Rugby vs. Table Tennis
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
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).
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
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
Official Diameter (40+)
|
— | 40.00–40.60 mm (standardized above 40 mm since 2014) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 2.67–2.77 g (nominal target 2.70 g) |
|
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 |