Level 5 vs Level 9 Cut Resistant Gloves: Rating Differences
On the ANSI/ISEA 105 scale, A9 gloves resist far more cutting force than A5 gloves. An A5 glove needs about 1,500 to 2,199 grams of load on the test blade to cut through, while an A9 glove needs 5,000 grams or more. For most warehouse, glass handling and kitchen tasks A5 is enough, and A9 is for sharp, heavy-duty jobs like sheet metal.
HANDLANDY 5972Best overall
JUMPHIGH Reinforced pigskin fingertips
Mechanix Wear MG-05-010Vented all-purpose comfortWhat the cut levels actually measure
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard rates cut resistance from A1 to A9. Each level is a range of grams. The number tells you how much weight a straight blade needs to cut through the glove material in a lab test. A higher level means the material held up under more load.
Before 2016 the US scale only ran from 1 to 5. The newer scale splits the top end into more steps, which is why you will see both "Level 5" and "A5" used online. Today's A5 is not the same as an old Level 5, so check that a listing names the current A-series rating.
These ratings describe cut resistance only. They say nothing about punctures, tears, heat or chemicals, which are rated separately.
A5 vs A9: the key differences
The gap between A5 and A9 is large. The lowest A9 load is more than double the top of the A5 range. In practice, A9 materials are thicker and stiffer, and they cost you some feel in your fingers.
A5 gloves are often a thin knit with a polyurethane or similar coating. Our best cut resistant gloves page lists the Schwer CR3088, which is described as A5, with a polyurethane palm coating, touchscreen fingertips and an elastic cuff. It comes as 12 pairs at 0.154 lb per pair. That is light enough to wear all shift.
| Feature | A5 | A9 |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting load range | 1,500 to 2,199 g | 5,000 g or more |
| Typical feel | Thin to medium, good dexterity | Thicker, stiffer, less touch |
| Best for | Glass, warehouse, sheet stock, general cutting | Sharp metal edges, heavy blade work |
| Fatigue over a shift | Lower | Higher |
The full A1 to A9 scale
Here is the whole scale so you can place A1, A2, A3, A4 and the rest in context. The grams are the load needed to cut through the material in the standard test.
| Level | Cutting load (grams) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200 to 499 | Light handling, paper, assembly |
| A2 | 500 to 749 | Light cutting tasks, packaging |
| A3 | 750 to 999 | Sharper packaging, light metal parts |
| A4 | 1,000 to 1,499 | Box cutters, sheet material |
| A5 | 1,500 to 2,199 | Glass, thin metal, warehouse |
| A6 | 2,200 to 2,999 | Stamped metal, sharper edges |
| A7 | 3,000 to 3,999 | Sharp metal, heavy blade exposure |
| A8 | 4,000 to 4,999 | Very sharp, heavy industrial work |
| A9 | 5,000 or more | Highest protection for the worst edges |
How the lower levels compare
The common question is how close neighboring levels are. A1 to A3 cover everyday handling where cuts are minor. A2 vs A4 and A3 vs A4 comparisons come down to blade exposure. If you only brush against edges, A2 or A3 can work. If you cut with a blade or handle sheet stock, A4 is the safer floor.
A1 vs A5 is a big step. A1 stops light scrapes, but an A5 glove handles much more force. Our page lists an ANSI A1 glove with a nitrile grip and touchscreen fingertips, and an A4 shell made of UHMWPE and glass fiber with a polyurethane coating. Those two show how the material changes as the level climbs.
Remember that a listing with no cut level, such as several popular work gloves, is built for abrasion and general work. Do not use those around blades or glass.
How to choose your level
Match the glove to the sharpest thing you touch and how hard it can press into you. Then pick the lowest level that covers it, because lower levels keep more feel and comfort. Use this quick checklist:
- Ask what edge you handle: paper, box cutter blade, glass, or stamped metal.
- Think about force: a light brush needs less than a slipping blade or heavy sheet.
- Pick the lowest level that clearly covers the hazard.
- Check the coating for your conditions, dry or oily.
- Confirm weight and fit, since a glove that is uncomfortable tends to get taken off.
- Look for a clear A-series rating on the listing, not just a vague "cut resistant" claim.
Safety notes
A cut rating is not a guarantee. No glove makes your hands cut-proof, and the test uses a straight blade under controlled pressure. A sawing motion, a sharp point or a very heavy load can still get through.
Never wear cut resistant gloves around rotating machinery such as drills, saws or lathes. A glove can catch and pull your hand in. Wear safety glasses when cutting or breaking glass, and wear hearing protection around loud tools. Replace gloves that are cut, frayed or worn thin, and keep them clean so oils do not weaken your grip.
Where to start
If you are unsure, begin with A4 or A5 for general cutting and move up only if your task demands it. A9 is worth the stiffness only when the edge and force justify it. You can compare coatings, weights and pack sizes on our best cut resistant gloves page.
For more detail on how the options stack up, see the listed ratings next to each pick on our cut resistant glove comparison. Check that a listing states its level before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is A9 the same as the old Level 5?
No. The old scale stopped at 5. The current scale adds more steps above it, so an A9 glove is rated far higher than anything on the old scale.
Can I wash cut resistant gloves?
Many can be machine washed, but check each listing. Air drying helps the gloves keep their shape and fit.
Do cut resistant gloves stop punctures?
Not necessarily. Cut resistance and puncture resistance are tested separately, so look for a puncture rating if needles or sharp points are the risk.
Are higher levels always better?
Not always. Higher levels are usually thicker and reduce finger feel, so the best choice is the lowest level that covers your hazard.