Baseball & Softball vs. Basketball
Comparing 2 standards across 19 specifications. 19 key differences identified.
Official baseballs are regulated by Major League Baseball (MLB), measuring 9.0–9.25 in (22.9–23.5 cm) in circumference and weighing 5.0–5.25 oz (141.7–148.8 g) with 108 double hand-stitches. Regulation softballs are larger: 12-inch Fastpitch softballs measure 11.875–12.125 in (6.25–7.0 oz), 11-inch Slowpitch softballs measure 10.875–11.125 in (5.875–6.125 oz), and 16-inch Chicago Clincher softballs measure 15.75–16.25 in.
Basketball dimensions and inflation pressures are standardized by FIBA, the NBA, and the NCAA. The official men's ball (Size 7) measures 29.5 in (74.9–78.0 cm) in circumference with a mass of 22 oz (567–650 g) and inflation pressure of 7.5–8.5 psi. The official women's ball (Size 6) measures 28.5 in (72.4–73.7 cm) with a mass of 18–20 oz (510–567 g).
Specification Comparison Table
19 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MLB Baseball Circumference
|
22.9–23.5 cm (9.0–9.25 in) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Weight
|
141.7–148.8 g (5.0–5.25 oz) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Diameter
|
7.3–7.5 cm (2.86–2.94 in) | — |
|
Baseball Stitching
|
108 Double Stitches in Red Waxed Cotton/Polyester Thread Hand-sewn | — |
|
Baseball Core Construction
|
Cushioned Cork Sphere wrapped in 3 Layers of Wool/Poly Yarn Standard | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Circumference
|
30.2–30.8 cm (11.875–12.125 in) | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Weight
|
177.2–198.4 g (6.25–7.0 oz) | — |
|
11-Inch Slowpitch Softball Circumference
|
27.6–28.3 cm (10.875–11.125 in) | — |
|
Softball Core Material
|
Polyurethane Core or Kapok Fiber Core with Optic Yellow Leather COR 0.44–0.47 | — |
|
Men's Official Standard
|
— | Size 7 (29.5 in) NBA / FIBA / NCAA Men |
|
Size 7 Circumference
|
— | 74.9–78.0 cm (29.5–30.7 in) |
|
Size 7 Mass / Weight
|
— | 567–650 g (20.0–22.9 oz) |
|
Inflation Pressure (NBA / FIBA)
|
— | 7.5–8.5 psi (0.52–0.59 bar / 517–586 hPa) |
|
Women's Official Standard
|
— | Size 6 (28.5 in) WNBA / FIBA / NCAA Women |
|
Size 6 Circumference
|
— | 72.4–73.7 cm (28.5–29.0 in) |
|
Size 6 Mass / Weight
|
— | 510–567 g (18.0–20.0 oz) |
|
Youth Standard (Ages 9–11)
|
— | Size 5 (27.5 in) 69.0–71.0 cm / 470–500 g |
|
Official 3x3 Basketball
|
— | Size 6 Circumference / Size 7 Weight 72.4–73.7 cm / 590–650 g |
|
Standard Rebound Drop Test
|
— | 1,200–1,400 mm rebound when dropped from 1,800 mm |