
Basketballs come in a variety of sizes, with the weight in ounces depending on the circumference of the ball. The weight of a basketball can range from 10 oz for a mini basketball to 22 oz for a standard NBA-sized ball. The weight of a basketball is an important factor in choosing the right ball for your level of play, with heavier balls being more difficult for smaller hands to grip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Circumference of Size 7 basketball | 29.5 inches |
| Circumference of Size 6 basketball | 28.5 inches |
| Circumference of youth basketball | 27.5 inches |
| Weight of Size 7 basketball | 22 ounces |
| Weight of Size 6 basketball | 20 ounces |
| Weight of youth basketball | 14-16 ounces |
| Inflation pressure of NBA basketball | 7.5-8.5 PSI |
| Inflation pressure of WNBA basketball | 7.5-8.5 PSI |
| Inflation pressure of NCAA men's basketball | Maximum weight of 22 ounces |
| Inflation pressure of NCAA women's basketball | Maximum weight of 20 ounces |
| Material of indoor basketballs | Full-grain leather, synthetic leather, or composite leather |
| Material of outdoor basketballs | Rubber |
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What You'll Learn

The official NBA basketball is 22 oz
The official NBA basketball is also known as a size 7 basketball. It has a circumference of 29.5 inches and a diameter of between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. It must be inflated to a pressure of between 7.5 and 8.5 PSI.
The size 7 basketball is larger than the size 6 basketball, which is the official ball size for women's professional basketball associations, including the WNBA. Size 6 basketballs have a circumference of 28.5 inches and a standard weight of 20 oz.
Basketballs come in a variety of sizes, catering to different ages, genders, and levels of play. For example, youth leagues use smaller and lighter basketballs, typically weighing between 14 and 16 oz. It is important for players to use the correct basketball size to ensure proper technique development and to avoid negative long-term effects on their playing style.
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WNBA and youth basketballs weigh 20 oz
Basketballs come in different sizes and weights depending on the age, gender, and level of play of the players. A standard men's basketball in the NBA weighs 22 oz and has a circumference of 29.5 inches. This is also the standard size for men's college and high school basketball leagues.
The WNBA, on the other hand, uses a slightly smaller ball. A WNBA basketball has a circumference of 28.5 inches, which is the standard size for most women's professional basketball associations, including the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3, as well as women's college and high school basketball. This size 6 basketball weighs 20 oz, making it ideal for players with smaller hand spans.
For youth basketball leagues, the ball size and weight vary depending on the age of the players. For children 8 and under, a size 5 basketball with a circumference of 27.5"-27.75" and a weight of 14-16 oz is recommended. This is the most popular size for youth leagues. For children 4 and under, a mini basketball with a circumference of 22.5" and a weight of 10 oz is more appropriate.
It is important to choose the right size and weight of the basketball for players, especially for children who are still developing their skills and technique. Using a ball that is too big or too heavy can negatively impact a player's form and performance. Therefore, it is recommended to select a basketball that is appropriate for the player's age, size, and level of play.
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Youth leagues use 14-17 oz basketballs
Basketballs come in different sizes, and choosing the right size is important for a player's technique and overall enjoyment of the game. The weight of a basketball is measured in ounces and typically ranges from 10 to 22 oz.
Youth leagues use smaller and lighter basketballs, typically ranging from 14 to 17 oz. These balls are easier for younger players to grip and control, helping to foster their interest and success in the game. The most popular size for youth leagues is the 14-16 oz basketball, which has a circumference of 27.5"-27.75"". This size is suitable for players aged 8 and under, with its smaller size and weight accommodating their smaller hand spans.
Another option for youth leagues is the 17 oz basketball, which has a circumference of 27.5". This size is recommended for boys and girls aged 9 to 11. The lighter weight makes it easier for younger players to shoot, pass, and dribble, preventing frustration and bad habits that could develop from using a larger, heavier ball.
For younger children, there are even smaller and lighter basketballs available. A 25.5" basketball weighing 14 oz is suitable for small children aged 4 to 8. There are also mini basketballs with a circumference of 22.5" and a weight of 10 oz, which are ideal for kids aged 4 and under.
The weight of a basketball is an important consideration when choosing the right ball for youth leagues. The lighter weight of these smaller basketballs makes them more manageable for younger players, improving their overall experience and helping them develop their skills effectively.
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$19.32

Mini basketballs weigh 10 oz
Basketballs come in a variety of sizes, with the weight in ounces depending on the intended age, gender, and level of play. The mini basketball, weighing 10 oz, is the smallest standard size available and is intended for children aged 4 and under. With a circumference of 22.5 inches, it is significantly smaller than the balls used in competitive basketball leagues.
The official NBA basketball, used by the best athletes in the world, is the largest standard size available. This ball, also known as a size 7 basketball, has a circumference of 29.5 inches and a weight of 22 oz. This is the standard ball size for men's professional basketball associations, such as the NBA, as well as men's college and high school basketball leagues.
The second-largest standard size is the size 6 basketball, with a circumference of 28.5 inches and a weight of 20 oz. This is the official ball size for most women's professional basketball associations, including the WNBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3, as well as women's college and high school basketball.
For younger players, there are smaller and lighter basketballs available. For boys and girls aged 9 to 11, a ball size of 27.5 inches in circumference and a weight of 17 oz is recommended. This is the most common size used in youth basketball leagues. For players 8 and under, a size 5 basketball with a circumference of 27.5 to 27.75 inches and a weight of 14 to 16 oz is ideal.
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Basketball weight depends on age and gender
Basketball is a sport that is deeply intertwined with cultural and national identities. It is a team sport that is in continuous evolution, with physical performance acquiring greater importance in the game. The physical fitness of athletes is critical to their success, and this is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, and body composition.
When it comes to basketball weight, it is important to consider both the weight of the ball and the weight of the players. The standard weight of a basketball varies depending on the league, age group, and gender of the players. The official NBA men's basketball size is 29.5 inches in circumference, weighing 22 ounces. In contrast, the WNBA uses a slightly smaller basketball with a circumference of 28.5 inches and a weight of 20 ounces. The FIBA, which governs international play, uses a slightly larger basketball for both men and women, with circumferences of 30.7 inches and 29 inches, respectively.
At the youth level, the weight of the basketball also varies with age. For kids 8 and under, a size 5 basketball with a circumference of 27.5 to 27.75 inches and a weight of 14 to 16 ounces is ideal. A lighter ball, weighing around 17 ounces, is recommended for kids under 9 who are developing their shooting, passing, and dribbling skills. Even lighter balls are available for younger children, with a 22-inch ball weighing 10 ounces suitable for kids 4 and under.
The weight of basketball players also varies with age and gender. For example, in a study of young basketball players, the average weight of U14 males was 62.20 kg, while U14 females had an average weight of 53 kg. As players go through puberty, their weight increases, affecting their load-bearing capacity and performance. This is true for both male and female players, although the specific physiological changes during puberty differ between the sexes, impacting their relative strength and performance.
In summary, basketball weight depends on a combination of factors, including age and gender. Both the weight of the ball and the weight of the players are important considerations to ensure the development of appropriate skills and to adhere to competition rules.
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Frequently asked questions
An NBA basketball is 29.5 inches in circumference and weighs 22 ounces.
A WNBA basketball is 28.5 inches in circumference and weighs 20 ounces.
Youth league basketballs are 27.5 inches in circumference and weigh 14-17 ounces.
Mini basketballs are 10 ounces.
Commemorative basketball gifts are typically mini basketballs, which are 10 ounces.











































