Basketball is a loved sport practiced by many people of all ages, genders, and skill levels. To play basketball, the most important piece of equipment you must have is a basketball. In this article, we will dive into the difference in size and weight of a basketball in different sectors of this incredible sport, and you’ll have the answer of your question “How Much Does a Basketball Weigh?”.
Are Sizes Available In Basketballs?
Ok, so before we start to talk about which size corresponds to each league. Let’s look at all the weights and sizes possible of a basketball across the world. These are all sizes regulated to play in a court, either for juniors or adults, Pros or amateurs.
| Size | Diameter | Weight | Age Range | Description & Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16″ | 8 oz / 0.5 lbs | 2-4 years old | Micro-mini basketball for preschool children learning and developing fundamental basketball skills. |
| 3 | 22″ | 10 oz / 0.625 lbs | 4-8 years old | Mini basketball suitable for children, slightly bigger and heavier than size 1. |
| 4 | 25.5″ | 14 oz / 0.875 lbs | 5-8 years old | Recommended for boys and girls 8 years old or younger, perfect size for this age group. |
| 5 | 27.5″ | 17 oz / 1.06 lbs | 9-11 years old | Recommended for boys and girls from 9 to 11 years old. |
| 6 | 28.5″ | 20 oz / 1.2 lbs | 12-14 years old | Recommended for boys and girls 12-14 years old, also the official size of the WNBA. |
| 7 | 29.5″ | 22 oz / 1.4 lbs | 15+ years old | Recommended for basketball players 15 and above, also the official size of the NBA. |
- Size 1 – 16 inches-8 ounces or 0.5 pounds
The size 1 basketball, often referred to as the micro-mini basketball, is designed for preschool children between 2 to 4 years old who are beginning to learn and develop fundamental basketball skills. - Size 3 – 22 inches-10 ounces or 0.625 pounds
The mini basketball, as it is commonly known, is best suited for children aged between 4 to 8 years old. This ball is just a little bigger and heavier than size 1. - Size 4 – 25.5 inches – 14 ounces or 0.875 pounds
This ball is recommended for boys and girls who are 8 years old or younger. This could extend to 5 years old. This is typically the perfect ball size for this window of ages (5 to 8). - Size 5 – 27.5 inches – 17 ounces or 1.06 pounds
This ball is recommended for boys and girls from 9 to 11 years old. - Size 6 – 28.5 inches – 20 oz or 1.2 pounds
It is recommended for boys and girls 12-14 years old. Plus is the official size of the WNBA! - Size 7 – 29.5 inches – 22 oz or 1.4 pounds
Recommended for basketball players 15 and above. Plus the official size of the NBA!
Regulation Basketball Weight
If you’re a huge basketball fan like us, you might already know that the regulation basketball used in professional leagues such as the NBA and WNBA weighs 22 ounces, which is about 0.62 kilograms. This standardized weight is crucial to ensuring that the ball performs consistently across various courts and teams.
Interestingly, the ball’s size and weight can significantly affect how it bounces and handles during play, which, in turn, can significantly impact the outcome of the game. So, the weight of a basketball is not just a trivial detail. It’s a critical factor in how the game is played!
This is also a way for players that play, let’s say, outside the NBA league and have the opportunity to come to the NBA to be already used to that type of ball since they are very similar across the world of professional Basketball.
Also Read: What Does ISO Mean in Basketball?
NBA Basketball Weight and Specifications
How much does an NBA basketball weigh?
As we said before, an NBA basketball weighs approximately 22 ounces or 1.4 pounds. This is equivalent to around 623.69 grams when using the metric system. The regulation NBA basketball has a circumference of 29.5 inches and should have an air pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 psi. Additionally, the official NBA basketball is often classified as a size 7.
WNBA Basketball Weight and Specifications
WNBA uses a smaller size of basketball. Normally it’s what we call size 6. This size and weight are tailored to fit the smaller hands of women players while still maintaining consistent performance standards. This size 6 basketball measures 27.75 inches and weighs 18 ounces, but it can reach a maximum of 28.5 inches in circumference and up to 20 ounces in weight. Although the size of the basketball is different, the court size is the same in NBA and WNBA, which measures 50 feet x 94 feet.
FIBA Basketball Weight and Specifications?
Additionally, FIBA allows the use of a synthetic leather basketball, whereas the NBA only allows the use of leather basketballs. The FIBA basketball is also marked with the FIBA logo to indicate its compliance with international play standards.
Following the guidelines set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the men’s division requires basketballs to weigh no less than 20 ounces and no more than 23 ounces. So normally, they use a size 7. The women’s division regulation says to use basketballs with a weight of no less than 18 ounces and no more than 20 ounces, so normally, they use a size 6. These specifications ensure that the basketballs used in FIBA games are standardized, regardless of the gender of the players.
Youth League Basketball Weight and Specifications?
In youth leagues, the weight of the basketball may differ depending on the specific association’s location. For instance, the North American Basketball Youth League uses a 14-ounce basketball, or as we know, size 4. In contrast, the FIBA Youth League basketball weighs between 16 to 17 ounces, also known as size 5. These weight variations are implemented to ensure that the basketballs used in youth leagues are suitable for the young players’ age and skill level, no matter where they are playing.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketball Weight and Specifications
There are a couple of differences between indoor and outdoor basketballs. We can say that they differ in grip, performance, price, material, and durability.
This said Indoor balls are usually more expensive because the materials used have better quality and are more expensive to make. Also, they have a better grip and a softer feel. The performance also differs in how indoor balls have more pebbles for a better grip.
Outdoor balls are made to last and not to be of “good quality,” so they have larger pebbles, and the material usually is rubber, so it lasts longer. This is discussable because if we use an indoor ball 3 hours a day on a court could last longer than if we use an outdoor also 3 hours a day outside. So consider all this before you buy your new basketball!
Conclusion
So, we conclude that basketball is a popular sport loved by people of all ages, genders, and skill levels.
There are smaller and lighter basketballs for younger children, like size 1 and size 3 balls. As kids get older, they can move up to larger and heavier basketballs like size 5 and size 6 balls. The regulation of basketball used in professional leagues like the NBA, FIBA, and WNBA are also different from each other, there for each one has its window of sizes and weights allowed, but as mentioned above are small differences because standardized weight is important. After all, it helps ensure that the ball performs consistently across different courts and teams.
Indoor and outdoor basketballs also differ in terms of grip, performance, price, material, and durability. Indoor basketballs are usually more expensive because they’re made with higher-quality materials and have a better grip. On the other hand, outdoor basketballs are designed to last longer and are made with durable materials like rubber.
So if you’re planning on buying a basketball, choose one appropriate for your age, skill level, and the type of court you’ll be playing on. Remember, the weight of a basketball is an important factor that can affect how it bounces and handles during play, so it’s not just a trivial detail!
