What does the EN 388 cut level mean, and how do I choose cut-resistant gloves?
EN 388:2016 marks a glove with four or more results: abrasion (1-4), coupe (rotating-blade) cut (1-5), tear (1-4), and puncture (1-4), followed by an optional ISO 13997 cut letter (A-F, A being lowest) and an optional impact result (P). The ISO 13997 letter is the more reliable cut grade for high-cut hazards because the coupe test can blunt on hard or glass-fibre yarns. Choose gloves by matching the dominant hazard (abrasion, cut, puncture, or impact) rather than picking the highest number on every axis.
EN 388 is the European standard for gloves protecting against mechanical risks. The 2016 revision shows a pictogram (a hammer) followed by a string of digits and, optionally, letters. Each position tests a different mechanical hazard, so the marking is read left to right, not as a single overall score.
Reading the EN 388:2016 marking
The first four characters are always present (a number, or X if not tested). After them, two optional characters can appear: an ISO 13997 cut letter and an impact letter. Higher numbers mean better performance on that axis.
| Position | Test | Scale | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abrasion resistance | 1-4 | Cycles of sandpaper rubbing before wear-through |
| 2 | Coupe (blade) cut | 1-5 | Rotating circular blade; can read low/X on hard yarns that blunt it |
| 3 | Tear resistance | 1-4 | Force to propagate a tear in the material |
| 4 | Puncture resistance | 1-4 | Force for a blunt point to pierce the glove |
| 5 | ISO 13997 cut (optional) | A-F | Straight-blade cut in newtons; A lowest, F highest; preferred for high-cut hazards |
| 6 | Impact (optional) | P or absent | EN 13594 impact; P = passed back-of-hand impact protection |
How ANSI/ISEA 105 differs
ANSI/ISEA 105 is the North American cut scale and uses levels A1 through A9, also measured by a straight-blade (TDM) test in grams of cutting force. It is a finer ladder than the EN A-F letters, so an EN cut letter and an ANSI level are not the same number and do not convert one-to-one. When comparing products across markets, compare the underlying cut force in grams or newtons, not just the letter or level.
- ·Abrasion or general handling: prioritise position 1 (abrasion) and a comfortable, dexterous coating.
- ·Sharp edges, glass, sheet metal, blades: prioritise the ISO 13997 letter (D-F) or ANSI A4-A9, not the coupe number alone.
- ·Wood, wire, or spiked points: prioritise position 4 (puncture); note needle puncture is a separate ASTM test, not EN puncture.
- ·Impact or pinch zones (assembly, oil and gas): require the P impact mark.
- ·Wet or oily grip: the cut yarn matters less than coating; verify grip claims separately from the EN string.
How MPBxChange handles cut-glove sourcing
On MPBxChange a buyer states the certified protection level needed (for example ISO 13997 level E plus EN puncture 4), and matching is on that declared capability rather than on price or marketing copy. The counterparty stays sealed until both sides accept, and where a deal uses milestone escrow the conformity evidence, such as the EN 388 test report, can be attached to the quality milestone so it is reviewed before that milestone releases.
Frequently asked questions
Hard cut yarns containing steel or glass fibre can blunt the rotating coupe blade, making that result unreliable. EN 388:2016 then requires the ISO 13997 straight-blade test, and its A-F letter is the result to trust for high-cut work.
No. They come from different scales (ANSI A1-A9 in grams, EN A-F in newtons) and do not convert exactly. Compare the measured cutting force where the test report gives it, rather than equating the letters.
Not necessarily. EN 388 puncture uses a blunt stylus. Hypodermic needle resistance is a separate test (such as ASTM F2878), so for medical or waste handling ask for that specific result.