Gram weight and material thickness are two different pieces of information. Gram indicates the mass of the glove. Millimeters indicate the thickness at a specific measuring point. When the company compares nitrile gloves, the offers must therefore state both the unit and measurement point if the numbers are to be used for product selection.
Can 5 g be converted to millimeters?
No, not based on weight alone. A statement such as 5 g does not tell how much material lies on the fingers, palm or cuff. Also ask to be informed which size the gram weight applies to and whether a tolerance has been specified.
If an offer only states weight, while another only states thickness, there is a lack of a common basis for comparison. Obtain the data sheets rather than infer a thickness from the product name.
Compare the same location on the glove
ARNOWA's data sheets for ARNOMED Ice Blue and XTRA PURE provide thicknesses for a single material wall at the finger, palm and cuff. The table shows the manufacturer's values for two models in our range:
| Measurement point | Ice Blue | XTRA PURE Black |
|---|---|---|
| Finger | 0.11 ± 0.02 mm | 0.05 ± 0.02 mm |
| Palm | 0.08 ± 0.02 mm | 0.05 ± 0.02 mm |
| Cuff | 0.07 ± 0.02 mm | 0.04 ± 0.02 mm |
Sources: Ice Blue, series 382, data sheet revised 21 January 2026; XTRA PURE Black, series 394, data sheet revised 26 January 2026. The values are manufacturer information, not our own measurements.
See the specific items: ARNOMED Ice Blue and XTRA PURE Black. The table compares measures; it is not a ranking of overall quality or a recommendation that the models can replace each other.
Read the tolerance with
The indication 0.08 ± 0.02 mm corresponds mathematically to the range 0.06–0.10 mm. It is not the same as a guaranteed minimum thickness of 0.08 mm.
Therefore note the entire specification in the offer comparison. Match finger to finger and palm to palm. A value for one material wall must also not be compared directly with a measurement through two layers of a flat glove.
What does the thickness not determine?
Thickness alone does not determine either chemical resistance, a safe service life or suitability for a specific work task. HSE recommends selection according to impact, task and user as well as the correct manufacturer's data. In the case of chemistry, the documentation must relate to the specific substance or the specific mixture and usage situation.
Read our guide to nitrile gloves when cleaning, if the choice applies to cleaning chemistry. The different purposes of the standards are dealt with separately in the guide to EN 455 and EN ISO 374.
Ask for this information before changing models
- Exact model, item number and size.
- Gram weight with size basis if the weight is used in the offer.
- Thickness, measurement points, single wall or other measurement method and tolerances.
- Dated data sheet and documentation for the intended use.
First clarify the need for protection, then let the employees test the fit and handling. Compare price and pack size when the relevant models are narrowed down. See the nitrile rangeor use our Nitrile glove shopping checklist for the overall assessment.
Sources and control
- ARNOWA: technical data sheet for ARNOMED Ice Blue, Series 382 (PDF).
- ARNOWA: technical data sheet for ARNOMED XTRA PURE, including black series 394 (PDF).
- HSE: selection of gloves by task, user and manufacturer data.
Sources, active products and interval calculation checked 21 October 2026. The article explains reading specifications and does not replace workplace risk assessment.
