Basketball vs. Tennis & Padel
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).
Tennis balls are regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) under Rule 3, with standard Type 2 pressurized balls having a diameter of 6.54–6.86 cm (2.57–2.70 in), weight of 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz), and a rebound of 135–147 cm (53–58 in) dropped from 2.54 m. Padel balls are governed by the FIP, sharing identical diameter (6.35–6.77 cm) but operating at lower internal pressure (11 psi / 4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) for a slightly slower rebound of 135–145 cm.
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 | — |
|
Standard Tennis Ball (Type 2)
|
— | 6.54–6.86 cm (2.575–2.700 in) diameter |
|
Tennis Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Tennis Rebound Height
|
— | 135–147 cm (53–58 in) when dropped from 254 cm onto concrete |
|
Standard Internal Pressure
|
— | 12.0 psi (0.83 bar / ~83 kPa pressurized gas) |
|
Padel Ball Diameter (FIP)
|
— | 6.35–6.77 cm (2.50–2.665 in) |
|
Padel Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Padel Rebound Height
|
— | 135–145 cm when dropped from 254 cm |
|
Padel Internal Pressure
|
— | 10.0–11.0 psi (4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) |
|
Covering Material
|
— | Two-Piece Dumbbell Wool/Nylon Meltons (Optic Yellow Felt) Vulcanized Rubber Core |