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Glove Cut Levels Explained (ANSI/ISEA 105 vs EN 388)

How to read the ANSI A1–A9 cut scale and the EN 388 marking on a glove, and why a cut score from one system cannot be converted into the other.

Ref SP-0109ANSI/ISEA 105EN 388ASTM F2992ISO 1399729 CFR 1910.138

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Cut-resistant gloves are scored by laboratory tests that push a blade across the palm material under load. In North America the score is the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level (A1 through A9). In Europe and on many imported gloves it is the EN 388 shield pictogram, which carries several numbers and letters. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 requires the employer to select hand protection for the hazard but does not name a cut level; the level is a selection decision made from the hazard assessment.

How to identify

ANSI mark: a shield or label reading "ANSI/ISEA 105" with "A" plus a number (A1–A9). Revision year on the label tells you whether the score came from the current test method.
EN 388 mark: a hammer-and-glove shield with a row of characters underneath, for example "4X43FP". Read left to right: abrasion, coupe cut, tear, puncture, ISO cut letter, impact (P) if present.
Older gloves: "Level 1–5" ANSI ratings without the letter A come from the pre-2016 edition and are a different scale.

Cut scales at a glance

System	Test method	Unit	Scale	Notes
ANSI/ISEA 105	ASTM F2992 (TDM-100 machine)	grams of blade load to cut through	A1 ≥200 · A2 ≥500 · A3 ≥1000 · A4 ≥1500 · A5 ≥2200 · A6 ≥3000 · A7 ≥4000 · A8 ≥5000 · A9 ≥6000	Minimum gram values; higher = more cut resistant
EN 388 (current)	ISO 13997 (TDM)	newtons	A ≥2 · B ≥5 · C ≥10 · D ≥15 · E ≥22 · F ≥30	The letter is the 5th character of the marking
EN 388 (coupe)	Rotating circular blade	index	1–5, or X if not tested	Unreliable on high-performance yarns that dull the blade; often shown as X

Key points

Both current systems use a tomodynamometer (TDM) test, so A-levels and EN letters are directionally similar, but the units, cut lengths and level boundaries differ. Do not publish a "conversion chart" as equivalence.
A cut level describes the palm material in a lab; seams, cuffs and the back of hand may not carry the same protection.
Cut resistance is not puncture or needlestick resistance. Those are separate ratings (ANSI/ISEA 105 puncture and needlestick; EN 388 fourth digit).
Coatings, wetness, oil and wear change real-world performance. Trial the glove on the actual task.
When quoting a substitute, match the rating system and edition, not just the number.

Common mistakes

Treating "ANSI Level 4" (old scale) as "A4".
Reading the EN 388 coupe digit as the cut score when the TDM letter is present.
Choosing the highest cut level for every task, which costs dexterity and drives non-compliance.
Assuming a cut-resistant glove is also chemical- or heat-resistant.

Governing standards: ANSI/ISEA 105; EN 388; ASTM F2992; ISO 13997; 29 CFR 1910.138.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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