Playing different sports can be tough if you can’t keep up with the rules. I have tried various games, and each has different restrictions on the ball’s weight.
Remember these rules are important if you want to play the sports fairly or pursue a professional career in the game.
If you want to conduct a sports ball weight comparison, you have come to the right platform. I will help you understand the weight of different sports balls in this post.
You might also enjoy reading: Soccer And Basketball: Which One Should You Pick?
Sports Ball Weight Comparison
There are various sports in the world that you may want to play. Of course, you cannot know the rules of every game. Some of the sports are also only recreational and not played professionally.
The general rule of thumb is to consider all the balls allowed in the Olympics as sports balls. These include:
| Sport Ball | Weight In Grams | Weight In Ounces | Diameter |
| Shot Put | 7.26 kg | 256 oz (16 lb) | 4.33 to 5.12 inches (110 to 130 mm) |
| Bowling | 7.26 kg | 256 oz (16 lb) | 8.500 to 8.595 inches (215.9 to 218.3 mm) |
| Bocce | 920 | 32 | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Pétanque | 680 to 800 | 24 to 28.2 (1.5- to 1.75 lbs) | 2 3/8″ and 3 1/8 inches (70.5 to 80 mm) |
| Basketball | 623.7 | 22 | 9.4 inches (238.8 mm) |
| Croquet | 453.6 | 16 | 3 5/8 inches (92 mm) |
| Korfball | 445 to 475 | 15.7 to 16.7 | 8.5 to 8.8 inches (216.5 to 224.4 mm) |
| Team Handball | 425 to 475 | 15 to 16 3/4 | 7.3 to 7.5 inches (185 to 191 mm) |
| Football (Soccer) | 420 to 445 | 14.8 to 15.7 | 8.5 to 8.8 inches (216 to 223 mm) |
| Rugby | 410 to 460 | 14.5 to 16 .2 | 7.27 to 7.77 inches (18.46 to 19.74 cm) |
| Water Polo | 400 to 450 | 14.1 to 15.9 | 8.5 to 8.9 inches (216.5 to 226.0 mm) |
| Rhythmic Gymnastics Ball | 14.1 | 400 | 7.1 to 7.9 inches (180 to 200 mm) |
| Netball | 14.0 to 16.0 | 397 to 454 | 8.9 inches (226 mm) |
| American Football | 14.0 to 15.0 | 397 to 425 | 6.68 to 6.76 inches (16.9 to 17.2 cm) |
| Volleyball | 9.2 to 9.9 | 260 to 280 | 8.15 to 8.39 inches (207 to 213 mm) |
| Softball (fastpitch) | 6.25 to 7.0 | 178 to 198.4 | 3.82 inches (97.1 mm) |
| Softball (slowpitch) | 5.875 to 6.125 | 166.6 to 73.6 | 3.50 inches (88.9 mm) |
| Pool | 5.5 to 6.0 | 156 and 170 | 2.25 to 2.375 inches (57.15 to 60.33 mm) |
| Field Hockey | 5.5 to 5.7 | 156 to 163 | 2.8 to 2.96 inches (71.3 to 74.8 mm) |
| Cricket | 5 1/2 to 5 3/4 | 155.9 to 163.0 | 2.80 to 2.86 inches (71.3 to 72.9 mm) |
| Lacrosse | 5 to 5 1/2 | 142 to 156 | 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) |
| Baseball | 5 to 5 1⁄4 | 142 to 149 | 2 7⁄8 to 3 inches (73 to 76 mm) |
| Jai Alai | 4.4 to 4.9 | 125 to140 | 2.2 inches (55 mm) |
| Polo | 3 1⁄2 to 4 1⁄2s | 99 to 130 | 3 to 3 1⁄2 inches (76 to 89 mm) |
| Tennis | 1.975 to 2.095 | 56.0 to 59.4 | 2.575 to 2.700 inches (65.41 to 68.58 mm) |
| Golf | 1.62 | 45.93 | 1.68 inches (42.67 mm) |
| Racquetball | 1.4 | 40 | 2.25 inches (57 mm) |
| Squash | 0.8 to 0.9 | 23 to 25 | 1.56 to 1.59 inches (39.5 to 40.5 mm) |
| Pickleball | 0.78 to 0.935 | 22.1 to 26.5 | 2.87 to 2.97 inches (73 to 75.5 mm) |
| Table Tennis | 0.1 | 2.7 | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Baseball | Between 5 and 5.25 ounces | Between 141.75 and 148.83 grams | 9 and 9.25 inches (22.86-23.49 centimeters) |
| Field Hockey Ball | Between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces | 156 and 163 grams | 2.81 to 2.94 inches (7.13 to 7.48cm) |
| Softball | Between 6.25 and 7.00 ounces | 177.19 to 198.45 | 3.5 to 3.8 inches (88.9 to 96.52 mm) |
What Is The Weight Of A Tennis Ball?
