Home »
Misc »
How big is a full size basketball
How big is a full size basketball
Basketball Sizes: A Quick Guide for All Levels of Play
Skip to content
NBA and College Basketball Sizes
Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For international play, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is what’s called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women. These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
Youth Basketball Sizes
Boys in middle school (or ages 12-14), use a 28.5-inch ball, as do all women and girls ages 12 and up. For anyone, male or female, between the ages of nine and 11, a ball size of 27.![]()
5 inches in circumference is recommended and is the most commonly sized ball used in youth basketball leagues.
Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 use a basketball between sizes of 22 inches and 24.5 inches in circumference, depending on the individual’s hand size, which can be determined by a coach or parent by measuring from the bottom of the individual’s palm to the tip of his or her middle finger.
Basketball Inflation and Pressure RegulationsAn NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. In FIBA play, the official rules state that the ball “be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the playing floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height of between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm, measured to the top of the ball.
”
What is the Diameter of a Basketball?A standard NBA basketball has a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. In the WNBA, the basketball has a diameter of between 9.07 and 9.23 inches. Basketballs used in the NCAA are between 9.39 and 9.55 inches for men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for women.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material. Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
Though basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch, after a few uses, they become somewhat broken in and easier to grip, much like a baseball mitt. Leather basketballs should not be used outside because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball’s grip.
Some indoor basketballs are made of composite or synthetic leather. The upside is that they don’t need to be broken in like a regular leather ball. But generally speaking, the quality is not as good.
Outdoor, or “street” balls, employ a rubber surface because it can absorb the rougher surface of a concrete court without sacrificing the ball’s grip. A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Best Selling Basketball BrandsThe three best-selling basketball brands are Spalding, Nike, and Wilson. As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies, and color schemes they offer.
A typical official-size men’s basketball retails on average between $30 and $60. Both the NBA and WNBA use Spalding basketballs, while the NCAA and most youth leagues use Wilson.
As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as their basketball provider.
READ MORE:
- Basketball Court Dimensions and Hoop Height: A Quick Guide
- Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
- AAU Basketball, Explained
- How to Build a Basketball Body
Share This Story!
MOST POPULAR
NBA and College Basketball Sizes
Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For international play, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is what’s called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women.
These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
Youth Basketball Sizes
Boys in middle school (or ages 12-14), use a 28.5-inch ball, as do all women and girls ages 12 and up. For anyone, male or female, between the ages of nine and 11, a ball size of 27.5 inches in circumference is recommended and is the most commonly sized ball used in youth basketball leagues.
Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 use a basketball between sizes of 22 inches and 24.5 inches in circumference, depending on the individual’s hand size, which can be determined by a coach or parent by measuring from the bottom of the individual’s palm to the tip of his or her middle finger.
Basketball Inflation and Pressure RegulationsAn NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.
5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. In FIBA play, the official rules state that the ball “be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the playing floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height of between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm, measured to the top of the ball.”
What is the Diameter of a Basketball?A standard NBA basketball has a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. In the WNBA, the basketball has a diameter of between 9.07 and 9.23 inches. Basketballs used in the NCAA are between 9.39 and 9.55 inches for men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for women.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material.
Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
Though basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch, after a few uses, they become somewhat broken in and easier to grip, much like a baseball mitt. Leather basketballs should not be used outside because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball’s grip.
Some indoor basketballs are made of composite or synthetic leather. The upside is that they don’t need to be broken in like a regular leather ball. But generally speaking, the quality is not as good.
Outdoor, or “street” balls, employ a rubber surface because it can absorb the rougher surface of a concrete court without sacrificing the ball’s grip. A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Best Selling Basketball BrandsThe three best-selling basketball brands are Spalding, Nike, and Wilson.
As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies, and color schemes they offer.
A typical official-size men’s basketball retails on average between $30 and $60. Both the NBA and WNBA use Spalding basketballs, while the NCAA and most youth leagues use Wilson. As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as their basketball provider.
READ MORE:
- Basketball Court Dimensions and Hoop Height: A Quick Guide
- Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
- AAU Basketball, Explained
- How to Build a Basketball Body
Share This Story!
Page load link
Basketball Size Guide
Skip to Content
To play great basketball, you need the right-sized ball.
