In basketball, there is nothing more essential than the ball. Known as “the rock” by some, the ball to the basket in basketball is the sun which the game revolves around. They say to players who want to up their game, “to be the ball,” but to be the ball, you must first know the ball.
Beyond dribbling the ball, and getting it familiar with your hand, you should have deep knowledge of the rock. By understanding its weight you will be able to identify with the physics of the ball when you play. As well as be able to tell if a ball may be under — or overweight by inspection.
The multiple basketball leagues around the world have specialty manufactured balls which they use as their official game ball. Give this article a run through so you can tell which ball is from which league, and who produces them.
Contents
How Heavy is an NBA Basketball?
How Heavy is a WNBA Basketball?
How Heavy is an NCAA Basketball?
How Heavy is a FIBA/Olympic Basketball?
Official Basketball Size Guide by Weight
Final Words
How Heavy is an NBA Basketball?
Since the official NBA rules do not list the regulation weight of each ball we must look to Spalding, and what weight they list for the official NBA game ball. From collecting listed weights from multiple Spalding re-sellers, we came up with a range of [20oz – 22oz] or [510g – 624g].
Spalding lists the ball at size 7.
How Heavy is a WNBA Basketball?
Luckily the WNBA Official Rule Book (pdf) gives the weight of regulation game balls. WNBA weigh a range of [18oz – 20oz] or [510g – 567g].
In the official rule book, Rule No. 1 Court Dimensions – Equipment, Section II Equipment:
f. (1) The ball shall be an officially approved WNBA ball with a weight not less than 18 ounces nor more than 20 ounces.
The manufacturer of the official game ball of the WNBA, Spalding, lists the ball at size 6.
How Heavy is an NCAA Basketball?
NCAA Men’s Basketball
In the 2019-2020 NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules and Interpretations (pdf), RULE 1 – Court and Equipment, Section 16. The Ball:
Art. 9. The weight of the ball shall not be less than 20 ounces nor more than 22 ounces.
Giving the official regulation range of an NCAA men’s basketball [20oz – 22oz] or [510g – 624g].
The manufacturer of the official game ball for NCAA men’s basketball is Wilson. While they don’t have an official weight listed anywhere. What we can assume is that they produce the balls as per NCAA regulations.
NCAA Women’s Basketball
In the 2019-20 and 2020-21 NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules and Interpretations (pdf), RULE 1 – Court and Equipment, Section 16. The Ball:
Art. 9. The weight of the ball shall not be less than 18 ounces nor more than 20 ounces.
Giving the official regulation range of an NCAA women’s basketball [18oz – 20oz] or [510g – 567g].
Just like the men’s ball, Wilson does not list an official weight for their game ball. Meaning we will only assume that the balls are produced to NCAA regulations once again.
How Heavy is a FIBA/Olympic Basketball?
Specifics on the regulations of a FIBA basketball can be found in their document, 2018 Official Basketball Rules | Basketball Rules & Basketball Equipment (pdf). Under section 7 Basketball:
7.4 For all men’s competitions in all categories, …the ball shall weigh no less than 567 g and no more than 650 g.
7.5 For all women’s competitions in all categories, … the ball shall weigh no less than 510 g and no more than 567 g.
Giving the official regulation range of a FIBA men’s basketball [20oz – 23oz] or [567g – 650g], and the official range for a women’s basketball [18oz – 20oz] or [510g – 567g].
Official Basketball Size Guide by Weight
Manufacturers like Spalding, Wilson, and Molten might be the producers for balls in big basketball leagues, but there are many other sporting goods companies that have their own line of basketballs. You can use the table below to compare the industry standard for sizing and weight.
Basically balls sizes 4 and 5 are used for game of players between the ages 8 to 11, while size 6 is for women’s games, and size 7 as the biggest size for men’s games.
