Table Tennis
Ball Sports · 7 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Technical Leaflet T3 / ITTF Handbook · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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 |
The 38mm to 40mm and Celluloid to Plastic Transitions
- The 2000 Size Shift (38 mm → 40 mm): In October 2000, the ITTF increased standard ball diameter from 38 mm to 40 mm to increase air resistance, slow down game speed, and make spin rallies visible for television audiences.
- The 2014 Plastic Material Shift (Celluloid → 40+ ABS): In July 2014, the ITTF banned hazardous, flammable celluloid in favor of non-flammable ABS plastic, marked with the '40+' insignia to designate modern seamless or seam-welded polymer construction.