Having a ball that is too small or too big for your grip can play havoc on your skills and dampen your game. You need to feel in control of the ball and make it move how you want it to, and this is just not possible when you can’t get a good grip. To enhance your game and feel more confident, it’s important to take the time to understand what size ball you require.
There are many available, so to help you understand what size would be best for you, we have compiled a sizing chart for each of our basketballs.
SIZE 3 BASKETBALLSFOR ALL AGESSize 3 is a novelty-sized, or 'mini' basketball that is suitable for all ages. The Size 3 basketball has a circumference of 22" (55.9cm).
SIZE 5 BASKETBALLSAGES 5 - 12 YEARS OLDSize 5 is the standard basketball size for both boys and girls aged 5 - 12 years old. The Size 5 basketball has a circumference of 27.
5" (69.5cm). Size 5 is also the official sized game ball for males & females aged 12 and under in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL).
SIZE 6 BASKETBALLSFEMALE AGES 9+ & MALE AGES 9 - 12 YEARSSize 6 is the basketball size for females aged 9+ years and males aged 9 to 12 years*. The Size 6 basketball has a circumference of 28.5" (72.5cm).
*Please note: For VJBL, a Size 5 basketball is recommended for males & females aged 12 and under, not a size 6.
SIZE 7 BASKETBALLSFOR AGES 12 YEARS & OVERSize 7 (29.5" or 75cm) is the official size of all adult basketballs, suitable for male basketball players aged 12 years and over.
Find Your Size and Stay True to The Game
From just playing for fun to trying to make it to the main stage, having the right tools can improve your game immensely.
Once you have found the right-sized basketball you can focus on performing to the best of your ability, enhancing your techniques and enjoying your favourite game.
If you want to know how to best practice at home with your right-sized ball, check out our tips for different training set ups .
Support
- Help & Contact Us
- FAQs
- User Manuals
- Basketball Size Guide
- Installation
- Warranty Claim
- Returns & Exchanges
- Spare Parts
- Product Recall
Orders
- Delivery
- Christmas Systems Delivery Information
- Track my order
- Wholesale Custom Orders
About
- About Spalding
- Sustainability
- CTSCA/UKMSA Disclosure
- Partners
- Stockists
- Blog
Products
- Basketballs
- Basketball Systems
- Training Aids
- Accessories
- Personalised
- Fundraiser
- Spalding Apparel
Social
We accept
Basketball size 7,6,5,3 (weight, diameter, pressure)
Home / All sports / Basketball size 7,6,5,3 (weight, diameter, pressure)
03/20/2020 All sports Leave a comment 27,394 Views
Share with friends
Basketball size varies by league, governing body, and gender and age of students.
Basketballs differ from each other in weight, pressure, circumference and material of manufacture. According to the official rules of the game, the game projectile must have a spherical shape, be made in orange and have 8 black inserts and seams.
The official size of a basketball is numbered 7, it has the following characteristics: weight (mass) is - 567-650 grams, circumference - 749-780 cm, atmospheric pressure - 0.56 - 0.63 kg / cm 2 . This is the largest ball, and now look at the rest in the table:
| Size | Circumference (cm) | Weight (grams) | Pressure (kg/cm 2) | Where applicable |
| 7 | 749-780 | 567-650 | 0.56 - 0.63 | Professional Men's Basketball, Boys 14+ |
| 6 | 724-737 | 510-567 | 0. 56 - 0.63 | Women's professional basketball, girls 12+, boys 12-13 |
| 5 | 690-710 | 470-500 | 0.56 - 0.63 | Boys and girls 10-11 years old |
| 3 | 560-580 | 300-330 | 0.56 - 0.63 | Boys and girls 4-9 years |
Pass the Basketball Test
Basketballs are made from natural leather or synthetic leather - the pressure is the same for all sizes. It is worth remembering that a correctly inflated ball of the correct size is important to ensure quality training and skill development for players of different ages.
For games held under the auspices of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the ball is inflated to air pressure so that when it falls onto the court from a height of 1.8 meters, it should bounce to a height of 1.2-1.4 meters (measured by the top of the game ball).
Indoor and outdoor basketballs
There are no differences between the versions of the game in terms of size, but there are other nuances regarding manufacturing.
