Basketball vs. Table Tennis
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 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 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
17 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 (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 |