Beginners in the world of basketball might think that all basketballs weigh the same. However, the ball can have different weights, depending on certain factors. So how much does a basketball weigh?
A typical basketball weighs about 21 to 22 ounces or about 1.3 to 1.5 pounds. The air in the basketball is almost irrelevant to the weight because it only adds about 0.48 ounces or 0.03 pounds. The overall weight of a basketball also depends on the materials used in its production.
Take note that men’s and women’s basketballs have different sizes and weights. Keep reading to know more about these differences.
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Basketball Height and Weight Chart
Different basketballs come in varying sizes, circumferences, and weight. The table below will give you a quick preview of the various basketballs being used.
| Size | Circumference | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | 16 inches | 8 ounces |
| Size 3 | 22 inches | 10 ounces |
| Size 4 | 25.5 inches | 14 ounces |
| Size 5 | 27.5 inches | 17 ounces |
| Size 6 | 28.5 inches | 20 oz |
| Size 7 | 29.5 inches | 22 oz |
How Much Does the Basketball Weigh in the NBA?
The weight of a 29.5-inch official NBA basketball with a 75-centimeter circumference is 624 grams or 1.4 pounds. Moreover, the ball should be inflated to between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per inch.
How Much Does the Basketball Weigh in the WNBA?
The WNBA basketball is slightly smaller than the one used in the NBA. It should have a maximum of 29 inches with a weight of no more than 20 ounces but not less than 18 ounces.
How Much Does the Basketball Weigh in the NCAA?
The basketball used in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has the same size and weight as the model used in the NBA. However, the women’s NCAA division uses a 20-ounce basketball with no variations in weight, unlike the one in the WNBA.
How Much Does the Basketball Weigh in FIBA?
The men’s division of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) requires its basketball to have a weight that’s not less than 20 ounces (567 grams) yet no more than 23 ounces (650 grams). As for this association’s women’s division, they use a basketball that’s has a weight of no less than 18 ounces (510 grams) yet no more than 20 ounces (567 grams).
How Much Does the Basketball Weigh in the Youth League?
The weight of the basketball of youth leagues generally depend on the location of the association. The North American Basketball Youth League uses a 14-ounce (400-gram) basketball. On the other hand, the FIBA Youth League use a basketball with the 16 to 17-ounce (465 to 495-gram) range.
How Much Does a Mini Basketball Weigh?
Mini basketball hoop sets tend to vastly differ in size and weight, making their accompanied balls vary greatly in those aspect. Still, many of the mini basketballs tend to weigh 10 ounces (280 grams).
How much does a fully inflated basketball weigh?
When a basketball is inflated, it weighs more due to the extra air. However, the total weight added when it’s inflated is only about 0.01-0.03 pounds.
A fully inflated men’s basketball in 29.5 inches weighs 1.38lbs (22oz). A fully inflated woman’s basketball in 29.5 inches also weighs 1.38lbs (22oz).
How is the air measured in a basketball?
The reason why a basketball bounce is because of the air inside. The air is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). A standard size basketball should be 8 pounds per square inch.
The air pressure inside the basketball is measured using a pressure gauge. A pressure gauge is a measuring tool that can examine any liquid or gas condition. As soon as the pressure gauge is inserted via the ball’s needle opening, the basketball’s PSI value is computed.
Final thoughts
There are different ways by which a basketball is measured. It can either be by inflation pressure, circumference and overall weight. It is important to consider your age, gender, and the league where it will be used in choosing a basketball. Different leagues have their standards for the size and weight of basketballs. That’s why knowing the suitable size for you is an essential thing to avoid being disqualified in a game.
Now that you’re familiar with the basketball sizes and we’ve discussed how much does a basketball weighs and how it affects the performance of the players, hopefully, you’ll be more knowledgeable about the game. Or if you’re planning to purchase or get one, you already have an idea of the right basketball size to choose.