FIBA Men’s
Regulation
20oz – 23oz (567g – 650g)
FIBA Women’s
Regulation
18oz – 20oz (510g – 567g)
NBA – Size 7
Regulation
22oz (624g)
NCAA Men’s – Size 7
Regulation
20oz – 22oz (510g – 624g)
NCAA Women’s – Size 6
Regulation
18oz – 20oz (510g – 567g)
WNBA Official Game Ball – Size 6
Regulation
18oz – 20oz (510g – 567g)
Molten Official Game Ball of FIBA Men’s
Listed – Size 7
N/A
Spalding Official Game Ball of the NBA
Listed -Size 7
25. 6oz – 27.2oz (725g – 771g)
Wilson Official Game Ball of the NCAA
Listed – Size 7
N/A
Spalding Official Game Ball of the WNBA
Listed – Size 6
N/A
Size 5
Youth Ball ages 9-11
17 oz
Size 4
Youth Ball ages 5-8
14 oz
Size 3 – “Mini Ball”
Youth Ball ages 4-8
10 oz
Size 1 – “Micro Mini Ball”
Youth Ball ages 2-4
8 oz
Final Words
The basketball has been cementing itself into our world culture for over 100 years. I’m excited to see how the basketball develops as our technology marches onward. The weight, feel, and bounce of a basketball is very distinct.
Whatever way the big ball manufacturers push their R&D, I’m just hyped to play the game in a time where the balls are accessible and designed towards more exciting play.
How Much Does A Basketball Weigh? Everything You Need To Know
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Beginners in basketball may believe that all basketballs are the same weight. Yet, the ball’s weight might vary based on a variety of conditions. So, how much does a basketball weigh?
A basketball typically weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 pounds (21 to 22 ounces). The materials for the making of a basketball also affect its total weight.
Let’s dive right into the article with Scott Fujita!
Contents
What Is The Standard Weight And Size Of A Basketball?
NBA Basketball Weighs 1.4 pounds
Although basketballs come in a variety of sizes, the NBA basketball weight is typically the average. So, if we’re talking about the weight of professional NBA basketball, it’ll be approximately 1.4 pounds.
The diameter of the ring is 29.5 inches. The air pressure is another critical thing to consider, which requires a normal air pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch.
How Much Does An NBA Basketball Weigh?
The Metric System Employs The Gram As The Measurement Of Weight.
Every player desires to play in the NBA, the most competitive and successful basketball league globally. Although there are various other organizations with varied styles, the NBA is the most well-known.
View more: How much are courtside seats at an NBA game
The proper weight for men’s basketball is 1.37 pounds, according to NBA regulations and specifications. The circumference, on the other hand, is 29.5 inches tall. As a result, you have a reasonable estimate of the weight of an NBA basketball.
Due to the physicality of females, the WNBA reduces the standard for weight and circumference. The WNBA basketball has a maximum weight of 1.13 pounds and a circumference of 28.5 inches.
How Much Does A Basketball Weigh In Grams?
Youth Basketballs Are Size 5
Do not worry if you do not know what pounds mean. The metric system employs the gram as the measurement of weight. Therefore, for your convenience, all the data is presented in gram form.
A basketball of size 4 weighs roughly 397 grams for junior balls. When compared to other sizes, it is relatively light, as previously stated.
The weight of the size 5 climbs dramatically, reaching 481 grams. Since this size is for youngsters aged ten and up, it is not difficult to comprehend. As a result, the weight and size of the players expand to fit their physique.
For their tournaments, several leagues and groups now collaborate with various manufacturing enterprises. Because it is the most competitive platform, the NBA is the gold standard for every basketball player. They utilize a 7-sized ball that is 623 grams in weight.
The WNBA uses a slightly different metric. They utilize a 6-sized ball that weighs 510 grams and has a 2-3 inches narrower circumference. If there is more air inflation pressure in the ball, these readings will alter as well.
The NCAA uses Wilson balls instead of Spalding balls. As a result, their men’s basketball weighs the same as the NBA but has a 30-inch diameter.
The weight of women’s basketball is roughly 566 grams, with a diameter of 29 inches. Basketball sizes are also measured differently by the International Basketball Federation.
Although they all weigh 566 grams, the production process causes them to feel somewhat different in hand. Men’s basketball has a circumference of 30.5 inches, whereas women’s basketball is 29 inches.
How Much Does A Youth Basketball Weigh?
Mini Basketball
The pro league for up-and-coming stars is the youth leagues, also known as junior basketball leagues. They do not play regular basketball and use a more miniature college basketball instead.
They also utilize mini basketballs, which are lighter than professional NBA basketballs. For conventional measures, youth basketballs are often designated as size 5.
It is lighter than NBA basketballs, weighing roughly 1.25 pounds. The circumference of the ring is approximately 27.5 inches. This sort of ball is used by any young player under ten for their regular training and games.
