How to Choose Cut-Resistant Gloves by ANSI Cut Level (A1–A9)
Match the Cut Level to the Task — Not the Other Way Around
Cut-resistant gloves are rated on a single scale that most buyers misread: the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut-resistance classification, levels A1 through A9. That letter tells you how many grams of cutting load a glove withstands on a standardized blade test (the TDM-100 machine), not how "tough" the glove feels or how well it grips. Choosing well means starting with the actual sharp hazard in your task, mapping it to the right ANSI level, then balancing dexterity, coating, and fit so the glove still gets worn. This guide walks through how to read the levels and match a pair to real work.
Quick answer: Identify the sharp hazard in your task, then match it to an ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level: A1-A2 for light handling and minor edges, A3-A4 for general assembly and light glass or sheet metal, A5-A6 for sharp metal stamping and food processing, and A7-A9 for severe edges like blade changes and glass handling. Pick the lowest level that covers the hazard while keeping enough dexterity that the glove is actually worn.
Why This Matters
ANSI cut levels exist because "cut-resistant" on its own is meaningless. Since the 2016 revision of ANSI/ISEA 105, the standard uses nine levels (A1-A9) measured on the ASTM F2992 TDM-100 test, which records the gram weight of load needed to cut through the material with a fresh blade at a fixed travel distance. Higher numbers mean more grams of cut resistance. The older 5-level scale (often printed as "Level 1-5") is obsolete and not directly comparable, so a glove still marked that way should be re-verified against the current A-scale.
Matching the level to the task matters in both directions. Under-spec and you get lacerations the glove was never rated to stop. Over-spec and the glove becomes so thick and stiff that workers take it off for fiddly tasks, which is when most hand injuries actually happen. OSHA's general PPE rule (29 CFR 1910.138) requires hand protection appropriate to the hazard, and a hazard assessment under 1910.132 is what should drive the level you pick — not habit or a vendor's default.
| ANSI Level | Grams of cut load | Typical tasks |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200-499 | Light material handling, small parts, packaging |
| A2-A3 | 500-999 | General assembly, light glass, automotive, construction |
| A4-A5 | 1000-2199 | Sheet metal, HVAC, sharper stamped edges, food processing |
| A6-A7 | 2200-3999 | Heavy metal stamping, sharp glass, pulp/paper |
| A8-A9 | 4000-6000+ | Severe edges, blade changes, glass plate handling, recycling |
Cut resistance is only one axis. A glove can be A6 for cut yet offer no puncture, abrasion, or chemical protection, so read the full ANSI/ISEA 105 mark and the task hazards together. For the full breakdown of how each level is tested and scored, see our deep dive on ANSI cut levels explained.
Step by Step
- Identify the actual sharp hazard. Before looking at any glove, define what is cutting the hand. Note the material (sheet metal, glass, knife blade, wire, cardboard), the edge sharpness, the force applied, and whether the cut comes from a slip, a pinch, or repeated contact. A box knife and a glass shard demand very different ratings. This hazard assessment is the OSHA-expected first step under 29 CFR 1910.132 and it drives every choice that follows.
- Map the hazard to an ANSI cut level. Translate the hazard into an ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level using the gram-load ranges: A1-A2 for light edges and small parts, A3-A4 for general assembly and light glass or metal, A5-A6 for sharp stamped metal and food processing, and A7-A9 for severe blade and glass work. When unsure between two levels, see the worked ranges in our guide to ANSI cut levels explained and round up only if the hazard is variable or high-consequence.
- Pick the lowest level that fully covers the hazard. Choose the lowest ANSI level that still stops your worst realistic cut, not the highest available. Higher levels use stiffer, thicker yarns (steel, glass fiber, high-modulus polyethylene) that reduce dexterity. A glove that is too clumsy gets removed for detailed work, and a bare hand at A0 beats an A9 glove sitting on the bench. Browse the range by rating in our cut-resistant gloves collection.
- Match the coating and grip to the work surface. Cut level says nothing about grip. Pick the coating for the environment: nitrile foam for oily parts and general handling, polyurethane for fine dry assembly, latex for wet or rough surfaces, and uncoated string knit for clean dry handling. Oily metalworking usually needs a foam-nitrile palm so the part does not slip and force a re-grip near the blade.
- Add impact or chemical protection if the task needs it. Cut resistance does not cover back-of-hand impact or chemical exposure. For pinch-point and striking hazards in fabrication and oil and gas, choose a cut glove that also carries TPR knuckle armor from our impact-resistant gloves; the CutPro HP impact glove pairs cut and impact in one. For solvents or acids, a cut liner is not enough — move to chemical-resistant gloves rated for your specific chemical.
