Soccer vs. Table Tennis
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
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.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
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 |