Basketball vs. Rugby
Comparing 2 standards across 19 specifications. 19 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 rugby balls are prolate spheroids regulated by World Rugby (Law 2) for Rugby Union and the RFL for Rugby League. An adult match ball (Size 5) has a length of 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in), long circumference of 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in), short circumference of 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in), mass of 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz), and pressure of 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi).
Specification Comparison Table
19 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 | — |
|
Official Match Size
|
— | Size 5 World Rugby / IRL Standard |
|
Length Axis (Tip to Tip)
|
— | 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in) |
|
Long Circumference
|
— | 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in) |
|
Short Circumference
|
— | 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in) |
|
Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz) |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi / 65.71–68.75 kPa) |
|
Size 4 Youth (Ages 10–14)
|
— | 270 mm length / 540 mm short circ / 370–390 g Youth Standard |
|
Size 3 Junior (Under 10)
|
— | 250 mm length / 500 mm short circ / 310–330 g Junior Standard |
|
Panel Geometry
|
— | 4-Panel Poly-Cotton Laminate with Rubber Compound Pimple Grip Standard |