Tennis & Padel
Ball Sports · 9 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: ITF (International Tennis Federation) Rule 3 / FIP (International Padel Federation) Technical Regulations · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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 |
ITF Ball Classifications (Types 1, 2, 3 & Stages)
- Type 1 (Fast Surfaces): Designed for grass and fast indoor carpet; slightly harder rubber core with lower deformation.
- Type 2 (Medium Surfaces): Universal standard match ball used at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open, and ATP/WTA tours on hard and clay courts.
- Type 3 (Slow / High Altitude): Larger diameter (7.00–7.30 cm) with reduced core pressure designed for high-altitude play (> 1,219 m / 4,000 ft) to counteract thin air.
- Junior Stage System: Stage 3 Red (75% slower, foam/oversized felt), Stage 2 Orange (50% slower, 50% lower pressure), Stage 1 Green (25% slower, dot marker).