Basketball Size - How to Choose Right Sized Basketball 2023

Amid a lot of factors that are required to consider before you buy a basketball, the basketball size appears to be the most important one. Choosing the right sized basketball allows you to play the game to the best of your capacity irrespective of the fact that where the game takes you. So, among other technical aspects, let us be your guide to lead you to understand the real importance of your basketball size.

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Basketball Size – Recommended Size for Kids & Adults

Having a real understanding of the technical elements of your basketball helps you rule the basketball court while playing the game. Whether you are a beginner or professional player, the technical elements of your basketball have an overwhelming impact on the overall capacity of your game. Selecting a basketball of the appropriate size and material will massively help you improve your performance in the game.

So, when it comes to buying a basketball, the first step is to ascertain that which of the basketball size is suitable to you. Typically, playing with a wrong-sized basketball has a long-term negative impact on the technique of the player.

Therefore, the following are the recommended sizes of basketball that have been set considering the gender and age of the player.

1. Size 7 Basketballs

Size 7 basketball has a circumference of 29.5’’ with the standard weight of 22 oz. Typically, basketball of this size is allowed to be used by the players in official leagues and basketball matches. At the same time, this is also a standard-sized basketball for players who play basketball matches in school and college leagues. Hand in hand, players whose age is 12+ are recommended to play with size seven basketball.

Size	7
Age	12+
Gender	Males Only

2. Size 6 Basketballs

The size of the basketball is usually 28.5’’ in circumference with a weight of 20 oz. Being a bit smaller than the size seven basketball, these basketballs are perfect to be used by the players who are lower in age with smaller hand spans. Unlike the professional matches of male players in which the size seven basketball is recommended, size six basketball appears to be a standard-sized basketball for all female players in international leagues and associations.

On the other hand, this is a perfect size basketball for male players whose age is from 9 to 11 years, and women players with the age of 9+.

Size

Age

Women: 9+

Men: 9 – 11 Years

Gender

Males & Females

3. Size 5 Basketballs

Size 5 is a perfect basketball to play for players whose ages are from 8 to 11 years. Typically, the circumference of this size of the ball may range from 27.5’’ to 27.75’’ with the standard weight of 14 to 16 oz. Meanwhile, for youth league, this is the most recommended size of a basketball.

Size	5
Age	5 – 12 Years
Gender	Males & Females

4. Size 4 Basketballs

If you are looking for a basketball for children whose ages are from 4 years to 8 years, a size four basketball appears to be the most feasible and recommended choice. This basketball is the most children-friendly basketball with a circumference of 25.5’’. The weight of this ball is 14 oz which is one of the leading reasons that children can use this basketball easily.

Size	4
Age	4 – 8 Years
Gender	Males & Females

5. Size 3 Basketball

Size 3 is the smallest-sized basketball with a circumference of 22’’, while its weight is 10 oz. This size of basketball is ideal for the youngest basketball players and enthusiasts.

Size	3
Age	Open Age
Gender	Males & Females

Basketball Size Chart By Age

Basketball Size	Circumference	Weight	Recommended Age
Size 7	29.5 Inches	20 oz	The recommended age is 12+
Size 6	28.5 Inches	20 oz	The recommended age is 9+
Size 5	27.5 Inches	17 oz	The recommended age is under 8
Size 4	25.5 Inches	14 oz	This is recommended for children
Size 3	22 Inches	10 oz	This is recommended for children

Conclusion

Basketball size is one of the leading factors that have a direct impact on the skill of players. If a player goes with the small-sized or non-recommended size of a basketball, it might harm the technique of that player in the long term. Therefore, it is inevitable to ascertain if the size of your basketball is recommended for you or not.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

Q1. What is the standard size of Basketball?

Size 7 basketball is a standard size of the Basketball, NBA players and all other professional leagues use it. Meanwhile, for women, the standard size is 6 with a circumference of 28.5’’.

Q2. What size is WNBA Basketball?

For WNBA, the official size of the Basketball is 6 with a circumference of 28.5’’.

Q3. What size of Basketball does a 7th-grade use?

The boys of the 7th and 8th standard use standard size basketball; the size 7 basketball has a circumference of 29.5’’. on the other hand, girls of the same grade can enjoy the game with the size 6 basketball that has a circumference of 28.5’’.

Q4. What are the different sizes of Basketball?

Following are the different sizes of basketballs with their circumference and weight:

Size 7 basketball that has a circumference of 29.5’’ with the weight of 22 oz
Basketball with size 6 that has a circumference of 28.5’’ and its weight is 20 oz
Size 5 of the Basketball has a circumference of 27.5 inches with a weight of 17 oz
Then comes the size 4 basketball with the circumference of 25.5’’ and 14 oz weight
Size 3 basketball with the circumference of 22’’ and 10 oz weight
Size 1 basketball that has a circumference of 16’’ with the weight of 8 oz

Q5. Can two Basketballs fit in a single Hoop?

Typically, the maximum size of the hoop is 56.5’’, and two basketballs can fit into it unless the circumference of both of the basketballs remains lower than 56’’. The diameter of the rim of the Basketball is 18’’ with a circumference of 56.5’’. So, technically it would not be possible for two basketballs of 7 and 6 size to enter the hoop; however, there will not be any resistance if the sizes of basketballs are 5 and 7.