- Confirm the size and fit on the actual hand. A loose cut glove bunches and exposes skin; a tight one fatigues the hand and gets pulled off. Measure around the palm at the knuckles (excluding the thumb) to get the glove size in inches, then confirm the cuff length covers the wrist or forearm if the hazard reaches that far. Fit is what determines whether the rated protection actually sits between the blade and the skin.
- Verify the printed marking before you rely on it. Check that the glove or its packaging carries the ANSI/ISEA 105 mark with the specific cut level (for example a small shield reading 'A4'). A glove sold as 'cut resistant' with no A-level and no test reference is unverified. Reputable cut gloves like the CutPro impact glove state their level on the cuff or listing.
- Trial the glove on the real job and reassess. Run the chosen glove on the actual task for a shift or two. Watch for slipping that forces re-grips, dexterity loss that makes workers remove it, and early wear at the fingertips. If any of those show up, adjust coating, size, or level rather than tolerating a workaround. Document the final choice so it ties back to your hazard assessment.
How to read and verify the ANSI cut mark
A genuine cut-resistant glove carries an ANSI/ISEA 105 classification, typically shown as a shield or block with the cut level inside (A1 through A9). Look on the cuff, the back of the hand, or the product packaging and listing. The mark may also list abrasion, puncture, and tear ratings on the same standard, each with its own scale, so do not assume a high cut number means high puncture resistance.
Be skeptical of three things. First, gloves still marked on the old 'Level 1-5' scale predate the 2016 revision and do not map cleanly to A1-A9, so re-verify them. Second, 'cut resistant' with no letter and no standard reference is a marketing phrase, not a rating. Third, EN 388 European ratings (the 4-digit/letter code) use a different test and are not interchangeable with ANSI levels. When in doubt, cross-check the model against the manufacturer's published spec sheet or our ANSI cut levels explained reference.
Common mistakes when choosing cut levels
The most frequent error is buying the highest level available 'to be safe.' Over-spec gloves are thicker and stiffer, dexterity drops, and workers remove them for detailed tasks — exactly when cuts happen. Match the level to the hazard, then stop.
The second mistake is treating cut resistance as all-purpose protection. A cut glove does not stop a needle or wire puncture (that is a separate ANSI puncture rating), does not protect against impact unless it has TPR armor from the impact-resistant gloves range, and offers no chemical or heat defense. For hot surfaces you need heat-resistant gloves, not a high cut level. A third mistake is ignoring grip: a correctly rated glove that slips forces re-grips near the blade and can cause the very injury it was meant to prevent. Finally, do not assume a disposable nitrile exam glove offers any cut protection — products like the SAS Raven nitrile are barrier gloves rated A1 at most, suited to material-handling and contamination control, not blade work.
When to replace cut-resistant gloves
Cut resistance degrades with wear. Retire a glove when you see thinning or fuzzing at the fingertips and palm (the cut yarns are abrading away), any hole, cut-through, or exposed liner, a worn or glazed coating that no longer grips, or stiffening from oil and contamination. There is no fixed calendar interval — a glove handling sharp stamped metal all shift may last days, while light handling gloves last weeks.
Wash reusable knit gloves per the manufacturer's instructions; harsh laundering or high heat can damage engineered yarns and lower the effective cut level, so follow the care label rather than assuming a cut glove is indestructible. Inspect before each use and keep a documented replacement habit tied to inspection, not just to budget cycles. Browse current models by rating in the cut-resistant gloves collection when it is time to restock.
When a cut glove is not enough
Cut level only addresses slicing forces. If your task also involves crushing or struck-by hazards — common in oil and gas, demolition, and heavy fabrication — add a glove with TPR back-of-hand armor from the impact-resistant gloves range, or a combined design like the CutPro HP impact glove that delivers both cut and impact protection.
If the hazard is chemical (solvents, acids, degreasers), no cut glove substitutes for a chemical-resistant glove rated for that specific substance and breakthrough time. For routine non-sharp contamination control, a disposable barrier glove such as those covered in our nitrile gloves guide is the right tool, not a cut glove. The principle holds in every case: cut level answers one question only, so build the rest of your hand-protection choice on the full hazard assessment.
Recommended Gear
These cut-and-impact gloves pair an ANSI cut rating with TPR knuckle armor, a practical combination for fabrication, metal stamping, and oil-and-gas work where both slicing and struck-by hazards exist. Check the listed cut level against your task before buying.
As an Amazon Associate, WC Safety earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Related Guides & Resources
- cut-resistant gloves
- impact-resistant gloves
- chemical-resistant gloves
- material-handling gloves
- heat-resistant gloves
- nitrile gloves guide
- ANSI cut levels explained
- SAS Raven nitrile review
- a cut-resistant glove
- a cut-resistant glove
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right ANSI cut level for my job?
