual hand measurements.

Nitrile Gloves Size Chart Canada: A Practical Guide for Clin

Canadian Compliance Requirements

Under Health Canada's Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282), medical-grade nitrile gloves must carry a Medical Device License (MDL). This ensures the glove meets ASTM D6319 for barrier performance, tensile strength, and puncture resistance. Industrial-grade nitrile gloves — often cheaper — are not licensed for medical examination use and should not be used in clinical environments.

Key specs to look for on your spec sheet:

ASTM D6319 compliant — medical examination grade
AQL ≤ 1.5 — acceptable quality limit for pinholes (lower is better)
Minimum tensile strength: 14 MPa before aging, 10 MPa after aging
Minimum thickness: 0.05 mm (palm), 0.06 mm (finger)

Common Procurement Mistakes

Buying one size fits all: Gloves that are too tight cause hand fatigue and tearing; too loose compromises dexterity and barrier protection. Always offer multiple sizes.

Ignoring length: Standard exam gloves are 9.5" (240 mm) long. For procedures with splash risk, consider 12" gloves.

Skipping the spec sheet: Not all "nitrile" gloves are medical grade. Verify ASTM D6319 compliance and Health Canada MDL number before purchasing.

CliniEco Medical supplies nitrile gloves across Canada. Contact us for bulk pricing.