EN388 Glove Markings Explained
Safety gloves used for mechanical protection are often marked with an EN388 performance code. That code helps you compare resistance to hazards such as abrasion, cutting, tearing, puncture and impact.
EN388 is a test standard for mechanical risks. It does not mean that one glove protects against every workplace hazard, so always choose gloves using your task risk assessment and the manufacturer's instructions.
Browse our Safety Gloves collection to compare suitable hand-protection products.
How to read an EN388 marking
The marking is normally shown as an EN388 pictogram followed by a series of characters. Read the results from left to right:
| Position | Test | Result |
|---|---|---|
| A | Abrasion resistance | Levels 0 to 4. A higher number indicates greater resistance in the test. |
| B | Coupe blade-cut resistance | Numerical levels 0 to 5, or X when the test is not applicable or cannot be used as the reference result. |
| C | Tear resistance | Levels 0 to 4. A higher number indicates greater resistance in the test. |
| D | Puncture resistance | Levels 0 to 4. A higher number indicates greater resistance in the test. |
| E | ISO 13997 cut resistance | Letter levels A to F, with F representing the highest level in this scale. |
| F | Impact resistance | P means the glove passed the impact test. F means it failed, and X means it was not tested. |
What do the numbers and letters mean?
Abrasion resistance
This measures how well the glove material withstands rubbing or wear. It can be relevant when handling rough surfaces, bricks, timber, metal components or abrasive materials.
Cut resistance: numerical and letter ratings
Cut resistance is commonly shown in two different ways. The older or familiar coupe result uses a numerical scale from 0 to 5 in position B. The ISO 13997 result uses a letter scale from A to F in position E and is often the cut rating used in newer glove specifications and workplace PPE requirements.
The letter scale is based on the force needed to cut through the test material. As a general guide, A represents the lower end of the scale and F the higher end:
| ISO cut letter | Minimum force used for classification | Relative level |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2N or more | Lower |
| B | 5N or more | |
| C | 10N or more | |
| D | 15N or more | |
| E | 22N or more | |
| F | 30N or more | Higher |
Approximate numerical-to-letter comparison
The table below can help when comparing older glove descriptions with newer A–F specifications. It is only a rough orientation guide. The coupe and ISO 13997 tests use different methods, so these levels are not a guaranteed one-to-one conversion and may vary between gloves.
| ISO 13997 cut level | Approximate original numerical cut level |
|---|---|
| A | 1–2 |
| B | 3–4 |
| C | 5 |
| D | 5 |
| E | 5 |
| F | 5 |
For a focused explanation of the comparison, read our glove cut levels numerical-to-letter guide.
Use the actual rating shown on the glove and the manufacturer's technical information when specifying protection. Do not infer an ISO letter from an old numerical score, or an old numerical score from an ISO letter, without checking the product data.
The numerical coupe score and the A–F ISO result come from different test methods. They are not directly interchangeable, so a numerical 3 should not be treated as equivalent to the letter C. When a blade becomes dull during the coupe test, the ISO 13997 result becomes especially important. Use the rating shown on the glove, the manufacturer's technical information and your workplace risk assessment when specifying protection.
Tear and puncture resistance
Tear resistance indicates how much force is needed to split the glove material. Puncture resistance measures the force needed for a defined point to penetrate it. These results are useful for different hazards and should not be treated as the same type of protection.
Impact protection
A P at the end of the EN388 marking means the glove passed the optional impact test. This is relevant to gloves designed to help protect the back of the hand or knuckles from impact. A glove without a P should not be assumed to provide impact protection.
Worked example: 4X43C
A marking of 4X43C means:
- 4 for abrasion resistance
- X for the coupe cut result not being used or reported
- 4 for tear resistance
- 3 for puncture resistance
- C for the ISO 13997 cut-resistance result
If the marking also ends in P, the glove has passed the impact test. An X is not the same as a zero; it means that particular result was not tested or does not apply.
Choosing the right safety gloves
Start with the hazard, not simply the highest-looking number. Rough handling may make abrasion and tear resistance important, sharp materials may require a suitable cut rating, and work involving pointed objects may require puncture resistance. Where hand impact is a concern, look for the P marking and confirm the glove's intended use.
EN388 does not cover chemical, thermal, cold, electrical or food-contact protection. Those hazards require the relevant glove standard, product information and workplace risk assessment. Always check the manufacturer's technical data before relying on a glove for a specific task.
Important reminder
Performance ratings are based on laboratory tests and do not guarantee protection in every real-world situation. Make sure gloves fit correctly, are used as instructed and are replaced when damaged, contaminated or worn.