American Football vs. Basketball
Comparing 2 standards across 18 specifications. 18 key differences identified.
Official American footballs are governed by the NFL and NCAA rulebooks. The pro/college ball (Size 9) features a prolate spheroid shape with a long axis of 11.0–11.25 in (27.9–28.6 cm), long circumference of 27.75–28.5 in (70.5–72.4 cm), short circumference of 20.75–21.25 in (52.7–54.0 cm), weight of 14.0–15.0 oz (397–425 g), and inflation pressure of 12.5–13.5 psi.
Basketball dimensions and inflation pressures are standardized by FIBA, the NBA, and the NCAA. The official men's ball (Size 7) measures 29.5 in (74.9–78.0 cm) in circumference with a mass of 22 oz (567–650 g) and inflation pressure of 7.5–8.5 psi. The official women's ball (Size 6) measures 28.5 in (72.4–73.7 cm) with a mass of 18–20 oz (510–567 g).
Specification Comparison Table
18 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Pro / College Tier
|
Size 9 (Wilson The Duke) NFL / NCAA Standard | — |
|
Long Axis Length
|
27.9–28.6 cm (11.0–11.25 in) | — |
|
Long Circumference
|
70.5–72.4 cm (27.75–28.5 in) | — |
|
Short Circumference
|
52.7–54.0 cm (20.75–21.25 in) | — |
|
Weight / Mass
|
397–425 g (14.0–15.0 oz) | — |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
12.5–13.5 psi (0.86–0.93 bar / 86.2–93.1 kPa) | — |
|
Outer Material
|
4-Piece Full-Grain Horween Leather with Pebble Grain Cowhide | — |
|
Lacing Specification
|
1 Lacing containing exactly 8 Cross-Stitches Pro Standard | — |
|
Men's Official Standard
|
— | Size 7 (29.5 in) NBA / FIBA / NCAA Men |
|
Size 7 Circumference
|
— | 74.9–78.0 cm (29.5–30.7 in) |
|
Size 7 Mass / Weight
|
— | 567–650 g (20.0–22.9 oz) |
|
Inflation Pressure (NBA / FIBA)
|
— | 7.5–8.5 psi (0.52–0.59 bar / 517–586 hPa) |
|
Women's Official Standard
|
— | Size 6 (28.5 in) WNBA / FIBA / NCAA Women |
|
Size 6 Circumference
|
— | 72.4–73.7 cm (28.5–29.0 in) |
|
Size 6 Mass / Weight
|
— | 510–567 g (18.0–20.0 oz) |
|
Youth Standard (Ages 9–11)
|
— | Size 5 (27.5 in) 69.0–71.0 cm / 470–500 g |
|
Official 3x3 Basketball
|
— | Size 6 Circumference / Size 7 Weight 72.4–73.7 cm / 590–650 g |
|
Standard Rebound Drop Test
|
— | 1,200–1,400 mm rebound when dropped from 1,800 mm |