Basketball vs. Pickleball
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 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 pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Specification Comparison Table
18 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 Diameter
|
— | 72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
— | 76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
— | 40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F |
|
Total Hole Count
|
— | 26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
— | 26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin |
|
Construction
|
— | Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard |