Golf vs. Table Tennis
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
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.
Official table tennis balls are regulated by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Handbook Rule 2.3). A tournament match ball has a diameter of 40.0–40.6 mm (designated as 40+ mm), weighs exactly 2.70 g (tolerance 2.67–2.77 g), and is manufactured from celluloid-free non-flammable plastic (ABS/poly-material). It must produce a rebound of 24.0–26.0 cm when dropped from 30.5 cm onto steel.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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 | — |
|
Official Diameter (40+)
|
— | 40.00–40.60 mm (standardized above 40 mm since 2014) |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
— | 2.67–2.77 g (nominal target 2.70 g) |
|
Material Composition
|
— | Celluloid-Free Non-Flammable Plastic (ABS Poly-material) ITTF 40+ Standard |
|
Rebound Height Standard
|
— | 24.0–26.0 cm when dropped from 30.5 cm onto a standard steel block |
|
Sphericity Deviation
|
— | < 0.25 mm max roundness variation |
|
Official Match Colors
|
— | Matte White or Matte Orange ITTF Approved |
|
Quality Tiers
|
— | 3-Star (★★★ Match Competition), 1-2 Star (Training) Grading System |