Pickleball vs. Table Tennis
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
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.
Official table tennis balls are regulated by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Handbook Rule 2.3). A tournament match ball has a diameter of 40.0–40.6 mm (designated as 40+ mm), weighs exactly 2.70 g (tolerance 2.67–2.77 g), and is manufactured from celluloid-free non-flammable plastic (ABS/poly-material). It must produce a rebound of 24.0–26.0 cm when dropped from 30.5 cm onto steel.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) | 2.67–2.77 g (nominal target 2.70 g) |
|
Official Diameter
|
72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) | — |
|
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 | — |
|
Official Diameter (40+)
|
— | 40.00–40.60 mm (standardized above 40 mm since 2014) |
|
Material Composition
|
— | Celluloid-Free Non-Flammable Plastic (ABS Poly-material) ITTF 40+ Standard |
|
Rebound Height Standard
|
— | 24.0–26.0 cm when dropped from 30.5 cm onto a standard steel block |
|
Sphericity Deviation
|
— | < 0.25 mm max roundness variation |
|
Official Match Colors
|
— | Matte White or Matte Orange ITTF Approved |
|
Quality Tiers
|
— | 3-Star (★★★ Match Competition), 1-2 Star (Training) Grading System |