Pickleball vs. Volleyball
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
Official pickleballs are governed by USA Pickleball (USAP Equipment Standards Section 2). A tournament pickleball must have a diameter of 2.87–2.97 in (72.9–75.4 mm), a weight of 0.78–0.935 oz (22.1–26.5 g), and between 26 and 40 circular holes. Outdoor balls feature 40 small drilled holes to resist wind deflection, while indoor balls feature 26 larger holes for slower flight on gym floors.
Official volleyballs are regulated by the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball). Indoor volleyballs have a circumference of 65.0–67.0 cm (25.6–26.4 in), mass of 260–280 g (9.2–9.9 oz), and inflation pressure of 0.30–0.325 kg/cm² (4.26–4.61 psi / 294.3–318.82 hPa). Beach volleyballs share identical circumference and mass but operate at lower pressure of 0.175–0.225 kg/cm² (2.49–3.20 psi).
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Official Diameter
|
72.9–75.4 mm (2.87–2.97 in) | — |
|
Official Mass / Weight
|
22.1–26.5 g (0.780–0.935 oz) | — |
|
Rebound Bounce Height
|
76.2–86.4 cm (30–34 in) dropped from 198.1 cm (78 in) onto granite | — |
|
Compression Hardness (Durometer)
|
40–50 Durometer D at 75–80 °F | — |
|
Total Hole Count
|
26–40 Precision circular drilled or molded holes | — |
|
Outdoor Ball Configuration
|
40 Small Holes (approx. 7 mm diameter) Heavy / Wind-Resistant | — |
|
Indoor Ball Configuration
|
26 Large Holes (approx. 10 mm diameter) Soft / Polyolefin Resin | — |
|
Construction
|
Single-Piece Seamless Rotomolded Durable Plastic Standard | — |
|
Indoor Circumference
|
— | 65.0–67.0 cm (25.6–26.4 in) |
|
Indoor Mass / Weight
|
— | 260–280 g (9.17–9.88 oz) |
|
Indoor Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.300–0.325 kg/cm² (4.26–4.61 psi / 294.3–318.8 hPa) |
|
Beach Volleyball Circumference
|
— | 66.0–68.0 cm (26.0–26.8 in) |
|
Beach Volleyball Mass / Weight
|
— | 260–280 g (9.17–9.88 oz) |
|
Beach Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.175–0.225 kg/cm² (2.49–3.20 psi / 171.6–220.6 hPa) |
|
Indoor Panel Construction
|
— | 18-Panel or 8-Panel (Mikasa V200W Dimpled Microfiber) Laminated Synthetic Leather |
|
Beach Panel Construction
|
— | 10-Panel or 18-Panel Stitched Water-Resistant Synthetic Sewn Panels |