Baseball and Softball Catcher’s Gear Size Chart

close-up of a catcher in a crouched position

When it comes to playing catcher in softball or baseball, having the right-sized gear is key to staying safe and performing your best. Whether you’re gearing up for your first game or upgrading your equipment, getting the right fit can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to size each piece of catcher’s gear so you can play confidently.

Key Takeaways

Tips for Using the Catcher’s Gear Size Chart — Sizes vary by manufacturer and focus on measurements rather than age. Most catcher’s gear is gender-neutral; make sure you’re buying gear for the right sport.
Catcher’s Helmet Size Chart — Learn how to measure and choose a catcher’s helmet.
Catcher’s Chest Protector Size Chart — Discover how to determine the right chest protector size.
Catcher’s Leg Guard Size Chart — Learn how to measure catcher’s leg guards.
Catcher’s Mitt Size Chart — Catcher’s mitts are sized differently than other gloves. Read this section to find the right fit.

Tips for Using the Catcher’s Gear Size Chart

When using a catcher's gear size chart, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the best fit:

Exact sizes can vary by manufacturer, so always double-check the specific guidelines listed on each product.

While age can be a helpful starting point, it's more important to focus on actual measurements because people grow at different rates.

Most catcher's gear is designed to be gender-neutral, but some gear is made specifically for baseball or softball. It will be labeled for each sport.

Some of the measurements in the catcher’s gear size charts overlap due to manufacturer size variations. Choose the most comfortable size.

Catcher’s Gear Size Chart

Ready to gear up for this season? Learn how to measure for catcher’s gear, including helmets, chest protectors, leg guards, and mitts. Then, use our catcher’s gear size chart to determine your perfect fit.

Catcher’s Helmet Size Chart

Catcher’s helmets are sized using fitted hat sizing and are typically divided by t-ball, youth, and adult sizes. Each helmet’s item description will provide the head circumferences it supports. Here’s how to measure for a catcher’s helmet:

Place a measuring tape around the head just above the eyebrows and ears, typically the widest part of the head. Ensure the tape is level all the way around and not too tight or too loose.

Note the circumference in inches or centimeters.

Compare the measurements to the helmet size chart below.

Catcher’s Helmet Size Chart
Age Group	Helmet Size	Head Circumference	U.S. Hat Size
Youth (4 - 6 years)	T-Ball/Youth	18 - 18.5 inches	6
		18.5 - 19 inches	6 ⅛
		10 - 19.5 inches	6 ¼
Youth (7 - 8 years)	Youth	19.5 - 20 inches	6 ⅜
		20 - 20.5 inches	6 ½
		20.5 - 21 inches	6 ⅝
Youth (9 - 12 years)	Youth	21 - 21.5 inches	6 ⅞
		21.5 - 22 inches	7
Youth (13 - 15 years)	Youth	22 - 22.5 inches	7 ⅛
		22.5 - 23 inches	7 ¼
Adult (15+ years)	Adult	23 - 23.5 inches	7 ⅜
		23.5 - 24 inches	7 ½
		24 - 24.5 inches	7 ⅝
		24.5 - 25 inches	7 ¾
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Catcher’s Chest Protector Size Chart

Chest protector sizes differ between softball and baseball, but they’re measured using these steps regardless of the sport:

To determine the right chest protector size, follow these steps:

Using a measuring tape, measure from the center of your collarbone (the divet between them) to the bottom of your torso (your navel).

Note the length in inches or centimeters and compare it to the table below.

Baseball Catcher’s Chest Protector Size Chart
Age Group	Length
T-Ball (4 - 7 years)	9 - 10 inches
Junior Youth (7 -9 years)	11 - 12 inches
Youth (9 - 12 years)	13 - 14 inches
Intermediate (12 - 16 years)	15 - 16 inches
Adult (16+)	16 - 18 inches
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Softball Catcher’s Chest Protector Size Chart
Age Group	Length
T-Ball (4 - 7 years)	9 - 10 inches
Junior Youth (7 -9 years)	11 - 12 inches
Youth (9 - 12 years)	12 - 13 inches
Intermediate (12 - 16 years)	13 - 14.5 inches
Adult (16+)	14.5 - 16 inches
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Catcher’s Leg Guard Size Chart

Like chest protectors, leg guard sizes differ between softball and baseball. However, you can measure for both by doing the following:

Measure from the middle of your kneecap to the top of your ankle.

Note the length in inches or centimeters and compare it to the table below.

Baseball Catcher’s Leg Guard Size Chart
Age Group	Length
T-Ball (4 - 7 years)	9 - 10 inches
Junior Youth (7 -9 years)	11 - 12 inches
Youth (9 - 12 years)	12.5 - 14.5 inches
Intermediate (12 - 16 years)	14 - 16 inches
Adult (16+)	15.5 - 17 inches
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Softball Catcher’s Leg Guard Size Chart
Age Group	Length
T-Ball (4 - 7 years)	9 - 10 inches
Junior Youth (7 -9 years)	11 - 12 inches
Youth (9 - 12 years)	12.5 - 13.5 inches
Intermediate (12 - 16 years)	14 - 15 inches
Adult (16+)	14.5 - 16 inches
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Catcher’s Mitt Size Chart

Catcher’s mitts for baseball and softball are measured by circumference rather than length, like fielding gloves. This is because circumference (how big around the glove is) helps determine how well players can catch and keep the ball. Again, size recommendations vary by sport, but the measuring technique doesn’t.

To measure a catcher’s mitt:

Lay the mitt flat, palm facing down, and use hand pressure to spread it open as wide as possible.

Use a measuring tape to measure around the mitt, as shown in the image above.

Note the measurement in inches or centimeters and compare it to the table below.

Baseball Catcher’s Mitt Size Chart
Age Group	Circumference
T-Ball and Youth (Under 7 Years)	29.5 - 30 inches
Youth (8 -10 Years)	30 - 31 inches
Youth (11 - 13 Years)	30 - 34.5 inches
Adult (14+)	32 - 34.5 inches
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Softball Catcher’s Mitt Size Chart
Age Group	Circumference
T-Ball and Youth (Under 7 Years)	29.5 - 30 inches
Youth (8 -10 Years)	30 - 32 inches
Youth (11 - 13 Years)	31 - 32.5 inches
Adult (14+)	33 - 35 inches
All sizes given are approximate and may vary by manufacturer.

Have Fun Out There!

Finding the right size for your catcher's gear doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on accurate measurements, checking manufacturer guidelines, and choosing what feels most comfortable, you’ll be set for success behind the plate. If you’re ready to gear up for the season, check out the catcher’s equipment available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!