Indoor balls are made of genuine leather, and outdoor balls are made of rubber.
Leather basketballs intended for indoor use should not be used outdoors. Concrete or asphalt surfaces cause the leather to become rough and wear out quickly, eventually resulting in poor hand-ball contact. Also, some balls for playing inside are made of composite or synthetic leather, but their quality leaves much to be desired.
For outdoor play, manufacturers make balls with a rubber surface, as it is able to interact better with rough field surfaces. Rubber basketball will be a good choice for beginner players as it is much easier to control and develop skills.
Best Selling Basketball Brands
Basketball is very popular all over the world, which means that ball manufacturers do not have to sit idle, because they need to compete, create a quality product and, accordingly, make a profit. Here are the 3 best selling basketball brands in the world.
- Spalding (USA)
- Wilson (USA)
- Molten (Japan)
Spalding makes balls for the most popular league in the world, the NBA.
Wilson is in demand with the NCAA and most of the youth leagues in the United States of America. But Molten is the main supplier of game equipment for FIBA tournaments, European championships and even the Olympic Games.
Note that on average for men, a standard size 7 basketball sells for $30-60.
Basketballs have changed a lot since the beginning of the game in the late 19th century. Today, technology has made it possible to make very high-quality and even smart balls. This was not always the case, because decades have passed and the balls have undergone many changes and improvements, although at the very beginning, James Naismith, the founder and father of basketball, used a soccer ball to play, which his students threw into peach baskets.
A new wave of basketball ball design, sweat throughout the appearance, will stand out flawless technology. This applies to the panels of the game projectile - now there are 8 of them, and the new composite structures have only two.
New modern balls are constantly advertised by manufacturers. There are those that can control humidity, have more pimples - dots, and are even able to track the entire process of the game and in live mode and send information (strength of throw, rotation, impact) to Android or iPhone. Such a ball is 94FiFty.
Free throw in basketball: execution technique
2020-03-20
Check also
Share with friendsThe rematch of Usyk vs Joshua will take place on August 20, 2022. The arena for the grand ...
basketball, instruction, storage, care, ESPANDER.com.ua.
Wow! You can't sit on an inflated basketball and hit it with your feet, like a football, with the force of throwing a ball on a hot object - as a result of that ball, it quickly loses its shape and comes into disrepair.
Inflate a basketball in the appropriate manner: put 1-2 drops of special oil on the opening of the nipple or neck, take the ball by the panel, where the nipple is located, insert it into the new neck, inflate the ball to the value indicated in the tables.
We strongly recommend vicarious oil. Special oil is not only ahead of valve slippage and nipple walls, but it also makes the material of the nipple more elastic, protecting it from drying out.
The neck is also due to a special tool for inflating balls, and the tip of the neck is due to a tool equal, smooth, without sharp edges and burrs.
ATTENTION! Always vicorate the vowels for the nipple or the ball, in the other case, you risk damaging the nipple and lose it without a ball.
The amount of grip recommended for balls made of different materials and in different types of winding:
| Riven gri | Recommended vice (bar) | Recommended vice (psi) |
| Basketball rubber balls, size 5-7 | 0.7-0.9 | 10-13 |
| Basketball rubber balls, size 3 | 0.6 | 8-9 |
| Basketball balls with natural and synthetic skins, size 7 | 0. 7-0.9 | 10-13 |
| Basketball balls with natural and synthetic skins, sizes 5 and 6 | 0.7-0.8 | 10-12 |
It is recommended to check the vise in balls after the help of the monometer.
Rolling the ball creates a pressure and over the world stretching pressure on the materials, from any preparation of the ball, with which the term of the ball's service is very fast.
Rolling the ball also has a negative impact on the game characteristics of the ball, first for everything on yoga.
Take care of that sight.
- After skin irritation wipe the ball with a damp cloth. At the time of the strong, vicorist fabric, soaked in a warm miles pink. Do NOT at any time do not beat up abrasive cleaning cats, and also take care of the retailers and aggressive speech.
- Let the ball dry naturally. If the ball is already wet, wipe it with a soft cloth. Dry the ball in a well-ventilated room, give it heat, at a temperature of + 20-25 ° C and a moisture content of 60-65%.
