Basketball vs. Golf
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
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).
Conforming golf balls are regulated by the USGA and The R&A under the Rules of Golf Appendix III. A conforming golf ball must have a minimum diameter of 1.680 in (42.67 mm), a maximum weight of 1.620 oz (45.93 g), spherical symmetry, and an initial velocity not exceeding 250 ft/s (76.2 m/s) at 75 °F under standard test conditions.
Specification Comparison Table
17 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
Minimum Diameter
|
— | 42.67 mm (1.680 in) minimum size |
|
Maximum Mass / Weight
|
— | 45.93 g (1.620 oz) maximum weight |
|
Maximum Initial Velocity
|
— | 76.2 m/s (250 ft/s ±2% tolerance at 75 °F) |
|
Overall Distance Standard (ODS)
|
— | 317.0 yards (max distance cap on mechanical launcher) |
|
Standard Dimple Count
|
— | 300–450 Symmetrical circular dimples (avg. 336–392) |
|
Average Dimple Depth
|
— | 0.25 mm (0.010 in) |
|
Standard Layer Construction
|
— | 2-Piece, 3-Piece, 4-Piece, or 5-Piece Polybutadiene core with Urethane / Surlyn cover |