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Content
- 1 Why Do ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 Use Different Systems?
- 2 ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Levels: A1 to A9
- 3 EN 388:2016 Cut Testing: Coup Test, X Rating, and ISO 13997
- 4 ANSI/ISEA 105 vs EN 388: Head-to-Head Comparison
- 5 How to Choose the Right Standard and Cut Level for Your Job
- 6 Cut Protection for the Forearm: Sleeves and Arm Protection
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About ANSI and EN 388 Cut Ratings
Two pairs of gloves hang side by side on the rack. One label reads ANSI A5. The other shows EN 388 4X43D. Which one offers more cut protection? The short answer is that you cannot tell by comparing the level numbers, because a direct conversion between ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 does not exist.
ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 are the two most common cut resistance standards used by glove suppliers worldwide. North American purchasers follow ANSI/ISEA 105, while European and many Asian markets rely on EN 388. Both standards measure the same hazard, but they do it with different test machines, different blade actions, and different rating scales. That is why one glove can carry both an ANSI A5 label and an EN 388 4X43D mark without contradiction.
The practical goal is not to memorize conversion formulas. It is to understand what each level actually means, which test produced it, and how to use that information in a purchasing decision.
Why Do ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 Use Different Systems?
ANSI/ISEA 105 is published by the International Safety Equipment Association and serves as the primary hand protection benchmark in North America. The standard covers cut resistance plus a broad set of other hand protection properties. Its cut test follows ASTM F2992, which measures the force required to cut through the glove material with a straight blade.
EN 388 is a harmonized European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks, including abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact. It is required for PPE sold into EU-regulated markets and is also adopted by glove buyers in Asia, the Middle East, South America, and other regions that reference European test methods.
The core point is that both standards exist because their home markets developed different testing cultures. But both are trying to answer the same question: how much force does it take to cut through the glove?
ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Levels: A1 to A9
ANSI/ISEA 105 cut testing is performed to ASTM F2992 using a TDM-100 machine. A straight tungsten carbide blade is drawn across the glove material in a single pass under a calibrated load. The result is reported as the average cutting force in grams and assigned a level from A1 through A9. The latest edition, ANSI/ISEA 105-2024, keeps the same A1-A9 structure.
Minimum cut force required for each ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level.
The scale climbs quickly. The gap between A4 and A5 is wider than the gap between A3 and A4, so compare the gram value behind the level, not just the letter, when evaluating gloves from different suppliers.
| ANSI / ISEA 105 Level | Cut force range (grams) | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200 to 499 | Light handling, packaging |
| A2 | 500 to 999 | Box cutting, light assembly |
| A3 | 1,000 to 1,499 | Light metal parts, sorting |
| A4 | 1,500 to 2,199 | Metal stamping, glass handling |
| A5 | 2,200 to 2,999 | Fabrication, sharp edges |
| A6 | 3,000 to 3,999 | Heavy fabrication, sheet metal |
| A7 | 4,000 to 4,999 | Scrap metal, heavy stamping |
| A8 | 5,000 to 5,999 | Glass, heavy sharp scrap |
| A9 | 6,000 and above | Extreme cutting hazards |
Match the level to the risk assessment. Light tasks settle on A2 or A3, general metal work on A4 or A5, and heavy recycling or stamping on A6 and above. Choosing a higher level than the hazard demands will reduce dexterity and increase hand fatigue over a full shift.
For the A5 band, the balance between cut resistance and dexterity matters most. A 13-gauge knit with fine-gauge yarns keeps finger movement natural while still meeting the 2,200 g threshold.
13-Gauge A5 Cut-Resistant Gloves with Nitrile Foam CoatingThis 13-gauge glove combines lychee-pattern knit with a nitrile foam coating, achieving EN388 Level E cut resistance while preserving flexibility and grip. Its soft, skin-friendly texture suits precision tasks and logistics handling.View Product →EN 388:2016 Cut Testing: Coup Test, X Rating, and ISO 13997
EN 388:2016 cut testing uses a two-part approach. First, the coup test uses a circular blade that moves back and forth across the material under a fixed 5 N load. The number of cycles needed to cut through is compared with a reference fabric, and the result becomes a level from 1 to 5.
The coup test has a known limitation. Materials containing glass fiber, stainless steel, or high-modulus polyethylene (HPPE) can blunt the circular blade before a clean cut is detected. The standard then requires an X marking instead of a number. An X does not mean no cut protection; it means the coup method is not valid for that material, and the glove must be re-tested to ISO 13997.
ISO 13997 is essentially the same straight-blade TDM technique used in ANSI/ISEA 105. The result is reported in Newtons and converted into a letter from A to F.
