Basketball Sizes: The Definitive Guide to Choosing the proper one

Do you know which of the various basketball sizes is right for you? It’s a question that doesn’t get asked enough, but it’s an important one. Playing with an incorrectly sized basketball can have long-term negative effects on your technique and basketball career. Different leagues have various restrictions regarding the size, material, and color for game balls they permit. In this Definitive Guide to Choosing the Right Basketball Size for You, we’ll help you figure out which ball is best for you.

The standard basketball size

What size is a men’s basketball? The standard basketball size for men is size 7. The diameter of a regulation basketball is between 9.43 (24 cm) and 9.51 inches (24.1 cm). The basketball circumference is 29.5″ (75 cm). They have a  standard weight of 22 oz (623 grams). This size is also used by the NBA. Many youth leagues also use this size basketball, but there may be some variations depending on your age group or country of residence.

What about women? The standard women’s basketball size is size 6. It has a circumference of 28.5 inches (72.45 cm) and is slightly smaller than the basketball used by men. Size 6 basketballs have a standard weight of 20 oz (568 grams) and a diameter of 9 inches (23cm). This size basketball is also used in most youth leagues for girls, but there may be some variations depending on your age group or country of residence.

The NBA Basketball Size

The NBA basketball size is 7. Its dimensions are set at 29.50 inches (75 cm) in circumference and a standard weight of 22 oz (623 grams). The diameter of an NBA basketball is between 9.43 (24 cm) and 9.51 inches (24.1 cm).

The WNBA ball size

WNBA is using size 6 basketballs. Its diameter is smaller than basketballs used by men at 9 inches (23cm). It has a circumference of 28.50 inches (72.45 cm) and a standard weight of 20 oz (568 grams).

The NCAA basketball size

The basketball size used in the NCAA for men is size 7. It is 29.50 inches (75 cm) in circumference and a standard weight of 22 oz (623 grams). The basketballs used by women are size 6: 28.50 inches (72.45 cm) circumference with a 20 oz (568 grams) weight limit. In both cases, the basketball sizes match those of the adult sizes.

The Official basketball size in other competitions

The Olympic basketball size and the FIBA ball size are size 7, the same as the NBA. Although the size of the balls is the same across basketball leagues of the world, NBA players have sometimes complained about the difference for the feel and behavior when they play basketball at an international level, because it affects their dribbling and shooting technique.

Numerical Basketball sizes

Have you ever wondered what is this “7” number that you see printed on most outdoor basketballs? A basketball size can be described by a number-for example, the basketball might be referred to as a “size-six ball.” This would mean that it is officially categorized as a size six basketball. The size differs according to age and gender. For example, different (bigger sizes) are used in men’s competitions vs women’s and also smaller size balls are used in youth basketball leagues. Basketball sizes range from 3 to 7 and you may find their explanations below.

The size 7 basketball

Size 7 is the basketball size used in men’s basketball, namely NBA basketball and FIBA basketball for men. It is the official size for men. Its dimensions are set at 29.50 inches (75 cm) in circumference and a standard weight of 22 oz (623 grams). It is also used for college and high school men’s competitions (boys age >15).

The size 6 basketball

Size 6 is the basketball size used in women’s basketball, namely WNBA basketball and FIBA basketball for women. It is the official size for women. It has a circumference of 28.50 inches (72.45 cm) and a standard weight of 20 oz (568 grams). The size 6 basketball diameter is 9 inches (23cm). Apart from women’s professional basketball associations, it is also used in some high school basketball leagues for boys aged 12-14.

The size 5 basketball

Size 5 is the basketball used by Children ages 9–11 years old. This is the standard youth basketball. The basketball size 5 diameter is 8.8 inches (22.3 cm) and it has a circumference of 27.6 inches (70 cm). Its weight is 17 oz (482 grams)

The size 4 basketball

Size 4 is the basketball used by boys and girls ages 5–8 years old. The basketball size 4 diameter is 8.15 inches (20.7 cm) and it has a circumference of 22.5 inches (65 cm). Its weight is 14 oz (400 grams)

The size 3 basketball

Size 3 is the basketball used by boys and girls ages 4–8 years old. It is also known as the “mini” basketball. The basketball size 3 diameter is 7 inches (17.8 cm) and it has a circumference of 22 inches (56 cm). Its weight is 10 oz (280 grams)

Basketball sizes by age

Here are the ideal size balls by age:

Age	Gender	Proper basketball size by Age
4-8 years old	Girl	3
4-8 years old	Boy	3
5-8 years old	Girl	4
5-8 years old	Boy	4
9-11 years old	Girl	5
9-11 years old	Boy	5
12-14 years old	Girl	5
12-14 years old	Boy	6
15-18 years old	Girl	6
15-18 years old	Boy	7
Adult (>18 years old)	Woman	6
Adult (>18 years old)	Man	7

If you also want to know how much does a basketball weigh, check our separate article here.

If the sun was the size of a basketball

If the Sun were a basketball (about 9.43 inches or 24 cm in diameter), the Earth would be little more than 0.08 inches or 2 mm broad. Because the average distance between the Earth and the Sun is 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers, this bead would sit approximately 82 feet ot 25 m from the ball.

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