The dimensions of the men’s basketball are 29-30 inches and they weigh 1.2lbs-1.25lbs. While the dimensions of the women’s basketball are 28-29 inches and they weigh 1.1lbs-1.25lbs.
Basketballs are essential to every game. Have you ever wondered why they come in various sizes? You might think that they would measure from kids to adult sizes, but it also depends on their gender and which basketball league they play in.
One of the reasons men’s and women’s basketball are different sizes is because men’s hands are bigger than women’s. For this reason, players need to choose basketballs that fit their age and gender better for a more comfortable grip.
This post will determine exact weights for each basketball and how they affect players’ performance.
Women’s Basketball Weight
Basketballs come in two standard sizes for women. One is appropriate for teams up to 62 pounds (and 61 kg) and has a diameter of 28.5 inches. The other is appropriate for teams up to 74 pounds (and 64 kg).
Molten GL6 is the preferred choice for international play where players’ circumferences are approximately 29-inches (74 cm). In addition, WNBA players are required to have a circumference of 29 inches (74 cm).
High school or NCAA rules consider the inflation requirement as having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. The ball circumference is between 9.07 and 9.23 inches.
For girls from 4 to 8 years old, use a small ball with a diameter of 22 inches to 24.5 inch, depending on their hand’s size.
The ball size for girls 3 to 11 is 27.5 inches. In contrast, 28.5-inch ball size for girls 12 to 14.
Men’s Basketball Weight
For adult male basketball players, there are also standardized sizes. One size weighs 1.30 lbs (21oz) and is 29.5 inches in circumference. Another size weights 1.5 lbs (22oz) and is 22oz in circumference.
There is no difference in size between men and women in NBA basketball at 29 inches (74 cm).
A circumference of 30.7-inches is required for international play by men.
The inflation requirement for high school or NCAA football is 22 ounces in the case of the ball with a diameter of 9.39 to 9.55 inches.
Young boys from 4 to 8 years of age use basketballs that have a circumference between 22 inches and 24.5 inches.
Ball size 28.5-inch is used by boys in middle school between the ages of 12-14.
How much weight does a basketball with its air inflator add up to?
Basketballs weigh more when they’re inflated because of the extra air. But the total weight added by the extra air is only 0.01-003 pounds.
The weight of a fully inflated men’s basketball is 1.38lbs (22oz), along with the weight of a fully inflated woman’s basketball in 29.5 inches.
How does a basketball measure air?
Basketballs bounce because of the air inside. PSI stands for pounds per square inch. A standard size should have about 8 PSI.
Using a pressure gauge, the air pressure inside the basketball is measured. A pressure gauge can also examine liquids or gases. Once the pressure gauge is inserted through the ball’s needle opening, its PSI value is computed.
Final thoughts
Different ways of measuring a basketball exist. You can either use inflation pressure, circumference or overall weight when choosing a basketball. Consider your age, gender, and the league which the basketball will be used for when choosing a basketball.
The size and weight of basketballs vary depending on the league, which is why knowing your proper size is critical to avoid disqualification.
Now that you have an idea of basketball sizes, and we explained how much does the basketball weigh and how it effects the performance of the players, if you are planning to purchase or buy a basketball, you already have an idea of which size to go for.
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