Baseball & Softball vs. Soccer
Comparing 2 standards across 19 specifications. 19 key differences identified.
Official baseballs are regulated by Major League Baseball (MLB), measuring 9.0–9.25 in (22.9–23.5 cm) in circumference and weighing 5.0–5.25 oz (141.7–148.8 g) with 108 double hand-stitches. Regulation softballs are larger: 12-inch Fastpitch softballs measure 11.875–12.125 in (6.25–7.0 oz), 11-inch Slowpitch softballs measure 10.875–11.125 in (5.875–6.125 oz), and 16-inch Chicago Clincher softballs measure 15.75–16.25 in.
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
19 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
MLB Baseball Circumference
|
22.9–23.5 cm (9.0–9.25 in) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Weight
|
141.7–148.8 g (5.0–5.25 oz) | — |
|
MLB Baseball Diameter
|
7.3–7.5 cm (2.86–2.94 in) | — |
|
Baseball Stitching
|
108 Double Stitches in Red Waxed Cotton/Polyester Thread Hand-sewn | — |
|
Baseball Core Construction
|
Cushioned Cork Sphere wrapped in 3 Layers of Wool/Poly Yarn Standard | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Circumference
|
30.2–30.8 cm (11.875–12.125 in) | — |
|
12-Inch Fastpitch Softball Weight
|
177.2–198.4 g (6.25–7.0 oz) | — |
|
11-Inch Slowpitch Softball Circumference
|
27.6–28.3 cm (10.875–11.125 in) | — |
|
Softball Core Material
|
Polyurethane Core or Kapok Fiber Core with Optic Yellow Leather COR 0.44–0.47 | — |
|
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 |