Work Gloves Cut Levels Explained (ANSI A1–A9)

Cut-resistant gloves are one of the most commonly over- and under-specified PPE items. Buying the highest level “to be safe” makes gloves stiff, hot and expensive; buying too low leads to injuries. The right level depends on the material and the task.

The two rating systems

ANSI/ISEA 105 uses cut levels A1 through A9, based on the Tomodynamometer (TDM) test. A1 is the lowest protection and A9 the highest.

EN 388 uses a 4-digit code. The first digit is abrasion resistance, the second is cut resistance (Coupe test), the third is tear resistance and the fourth is puncture resistance, each from 1 to 4 (or 5 for abrasion in newer versions). EN 388 also adds letters A–F for ISO 13997 cut testing, which is more relevant for high-performance materials.

Because the two systems use different tests, an ANSI A4 glove does not map exactly to an EN 388 level. Use the rating that your market recognizes, and ask for test reports.

Matching level to task

Start with the task, not the level: handling cardboard is not the same as handling glass or sheet metal.

Coatings matter as much as cut level

• PU coating: good grip in dry and slightly oily conditions, flexible.
• Nitrile: oil resistance and durability, good for wet or oily parts.
• Foam nitrile: breathable and grippy, popular for general handling.
• Sandy nitrile: aggressive grip on wet or oily surfaces.
• Latex: grip but allergy concerns.

A high cut level with the wrong coating can still lead to dropped tools or poor dexterity.

Fit and dexterity

Gloves that are too tight cause fatigue; too loose reduces control. Look for knit liners with spandex and sized options. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips are now standard for maintenance and logistics.

Common buying mistakes

1. Buying one glove for all tasks. Match level and coating to the job.
2. Ignoring the liner. HPPE and glass fiber blends offer high cut resistance with low weight; all-HPPE is more comfortable but costlier.
3. Skipping the trial. Send samples for a week of real use before standardizing.
4. Forgetting laundering. Some gloves are washable; others lose coating performance.
5. Not checking certifications. Ask for ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 test reports.

Gloves in an FR environment

In FR zones, gloves must not melt or contribute to burn injury. Leather and FR-treated gloves are common; synthetic meltable gloves may be restricted. Check the site’s FR policy.

Bottom line

Match cut level and coating to the task, test samples with the crew, and buy from a supplier who can document performance. The best glove is the one workers keep on.

Our gloves and accessories range includes A2–A6 cut-resistant gloves, leather drivers and coated knit gloves, with logo and packaging options for distributors.