A 4-sized basketball may be used by anyone aged eight or younger. This ball is 25.5 inches in circumference, which is much less than that of conventional NBA balls. A size 4 is typically roughly 0.87 pounds.
How Much Does A Mini Basketball Weigh?
An Inflated Basketball Weigh At Least 22 Pounds.
Basketball sizes vary according to the gender, age, and skill level of the participants. For junior players in a school-level game, the ball may be of GL. The mini basketball typically weighs around 0.625 pounds (10 lb) or 283 grams (g) and is designed for children aged 3 to 5.
How Much Does A Women’s Basketball Weigh?
Women and men have various physical characteristics and features. As a result, the rules for basketball measuring varied. Women have their league, that’s the WNBA, where they may show off their prowess.
Basketball league sizes are mostly divided into two categories. The first is more extensive, measuring 29 inches in diameter and weighing 1.25 pounds. This basketball is a regular 6-inch basketball.
The other one is slightly smaller than 28 inches in diameter and weighs 1.125 pounds. According to the match requirements, condition, air pressure, inflation, and other criteria, the official match balls are chosen.
The standards for international forms follow the International Basketball Federation standards. While the Molten basketballs use some of the same materials as the Spalding basketballs, they are somewhat smaller and heavier.
These basketballs are high-quality leather. So, you should be able to spin a ball around your finger.
How Does A Properly Inflated Ball Weigh?
A Perfect Basketball Does Not Come With Sufficient Inflation.
In most cases, a perfect basketball does not come with sufficient inflation. If you’re playing on outdoor basketball courts, it is unlikely that you’ll notice.
The same cannot say the same for professional players who play regularly. You’ll wind up over inflating or under inflating your basketball if you don’t have a good understanding of properly inflated basketball weight.
The weight of an average inflated basketball must be at least 22 pounds. The inflation error margin, on the other hand, is roughly 0.03 pounds. So, if you stay in this range, that’s great.
How Is The Air Measured In A Ball?
Every Basketball Has Air Inside Of It.
The correct air pressure inside a basketball may make a massive difference in your game feel. However, to maintain appropriate pressure, you must understand how to gauge air pressure.
Here, you’ll learn how to maintain a high air density within the basketball by psi, or pounds per square inch, which is the standard pressure unit for basketball. Inside a basketball, the pressure should be between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per square inch.
A pressure gauge is ideal for measuring air pressure, a standard instrument for determining the strength of a gas or fluid.
It is capable of calculating the overall pressure trapped inside a confined space. Gently put the gauge into the ball’s needle aperture while determining the air pressure. The psi within the ball will show on the dial or screen.
Final Thoughts
You can measure basketball in several different ways in circumference, inflation pressure, and total weight. When selecting a basketball, keep in mind your gender, age, and league you will use it.
Basketballs are sized and weighted differently in different leagues. As a result, understanding the proper size is critical to prevent getting disqualified from a game.
Hopefully, now that you are familiar with basketball sizes and have discussed how much does a basketball weigh in pounds, grams, or ounces and how it influences player performance. So, you will have a better understanding of the game.
How to choose a basketball - Internet portal Sportmaster Media
2 minutes.
There are only two criteria to consider.
Basketball
This is a material about the choice of a basketball. We also have a text about the best basketball players in history - read it to know who you should look up to.
Just starting to play basketball and don't know how to find the right ball? You are at the right place, now we will tell you everything. With the help of this guide, you will learn how to correctly select a game projectile based on just two basic criteria.
Pretty obvious, right? Basketballs come in different sizes, usually the game shell is selected according to the age and height of the basketball player. Base balls are divided into three categories:
Size 7
A full-size ball that is used in the National Basketball Association (NBA) tournament. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) recommends such playing equipment for training and matches of athletes over 15 years of age. The circumference of the ball is 749-780 millimeters, it weighs 567-650 grams.
Size 7 Basketballs
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix Triple Double 7
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix Fast Break
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix Buzzer 7
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB3000 Microfiber
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Molten | Basketball ball Molten FIBA BG3800
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Molten | Basketball Molten FIBA BG5000
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Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix BCL1000 Microfiber
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Size 6
This size is most commonly used by girls over 12 and boys 12-14. For example, such a ball is played in the championship of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), they are also driven in women's tournaments among senior schoolgirls and university students. Circumference - 724-737 millimeters, weight - 510-567 grams.
