American Football vs. Soccer
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 key differences identified.
Official American footballs are governed by the NFL and NCAA rulebooks. The pro/college ball (Size 9) features a prolate spheroid shape with a long axis of 11.0–11.25 in (27.9–28.6 cm), long circumference of 27.75–28.5 in (70.5–72.4 cm), short circumference of 20.75–21.25 in (52.7–54.0 cm), weight of 14.0–15.0 oz (397–425 g), and inflation pressure of 12.5–13.5 psi.
Official soccer balls are governed by IFAB Law 2 and FIFA Quality Programme standards. The adult match ball (Size 5) has a circumference of 68.0–70.0 cm (27–28 in), weight of 410–450 g (14–16 oz), and inflation pressure of 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi). Youth categories use Size 4 (ages 8–12) and Size 3 (under 8), while Futsal uses a low-bounce weighted bladder.
Specification Comparison Table
18 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Pro / College Tier
|
Size 9 (Wilson The Duke) NFL / NCAA Standard | — |
|
Long Axis Length
|
27.9–28.6 cm (11.0–11.25 in) | — |
|
Long Circumference
|
70.5–72.4 cm (27.75–28.5 in) | — |
|
Short Circumference
|
52.7–54.0 cm (20.75–21.25 in) | — |
|
Weight / Mass
|
397–425 g (14.0–15.0 oz) | — |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
12.5–13.5 psi (0.86–0.93 bar / 86.2–93.1 kPa) | — |
|
Outer Material
|
4-Piece Full-Grain Horween Leather with Pebble Grain Cowhide | — |
|
Lacing Specification
|
1 Lacing containing exactly 8 Cross-Stitches Pro Standard | — |
|
Standard Adult Size
|
— | Size 5 IFAB / FIFA Official Match |
|
Size 5 Circumference
|
— | 68.0–70.0 cm (26.8–27.6 in) |
|
Size 5 Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–450 g (14.5–15.9 oz) |
|
Size 5 Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.6–1.1 bar (8.5–15.6 psi / 600–1,100 g/cm²) |
|
Size 4 Circumference (Youth 8–12)
|
— | 63.5–66.0 cm (25.0–26.0 in) |
|
Size 4 Mass / Weight
|
— | 350–390 g (12.3–13.8 oz) |
|
Size 3 Circumference (Junior <8)
|
— | 58.5–61.0 cm (23.0–24.0 in) |
|
Size 3 Mass / Weight
|
— | 300–320 g (10.6–11.3 oz) |
|
Futsal Ball Size
|
— | Size 4 (Low-Bounce) 62.0–64.0 cm / 400–440 g (55–65 cm rebound) |
|
Standard Outer Construction
|
— | 32-Panel (20 Hexagons + 12 Pentagons) or Thermal-Bonded PU Synthetic Leather |