Basketball
Ball Sports · 10 specs
Direct Answer
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).
Source: FIBA Official Basketball Rules / NBA Official Rulebook / NCAA Men's and Women's Rules · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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 Ball Construction & The 3x3 Hybrid Standard
- Leather vs. Composite: NBA game balls strictly use genuine full-grain Horween leather, requiring a break-in period before reaching optimal grip. FIBA and international competitions use composite microfiber leather approved for indoor wooden and synthetic courts.
- The 3x3 Hybrid Ball: Official FIBA 3x3 basketballs feature a unique technical specification: they combine the smaller Size 6 circumference (28.5 in) for faster ball handling and wind resistance with the heavier Size 7 mass (620 g) to maintain traditional shooting arc dynamics outdoors.