Pickleball
Ball Sports · 8 specs
Direct Answer
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Source: USA Pickleball (USAP) Official Rulebook Rule 2.D / International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Official Diameter | 72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) |
| Official Mass / Weight | 22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) |
| Rebound Bounce Height | 76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite |
| Compression Hardness (Durometer) | 40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F |
| Total Hole Count | 26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes |
| Outdoor Ball Configuration | 40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant |
| Indoor Ball Configuration | 26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin |
| Construction | Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard |
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ball Engineering
- Outdoor Balls (40 Holes): Constructed from harder, denser rotomolded plastic (e.g. Dura Fast 40, Franklin X-40) with 40 smaller holes drilled at varying angles to minimize aerodynamic drag and prevent crosswind drift on outdoor asphalt courts.
- Indoor Balls (26 Holes): Molded from softer polyolefin plastic with 26 larger holes designed to grip smooth gymnasium polyurethane and hardwood floors without excessive skipping.