Basketball vs. Ice Hockey Puck
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
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).
Official ice hockey pucks are regulated by the National Hockey League (NHL Rule 13) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). A regulation puck is made of vulcanized rubber measuring exactly 3.0 in (7.62 cm) in diameter, 1.0 in (2.54 cm) in thickness, and weighing 5.5–6.0 oz (156–170 g). Game pucks are frozen for several hours prior to gameplay to eliminate surface bounce.
Specification Comparison Table
17 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
Diameter
|
— | 7.62 cm (3.00 in ±0.03 in) |
|
Thickness
|
— | 2.54 cm (1.00 in ±0.03 in) |
|
Mass / Weight
|
— | 156.0–170.0 g (5.50–6.00 oz) |
|
Material Composition
|
— | Vulcanized Rubber and Carbon Black Compound Durometer ~90A |
|
Edge Pattern
|
— | Diamond Cross-Hatch Knurling Friction grip for hockey stick blades |
|
Pre-Game Temperature Protocol
|
— | -10 to -12 °C (14 to 10 °F) frozen for minimum 4 hours |
|
Junior / Training Puck (Blue)
|
— | 113.4 g (4.0 oz) 3-inch blue rubber for youth players |