Soccer
Ball Sports · 10 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: IFAB (International Football Association Board) Law 2 / FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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 |
FIFA Quality Programme & Official Match Ball Testing
- FIFA Quality Pro Certification: Official tournament balls must pass seven rigorous laboratory tests: circumference consistency, sphericity deviation (≤ 1.5%), rebound height uniformity, water absorption (≤ 10% weight increase), loss of pressure (≤ 20% over 72 hours), shape and size retention after 2,000 kicks at 50 km/h, and balance.
- Futsal Low-Bounce Standard: Futsal balls incorporate a foam-filled or weighted synthetic bladder designed to produce a controlled rebound of only 55–65 cm when dropped from a height of 2 metres on hardwood or synthetic indoor flooring.
Youth Size Progression & Inflation Maintenance
- Age-Specific Sizing Tiers: Junior players under 8 use Size 3 (58.5–61 cm) to prevent strain on developing leg joints; intermediate players aged 8–12 transition to Size 4 (63.5–66 cm); players aged 12 and above compete with standard Size 5.
- Pressure Maintenance: Inflation must be calibrated using a pressure gauge at sea-level ambient temperature (0.6–1.1 bar). Under-inflation alters aerodynamic trajectory, while over-inflation increases impact shock.