Official Basketball Size

Ever wondered what is the size of the basketball that some of you might be adoring a lot? Well, it is important to know the game you want to pursue in and out. The official size of the basketball is one such thing. However inconsequential it might appear to be, it is essential to know it. So let us start knowing about it by a fact related to it. An important fact about official basketball size is that it is decided by the players themselves along with the basketball league officials. The official measurements and league regulations for a basketball include its circumference,inflation pressure and weight. In a few cases the material or manufacturer may also be mentioned.

Official Sizes and Specifications of a Basketball

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Women
For a women's match the NCAA lays down that the ball used for basketball is a size 6. It has a circumference ranging between 28.5 and 29 inches and weighs between 18 and 20 oz. When dropped from 6 feet, the bounce should be between 51 and 56 inches.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - Men
The requirements for men's NCAA championship regarding the ball are not as stringent as compared to the National Basketball League (NBA) or International Basketball Federation (FIBA). A size 7 ball is the standard for men's tournaments. The circumference measures between 29.5 and 30 inches and the ball has a weight in the range of 20 and 22 oz. Ultimately, there has to be a bounce 49 to 54 inches if it is dropped from 6 feet.

National Basketball League
To begin with, the NBA basketball is produced by Spalding and the official NBA basketball size has to be 29.5 inches in circumference. This is for men. With a weight of 22 oz, the ball can be inflated to be between 7.5 and 8.5 psi. These balls are made up of orange leather having black lettering. The basketballs with these dimensions account for a size 7. For the women the size of the basketball is a little different. Again, mostly made by Spalding, the ball for women's NBA is smaller and it is a size 6 ball. The circumference ranges between 28.5 and 29 inches and the ball weighs between 18 and 20 oz. It can further be inflated to no more than 9 psi. The ball is made up of alternating orange and white leather patterns.

International Basketball Federation (FIBA)
The rules are very strict as far as FIBA is concerned about the ball used in its games. The ball has to be a size 7, the name of the manufacturer and the serial number should be there on the ball. The circumference of the ball for FIBA games is 30.7 inches and the weight is between 567 and 650 g. With the circumference one can surely calculate the official basketball diameter. When dropped from a height of 70.8 inches, the ball should bounce to a minimum height of 51.2 inches. These FIBA approved balls have to pass a series of stringent tests. For instance, there is a heat test, a valve test and so on. Official basketball height is not a plausible dimension, so it is not given anywhere.

Juniors and Youngsters
For the juniors, the NBA recommendations are basketballs of circumference of 27.75 inches, which is size 5 having weight of around 18 oz. For children who are still younger, let's say below the age of 7, are suggested a ball with a circumference measuring 22 inches and weight around 8 oz.

Wasn't this interesting? This is where I sign off!