Basketballs size 6
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Molten | Basketball ball Molten FIBA BG3800
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Molten | Basketball Molten FIBA BG4500
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Molten | Molten FIBA BG4000 basketball ball
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Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
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Size 5
Very young basketball players — boys and girls 9-11 years old — play this ball. This is a standard basketball for children with a circumference of 690-710 millimeters and a weight of 470-500 grams.
Size 5 basketballs
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix Triple Double 5
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Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
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The choice of ball depends on the surface of a particular court. Outdoor basketball courts are usually rough enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, so it's a good idea to come to them with only the most durable game equipment. Soft balls on such surfaces are likely to deform.
Leather basketballs are used in professional leagues and are made from genuine leather. This is the most comfortable material for playing, the longer you use such a ball, the softer and more pleasant it feels.
Leather basketballs should only be used indoors.
Second type - synthetic leather . This is a high-tech material that imitates natural leather in all respects. In the manufacture of such products, very thin fiber and high-quality polyurethane are used - the game projectile will be resistant to deformation, it can be driven both indoors and outdoors.
There are also balls made of composite leather . Skin fibers and trimmings are combined by various methods, resulting in a soft and elastic ball. This is a sensitive material, so it is better not to take such game equipment outside the halls.
The simplest type is balls made of rubber . They are usually the most accessible and are intended for use by beginners. They feel worse than others, but they will last longer - these can be safely used on boxes even with concrete coating.
To score 3-pointers in every match, you need quality equipment that will make you feel comfortable on the court. Look for clothes, shoes and accessories for basketball in a special section on the Sportmaster website.
Basketball
Author: Andrei Rabinovich
Ball sizes for different sports, 2016
Balls for football, volleyball and other team games differ in shape, weight, texture and size. Even within the same sport, several standard ball sizes can be accepted - for children's and adults, men's and women's competitions.
There are 5 size standards among soccer balls:
Size 1. Usually these are balls for advertising, with inscriptions and logos of sponsoring companies and manufacturers. Synthetic materials, 32 panels, structure and shape similar to sports balls. Circumference - 43 cm.
Size 2. Children's ball used by coaches to train younger groups aged 4-7. Material - synthetic, 32 or 26 panels, weight - 283.5 g, circumference - 56 cm.
Size 3. Training for children from 8 years old. 18, 26 or 32 panels, synthetic or PVC, weight 340 g, circumference 61 cm.
Size 4. Training ball for children aged 12+, and the standard sports ball for futsal . Material - leather or synthetics, weight - 369-425 g, circumference - 63.5 cm.
Size 5. The standard adopted by FIFA for all official competitions for children over 12 and adults. Weight - 410-450 g, circumference - 68.5-70 cm.
Size 5. Weight 260-280 g, circumference 67-68 cm.
Size 4. Weight 240-260 g, circumference 62-64 cm.
For beach volleyball standard ball - size 5, 260-280 g, circumference - 66-68 cm. Children's basketball, weight 283-310 g, ball circumference - 55-57 cm.
Under section 7 Basketball:
6oz – 27.2oz (725g – 771g)
So, if we’re talking about the weight of professional NBA basketball, it’ll be approximately 1.4 pounds.
They utilize a 7-sized ball that is 623 grams in weight. 
They do not play regular basketball and use a more miniature college basketball instead. 
The mini basketball typically weighs around 0.625 pounds (10 lb) or 283 grams (g) and is designed for children aged 3 to 5.
However, to maintain appropriate pressure, you must understand how to gauge air pressure. 
As a result, understanding the proper size is critical to prevent getting disqualified from a game. 
With the help of this guide, you will learn how to correctly select a game projectile based on just two basic criteria. 
For example, such a ball is played in the championship of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), they are also driven in women's tournaments among senior schoolgirls and university students. Circumference - 724-737 millimeters, weight - 510-567 grams. 
This is a standard basketball for children with a circumference of 690-710 millimeters and a weight of 470-500 grams. 
This is the most comfortable material for playing, the longer you use such a ball, the softer and more pleasant it feels. 
They feel worse than others, but they will last longer - these can be safely used on boxes even with concrete coating. 
Circumference - 43 cm. 
