Sizes are set by palm width, and brands differ
Exam-glove sizes are defined by palm width. As quoted in manufacturers’ FDA 510(k) summaries, the ASTM nitrile specification uses XS 70 ± 10 mm, S 80 ± 10, M 95 ± 10, L 110 ± 10 and XL 120 ± 10 [1]. Some lines add XXL [2]. Manufacturers’ hand-size charts differ, so one brand’s medium isn’t necessarily another’s. Exam gloves are generally ambidextrous [3], while surgical gloves come in numbered, hand-specific sizes [4].
California’s bloodborne pathogens standard requires employers to make PPE readily accessible in appropriate sizes [5] — one reason to track glove use by size, not just in total.
Gloves per box is a per-size number
One hundred gloves per box is common, but not universal [6]:
- 200 per box in some lines, and 250 to 300 in high-density packs
- 50 per box for some 12-inch extended-cuff gloves
- fewer gloves in large sizes in some lines — for example, 90 instead of 100
Counts can also differ between a product’s US and EU versions, and between a brand’s website and FDA’s device-identifier records [6]. When sources disagree, the physical box label settles it.
Boxes per case
Ten boxes per case is a strong norm in manufacturer documents, but it isn’t a rule [6]. Gloves per case is gloves per box times boxes per case: 10 boxes of 100 make 1,000 gloves, and 10 boxes of 90 make 900.
Compare prices per 1,000 gloves
Because cases hold different numbers of gloves, compare prices per 1,000 gloves: price per case ÷ gloves per case × 1,000. For example (illustrative figures, not real prices): a $100.00 case of 1,000 gloves is $100.00 per 1,000; a $100.00 case of 900 is $111.11 per 1,000; and a $100.00 case of 500 extended-cuff gloves is $200.00 per 1,000 [7]. Per-1,000 cost still ignores thickness, length and grade, so compare like with like.
Mixed sizes
Manufacturers pack each case in a single size: in FDA’s device-identifier records, each case identifier points to one box size [8]. A mixed-size order is therefore several single-size case lines. Creating new packs or labels would make a distributor a repackager or relabeler under FDA rules, with registration and listing duties [9].
Pallets
Cases per pallet depends on the case dimensions and on how the supplier builds the pallet. Ask for the supplier’s pallet sheet — footprint, cases per layer, layers and weight — rather than assuming a standard count [7].
How GTDI shows pack-out
Every listing shows gloves per box for each size, boxes per case and gloves per case; in your account, listings also show the box and case barcodes (GTINs). Every price shows both the price per case, with the number of gloves in it, and the price per 1,000 gloves.
This guide is general information. Your facility decides which sizes and products to stock.
Sources
- FDA-hosted 510(k) summaries K222813 (cleared Mar 16, 2023) and K254285 (cleared Jul 20, 2026) — size dimensions as quoted under ASTM D6319-19.
- FDA GUDID records via openFDA (records published 2020–2026; accessed Oct 4, 2026); HARPS Global, sempermed safe datasheet (08/2026).
- ASTM D6319-19(2023) scope summary (store page updated Sep 28, 2023); Dynarex Safe-Touch nitrile sell sheet (revision R260612-1; accessed Oct 4, 2026).
- Hartalega NGX catalog, surgical gloves, sizes 5.5–9.0 (undated; accessed Oct 4, 2026).
- California Code of Regulations, Title 8, §5193, Bloodborne Pathogens (undated page; accessed Oct 4, 2026).
- Manufacturer documents and FDA GUDID records: Ansell, Dynarex, Aurelia, sempermed, Cranberry, Halyard (documents dated 06/2026–09/2026 where dated, others undated; accessed Oct 4, 2026).
- GTDI analysis of manufacturers’ packaging data (Oct 4, 2026; figures illustrative).
- FDA GUDID records via openFDA, case and box device identifiers (records published 2020–2026; accessed Oct 4, 2026).
- 21 CFR 807.20, Who must register and submit a device list (eCFR, current as of Oct 1, 2026); FDA, “Who Must Register, List and Pay the Fee” (content current as of Sep 27, 2018).