Table Tennis vs. Tennis & Padel
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
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.
Tennis balls are regulated by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) under Rule 3, with standard Type 2 pressurized balls having a diameter of 6.54–6.86 cm (2.57–2.70 in), weight of 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz), and a rebound of 135–147 cm (53–58 in) dropped from 2.54 m. Padel balls are governed by the FIP, sharing identical diameter (6.35–6.77 cm) but operating at lower internal pressure (11 psi / 4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) for a slightly slower rebound of 135–145 cm.
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
Standard Tennis Ball (Type 2)
|
— | 6.54–6.86 cm (2.575–2.700 in) diameter |
|
Tennis Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Tennis Rebound Height
|
— | 135–147 cm (53–58 in) when dropped from 254 cm onto concrete |
|
Standard Internal Pressure
|
— | 12.0 psi (0.83 bar / ~83 kPa pressurized gas) |
|
Padel Ball Diameter (FIP)
|
— | 6.35–6.77 cm (2.50–2.665 in) |
|
Padel Ball Mass / Weight
|
— | 56.0–59.4 g (1.975–2.095 oz) |
|
Padel Rebound Height
|
— | 135–145 cm when dropped from 254 cm |
|
Padel Internal Pressure
|
— | 10.0–11.0 psi (4.6–5.2 kg/cm²) |
|
Covering Material
|
— | Two-Piece Dumbbell Wool/Nylon Meltons (Optic Yellow Felt) Vulcanized Rubber Core |