If you work with tools, machinery, or even sharp packaging materials, protecting your hands is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. The ANSI cut levels system helps you understand how much protection a pair of gloves can offer against cuts or slashes. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a safe day and an injury.

Let’s break it down in simple words so you can confidently pick gloves that match your job and keep your hands safe every day.

What is ANSI?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. It’s the organization that sets safety and quality standards in the United States, including for protective gear like gloves.

To make things clear, ANSI created a testing system for measuring how resistant gloves are to cuts. Each glove is tested by applying pressure from a sharp blade to see how much force it can handle before tearing. That force determines its cut resistance level.

This system is part of the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard, ensuring that no matter what brand you buy, an A5 glove offers the same level of protection as any other glove labeled A5. It ensures consistency, safety, and trust.

Why Cut Resistance Levels Matter

Your hands are your tools. Whether you work in construction, automotive, glass handling, or packaging, one quick slip can cause a deep cut. That’s where cut resistance levels come in.

These levels help you identify how strong a glove is against sharp materials. Instead of guessing, you can check the ANSI rating and choose based on the type of risk you face daily.

For example, a warehouse worker handling cardboard doesn’t need the same gloves as a metal fabricator cutting steel sheets. Understanding ANSI cut levels helps you match the glove to the job.

ANSI Cut Level Chart (A1 to A9 Explained)

The ANSI cut level chart runs from A1 to A9. The higher the number, the more protection you get. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• A1: Light Protection
  These gloves resist about 200–499 grams of cutting load. They’re best for light tasks such as packaging, maintenance, or warehouse handling, where you might deal with paper edges or light scratches.
• A2: Low to Medium Cuts
  500–999 grams of resistance. Great for jobs like landscaping, assembly, or general maintenance. These gloves offer flexibility with a bit more safety.
• A3: Moderate Cut Resistance
  Rated for 1000–1499 grams. Suitable for work involving small metal parts, appliance manufacturing, or glass handling. They balance safety and comfort well.
• A4: Medium to High Protection
  These gloves can resist 1500–2199 grams of pressure. If you’re in metal stamping, canning, or paper production, A4 gloves are a solid pick.
• A5: Heavy Cut Protection
  Resists 2200–2999 grams. Ideal for construction, sharp blade handling, or metal fabrication. Familiar in industries with frequent contact with sharp edges.
• A6: High Cut Resistance
  Handles 3000–3999 grams of force. Perfect for HVAC, meat processing, or metal recycling jobs where cuts are a constant risk.
• A7: Strong Industrial Protection
  Resists 4000–4999 grams. Used in heavy-duty environments like aerospace, glass manufacturing, or sharp metal assembly.
• A8: Extreme Cut Resistance
  Handles 5000–5999 grams. Designed for high-risk work involving large machinery or sharp metal sheets.
• A9: Maximum Protection
  Withstands 6000+ grams of force. Best for extreme conditions such as metal stamping, food processing with heavy blades, or industrial recycling.

By understanding this ANSI cut level chart, you can match your gloves to the hazards you face instead of guessing and risking injury.

Determining the Right ANSI Cut Level

Now comes the big question: how do you know which cut level is right for you?
Start by thinking about your daily tasks.

• Do you handle sharp materials or tools?
• Do you work with glass, blades, or metals?
• Do you need dexterity, or is protection your top priority?

If your work mainly involves light handling, A1–A3 gloves will do. For more industrial settings with metal or glass, A4–A6 is ideal. And if you’re in a high-risk job like heavy manufacturing or meat cutting, A7–A9 offers the best defense.
It’s important to note that ANSI cut levels only measure resistance to cuts, not to punctures or abrasions. So, if you need protection from needles, chemicals, or heat, check for those ratings separately.

Factors That Affect Cut Resistance

Cut resistance isn’t determined by the level alone. Materials and design matter too.

• Materials: Gloves made with Kevlar, HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene), or steel fibers tend to offer higher resistance.
• Coatings: A nitrile or polyurethane coating adds grip and extra protection.
• Design: Seamless knit construction increases durability and reduces weak spots.

So, while the ANSI cut level tells you how strong a glove is, the right combination of materials and coatings can make a big difference in real-world performance.

Key Considerations When Choosing Cut-Resistant Gloves

When shopping for the right gloves, think beyond the number on the label. Look for:

• Comfort and fit, so your hands don’t feel restricted.
• Breathability, especially if you work long hours.
• Additional protection, like abrasion or puncture resistance.
• The kind of material or coating that suits your tasks.

Your gloves should not only protect you but also help you work comfortably and efficiently.

Why Knowing ANSI Standards Matters

Understanding ANSI cut levels empowers you to make safer, smarter decisions. The right gloves let you focus on your work without fear of injury.

Plus, workplaces that follow ANSI standards often see fewer accidents and better performance because employees feel safer and more confident.

Conclusion

Choosing gloves with the right ANSI cut level keeps your hands safe and your work smooth. Always match the glove’s level with your job’s risks, and you’ll protect your most valuable tools — your hands — with confidence and care.