A complete EN 388:2016 marking is built from four digits and up to two letters. Each position describes a separate mechanical risk:
- Abrasion (digit 1)
- Cut: coup (digit 2)
- Tear (digit 3)
- Puncture (digit 4)
- Cut: ISO 13997 (letter 5)
- Impact (letter 6)
Reading the full marking is straightforward once the positions are clear. Take 4X43D as an example: 4 is abrasion, X is the coup cut test, 4 is tear, 3 is puncture, and D is the ISO 13997 cut level. If the second position shows X, always read the following letter as the cut rating.
| EN 388 letter | Cut force (Newtons) | Approximate gram-force |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2 to <5 | approx. 204 to 510 g |
| B | 5 to <10 | approx. 510 to 1,020 g |
| C | 10 to <15 | approx. 1,020 to 1,530 g |
| D | 15 to <22 | approx. 1,530 to 2,244 g |
| E | 22 to <30 | approx. 2,244 to 3,060 g |
| F | 30 and above | approx. 3,060 g and above |
ANSI/ISEA 105 vs EN 388: Head-to-Head Comparison
When the two standards are placed side by side, the key differences are blade geometry, load, and reporting scale.
| Feature | ANSI / ISEA 105 | EN 388:2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary market | North America | Europe and many global regions |
| Cut test method | ASTM F2992, TDM-100 | Coup test plus ISO 13997 |
| Blade type | Straight tungsten carbide | Circular blade / straight blade |
| Cut result unit | Grams of cutting force | Cycle ratio (1 to 5) or Newtons (A to F) |
| Cut level scale | A1 to A9 | 1 to 5, X, plus A to F |
| Blunt blade handling | Straight-blade test remains valid | X marking; ISO 13997 required |
| Abrasion, tear, puncture | Included in same standard | Included in same standard |
The most common mistake is trying to map ANSI levels to EN levels with a simple conversion table. No official conversion exists, because the two committees set thresholds on different validation data. Even the straight-blade tests are only similar in machine type, not legally equivalent.
Manufacturers shipping to both markets often print both markings on one label, such as ANSI A5 and EN 388 4X43D. When you see double labeling, treat the label as a summary and open the actual test certificate before finalizing a specification.
How to Choose the Right Standard and Cut Level for Your Job
Start with the market, then the hazard. If the gloves will be purchased under a North American specification, require ANSI/ISEA 105 levels. If they will enter Europe, specify EN 388:2016 and require the ISO 13997 letter. For global procurement, ask for a dual-rated item with both markings.
Then match the task to the rating range:
- Light duty: packaging, inspection, small-part assembly — ANSI A2 to A3, or EN 388 ISO letter B to C.
- Medium duty: metal stamping, fabrication, glass handling — ANSI A4 to A5, or EN 388 ISO letter C to D.
- Heavy duty: scrap metal, heavy steel, shredding, demolition — ANSI A6 to A9, or EN 388 ISO letter E to F.
When impact hazards are also present, add impact protection instead of simply moving to a higher cut level. A higher cut level does not absorb blunt force.
A6 Cut-Resistant Gloves with TPR Shock AbsorptionFeaturing an 18-gauge liner with tungsten fiber for top-level A6 cut resistance, this glove adds TPR anti-impact strips on the back and shock-absorbing palm padding. It reduces vibration and suits high-risk metalworking and rescue operations.View Product →
Supplier transparency matters during selection. A responsible manufacturer will share the original test report, including the standard version, blade load, and measured value. For a broader view of specification pitfalls, read our guide on how to choose cut resistant gloves and cut proof gloves.
Cut Protection for the Forearm: Sleeves and Arm Protection
Cut hazards do not stop at the wrist. Metal edges, glass panels, and sharp scrap move quickly against the forearm, which is why an increasing number of safety programs specify cut-resistant sleeves and arm guards in addition to gloves.
Forearm protection is rated under the same ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 systems as gloves, so the same level logic applies. In glass and stamping operations, an A4-rated sleeve is a common starting point.
13-Gauge Level 5 Cut-Resistant Protective SleeveThis 45cm extended sleeve uses 13-gauge precision knitting and a fully elasticated structure for a snug fit. It provides professional-grade cut resistance for arm protection in metal processing, glass handling, and warehousing.View Product →
Match the sleeve length to the reach zone of the operation, and confirm the closure system keeps the sleeve in place during repetitive motion.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANSI and EN 388 Cut Ratings
Can you convert ANSI A levels directly to EN 388 levels?
No. There is no official conversion between ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388. Even the straight-blade tests are similar in machine type but different in thresholds and calibration, so the only safe comparison is to review the original test reports side by side.
What does the X mean in EN 388 cut testing?
The X means the coup test could not be completed because the glove material blunted the circular blade before a cut was detected. When you see X, read the ISO 13997 letter because that is the real cut rating for materials such as HPPE, glass fiber, and steel-reinforced yarns.
Is ANSI A5 the same as EN 388 level 5?
No. EN 388 level 5 comes from the coup test and means the glove resisted at least 20 times the cycles of the reference fabric under a 5 N load. ANSI A5 means the material withstood about 2,200 g of cutting force in the TDM test. They measure different things.
Do I need both ratings on the same glove?
Only if the end market requires them. North American buyers usually request ANSI levels; European buyers request EN 388. For global lines, dual labeling simplifies distribution and helps avoid mismatches during import inspection.
Cut protection cannot be summarized in a single level number. ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 describe the same risk from different testing perspectives, and knowing how they work helps you specify the right glove on the first order.
When you evaluate a glove, ask for the underlying test report and confirm the standard version. Our cut resistant glove range is organized by ANSI cut levels from A2 through A8, and every product listing documents the applicable rating so you can match the glove to your hazard assessment.
If the label or the test report is unclear, send the documented hazard to your supplier and ask which level they recommend. A reliable manufacturer will explain both the number and the test method behind it.