A table tennis ball is the smallest sports ball used by professional and recreational players. Tennis balls should be between 2.57 to 2.70 inches in diameter and weigh between 1.975 and 2.095 ounces (55.99 to 59.392 grams) (Source: Sports Illustrated)
You can be disqualified from the competition if a ball is out of this range. This is because a lighter ball will make the game easier than it should be.
Meanwhile, a heavier ball will give an undue advantage because it may not fly as high as it should after getting hit.
See also: Basketball And Football: How To Choose Between The Two!
How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh?
As per the USGA, a golf ball’s maximum weight must not exceed 45.93 grams. This means that the ball must weigh 1.62 ounces or less. This limit applies to all professional matches, and any player ignoring the rule is disqualified from the game.
The weight of a golf ball matters because it affects various aspects of the game. For instance, the value determines how far the ball can travel after being hit by a specific force. Lighter balls are also easier to put than heavier types.
So the ball’s weight must be within the given limit so that every player has a fair chance of winning. The restriction prevents a golfer from gaining an advantage over their opponent.
You might also enjoy reading: Top 14 Sports Ranked By Difficulty.
How Much Does A Baseball Weight?
A baseball is a snug ball made of leather pieces put together using a sewing machine. The average weight range of this sports ball is 142 to 149 grams. This is equivalent to 5 to 5.25 ounces.
The weight restriction has been put to ensure no player gets an advantage and the game’s difficulty is not affected. So if you play recreationally, you must still use a ball of 149 grams or less. This will help you enhance your skills fairly instead of experiencing extreme ease.
See also: Is Soccer Aerobic or Anaerobic? (Let’s find out!)
How Much Does A Field Hockey Ball Weigh?
Field Hockey is a famous sport that is played internationally in various countries. A ball used in professional competitions must not exceed the weight range of 5.5 to 5.75 ounces ((Source: Sports Illustrated). This means that your Field Hockey ball must be 156 to 163 grams per the US FHA.
The International Hockey Federation also follows the same weight restrictions to prevent players from getting a disadvantage or advantage. If this ball is heavier than 163 grams, it will be difficult to score. More force will also be required to drag the ball across the field.
How Much Does A Softball Weigh?
A softball is generally confused with a baseball due to its strikingly similar appearance. However, I have played with both these balls and can assure you they are different. A softball is larger than a baseball because of its greater circumference.
The average weight of a softball is also greater than a baseball. The weight of a softball ranges from 6.25 to 7 ounces (Source: Canadian Olympic Committee)
This means your ball should be in a range of 177 to 198 grams. It will allow you to play the sport fairly and improve your skills without cheating.
How Much Does A Handball Weigh?
Handball is a well-known game that involves two teams of seven players aiming a ball at a goal using their hands. This sport has both women’s and men’s versions. The weight restrictions are also different according to these two metrics.
A handball in the women’s category must weigh in the range of 325 to 375 grams. This is equal to 11.46 to 13.23 ounces. Meanwhile, the same ball in the men’s category should weigh 425 to 475 grams.
This significant difference is because of the difference in the average size and weight of males and females.
How Much Does A Soccer Ball Weigh?
A soccer ball is another large ball used in FIFA tournaments and other competitions. As per the organization, this ball must not weigh less than 410 grams in any game. The maximum weight of the sports gear must not exceed 450 grams (Source: The Football Association)
So the ball should not deviate from the 14 to 16 ounces range. This acceptable weight range will maintain the game’s difficulty level without posing a threat to the players.
How Much Does A Volleyball Weigh?
A volleyball is used mainly for recreational purposes at the beach or indoor spaces. This item’s minimum weight must not fall below 260 grams, while the maximum value is 280 grams. So this sports ball is relatively lighter and smaller than other balls such as a soccer ball or basketball.
The same weight restriction also applies to beach volleyballs. A standard and beach volleyball appear the same and have the same weight. However, their circumferences differ slightly, with the former type having a lower circumference.
See also: Is American Football Aerobic or Anaerobic? (Here’s the truth!)
How Much Does A Basketball Weigh?
Basketball typically measures 29.5 inches (74.93 cm) in circumference and has a standard weight of 22 oz (623.69 grams) (Source: Wilson)
A basketball is the largest and heaviest sport ball you will encounter in the market. The sport is played by men and women, so the weight varies according to the player category.
- A women’s basketball weighs 510 to 567 grams, which is equal to 18 to 20 ounces.
- Men’s basketball weighs 567 to 650 grams due to their higher height and weight. This means the ball must weigh 20 to 23 ounces in a men’s tournament.
Final Thoughts
This is your complete sports ball weight comparison. All these figures are according to the values given by the relevant sports organizations. So you can rely on them to play any of these games fairly.
Following the weight limit is also necessary if you want to pursue a professional athletic career. This will help you portray yourself as an ethical player.