How Much Does A Basketball Weigh? Everything You Need To Know

Beginners in basketball may believe that all basketballs are the same weight. Yet, the ball’s weight might vary based on a variety of conditions. So, how much does a basketball weigh? 

A basketball typically weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 pounds (21 to 22 ounces). The materials for the making of a basketball also affect its total weight.

Let’s dive right into the article with Scott Fujita!

What Is The Standard Weight And Size Of A Basketball?

NBA Basketball Weighs 1.4 pounds

Although basketballs come in a variety of sizes, the NBA basketball weight is typically the average. So, if we’re talking about the weight of professional NBA basketball, it’ll be approximately 1.4 pounds

The diameter of the ring is 29.5 inches. The air pressure is another critical thing to consider, which requires a normal air pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch.

How Much Does An NBA Basketball Weigh?

The Metric System Employs The Gram As The Measurement Of Weight.

Every player desires to play in the NBA, the most competitive and successful basketball league globally. Although there are various other organizations with varied styles, the NBA is the most well-known. 

View more: How much are courtside seats at an NBA game

The proper weight for men’s basketball is 1.37 pounds, according to NBA regulations and specifications. The circumference, on the other hand, is 29.5 inches tall. As a result, you have a reasonable estimate of the weight of an NBA basketball.

Due to the physicality of females, the WNBA reduces the standard for weight and circumference. The WNBA basketball has a maximum weight of 1.13 pounds and a circumference of 28.5 inches.

How Much Does A Basketball Weigh In Grams?

Youth Basketballs Are Size 5.

Do not worry if you do not know what pounds mean. The metric system employs the gram as the measurement of weight. Therefore, for your convenience, all the data is presented in gram form. 

A basketball of size 4 weighs roughly 397 grams for junior balls. When compared to other sizes, it is relatively light, as previously stated. 

The weight of the size 5 climbs dramatically, reaching 481 grams. Since this size is for youngsters aged ten and up, it is not difficult to comprehend. As a result, the weight and size of the players expand to fit their physique.

For their tournaments, several leagues and groups now collaborate with various manufacturing enterprises. Because it is the most competitive platform, the NBA is the gold standard for every basketball player. They utilize a 7-sized ball that is 623 grams in weight. 

The WNBA uses a slightly different metric. They utilize a 6-sized ball that weighs 510 grams and has a 2-3 inches narrower circumference. If there is more air inflation pressure in the ball, these readings will alter as well. 

The NCAA uses Wilson balls instead of Spalding balls. As a result, their men’s basketball weighs the same as the NBA but has a 30-inch diameter.

The weight of women’s basketball is roughly 566 grams, with a diameter of 29 inches. Basketball sizes are also measured differently by the International Basketball Federation. 

Although they all weigh 566 grams, the production process causes them to feel somewhat different in hand. Men’s basketball has a circumference of 30.5 inches, whereas women’s basketball is 29 inches.

How Much Does A Youth Basketball Weigh?

Mini Basketball.

The pro league for up-and-coming stars is the youth leagues, also known as junior basketball leagues. They do not play regular basketball and use a more miniature college basketball instead. 

They also utilize mini basketballs, which are lighter than professional NBA basketballs. For conventional measures, youth basketballs are often designated as size 5. 

It is lighter than NBA basketballs, weighing roughly 1.25 pounds. The circumference of the ring is approximately 27.5 inches. This sort of ball is used by any young player under ten for their regular training and games. 

A 4-sized basketball may be used by anyone aged eight or younger. This ball is 25.5 inches in circumference, which is much less than that of conventional NBA balls. A size 4 is typically roughly 0.87 pounds. 

How Much Does A Mini Basketball Weigh?

An Inflated Basketball Weigh At Least 22 Pounds.

Basketball sizes vary according to the gender, age, and skill level of the participants. For junior players in a school-level game, the ball may be of GL. The mini basketball typically weighs around 0.625 pounds (10 lb) or 283 grams (g) and is designed for children aged 3 to 5.

How Much Does A Women’s Basketball Weigh? 

Women and men have various physical characteristics and features. As a result, the rules for basketball measuring varied. Women have their league, that’s the WNBA, where they may show off their prowess. 

Basketball league sizes are mostly divided into two categories. The first is more extensive, measuring 29 inches in diameter and weighing 1.25 pounds. This basketball is a regular 6-inch basketball. 

The other one is slightly smaller than 28 inches in diameter and weighs 1.125 pounds. According to the match requirements, condition, air pressure, inflation, and other criteria, the official match balls are chosen.

The standards for international forms follow the International Basketball Federation standards. While the Molten basketballs use some of the same materials as the Spalding basketballs, they are somewhat smaller and heavier. 

These basketballs are high-quality leather. So, you should be able to spin a ball around your finger.

How Does A Properly Inflated Ball Weigh?

A Perfect Basketball Does Not Come With Sufficient Inflation.

In most cases, a perfect basketball does not come with sufficient inflation. If you’re playing on outdoor basketball courts, it is unlikely that you’ll notice. 

The same cannot say the same for professional players who play regularly. You’ll wind up over inflating or under inflating your basketball if you don’t have a good understanding of properly inflated basketball weight. 

The weight of an average inflated basketball must be at least 22 pounds. The inflation error margin, on the other hand, is roughly 0.03 pounds. So, if you stay in this range, that’s great. 

How Is The Air Measured In A Ball?

Every Basketball Has Air Inside Of It.

The correct air pressure inside a basketball may make a massive difference in your game feel. However, to maintain appropriate pressure, you must understand how to gauge air pressure. 

Here, you’ll learn how to maintain a high air density within the basketball by psi, or pounds per square inch, which is the standard pressure unit for basketball. Inside a basketball, the pressure should be between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per square inch. 

A pressure gauge is ideal for measuring air pressure, a standard instrument for determining the strength of a gas or fluid. 

It is capable of calculating the overall pressure trapped inside a confined space. Gently put the gauge into the ball’s needle aperture while determining the air pressure. The psi within the ball will show on the dial or screen.

Final Thoughts

You can measure basketball in several different ways in circumference, inflation pressure, and total weight. When selecting a basketball, keep in mind your gender, age, and league you will use it. 

Basketballs are sized and weighted differently in different leagues. As a result, understanding the proper size is critical to prevent getting disqualified from a game. 

Hopefully, now that you are familiar with basketball sizes and have discussed how much does a basketball weigh in pounds, grams, or ounces and how it influences player performance. So, you will have a better understanding of the game.