Start with the sharp hazard, not the glove. Define what cuts the hand and how hard, then map it: A1-A2 for light edges, A3-A4 for general assembly and light metal or glass, A5-A6 for sharp stamped metal and food processing, and A7-A9 for severe blade and glass work. Pick the lowest level that fully covers your worst realistic cut. See ANSI cut levels explained for the gram ranges.
What do the ANSI cut levels A1 through A9 actually mean?
They report grams of cutting load a glove withstands on the standardized TDM-100 blade test (ASTM F2992). A1 stops 200-499 grams; A9 stops 6000 grams or more. Higher numbers mean more cut resistance but usually thicker, stiffer material and less dexterity.
Is a higher ANSI cut level always better?
No. Over-specifying makes the glove stiffer and clumsier, so workers remove it for detailed tasks, which is when cuts happen. Choose the lowest level that stops your worst realistic cut and keep enough dexterity that the glove stays on.
How do I know what cut level a glove actually is?
Look for the ANSI/ISEA 105 mark, usually a shield or block printed with the cut level (such as A4) on the cuff, back of hand, or packaging. A glove labeled only 'cut resistant' with no letter and no standard reference is unverified.
What is the difference between the old Level 1-5 scale and A1-A9?
The 5-level scale predates the 2016 ANSI/ISEA 105 revision and uses a different, coarser breakdown that does not map cleanly onto A1-A9. If a glove still shows the old scale, re-verify it against the current A-level standard before relying on it.
Are ANSI cut levels the same as EN 388?
No. EN 388 is the European standard and uses a different test method and a multi-character code. ANSI A-levels and EN 388 ratings are not directly interchangeable, so check which standard a glove is marked to before comparing two products.
Does a high cut level mean the glove also resists punctures?
No. Cut and puncture are scored separately under ANSI/ISEA 105. A glove can be high for cut and low for puncture. If needles or wire are a hazard, read the puncture rating specifically rather than assuming the cut number covers it.
What cut level do I need for handling glass or sheet metal?
Light glass and thin sheet metal generally call for A3-A4; sharper stamped edges and heavier glass plate move you into A5-A7 or higher. The exact level depends on edge sharpness and force, so assess the worst case. Browse options by rating in the cut-resistant gloves collection.
What cut level is right for box cutters and utility knives?
Slip-cut hazards from blades are high-consequence, so most facilities use A4-A6 for general knife work and higher where blade exposure is severe. Pair the cut rating with a grippy coating so the hand does not slip toward the blade.
How often should I replace cut-resistant gloves?
Replace them by condition, not calendar: retire when you see fingertip fuzzing or thinning, any hole or cut-through, a glazed coating that no longer grips, or oil-stiffening. Inspect before each use; high-abrasion jobs may wear gloves out in days.
Can I wash cut-resistant gloves without losing protection?
Often yes, but follow the manufacturer's care label. Harsh laundering, bleach, or high heat can damage the engineered cut yarns and lower the effective level, so do not assume a cut glove is laundry-proof.
Do cut-resistant gloves protect against impact?
Only if they include TPR back-of-hand armor. A plain cut glove does nothing for struck-by or pinch-point hazards. For those, choose an impact-resistant glove or a combined cut-and-impact design.
Are disposable nitrile gloves cut resistant?
No. Disposable exam-style gloves like the SAS Raven nitrile are thin barrier gloves for contamination control, rated A1 at most. They are not blade protection. For non-sharp tasks, see the nitrile gloves guide.
Does coating affect cut protection?
Coating mainly affects grip, not the cut rating, but grip indirectly affects safety: a glove that slips forces re-grips near the blade. Match nitrile foam to oily work, polyurethane to fine dry assembly, and latex to wet surfaces, while keeping the cut level you need.
What size cut-resistant glove should I order?
Measure around your palm at the knuckles (excluding the thumb) in inches to get the glove size, and confirm the cuff covers the wrist or forearm if the hazard reaches that far. A loose glove bunches and exposes skin; a tight one fatigues the hand and gets removed. Fit is what keeps the rated material between blade and skin.
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Reviewed by
Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial Team — guidance reflects current OSHA, NIOSH, ANSI and CDC practice.
Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial Team — guidance reflects current OSHA, NIOSH, ANSI and CDC practice.
Our standards
Procedures and ratings are grounded in published OSHA/NIOSH/ANSI methods; we do not fabricate test results.
Procedures and ratings are grounded in published OSHA/NIOSH/ANSI methods; we do not fabricate test results.
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