A pickleball is small, light, and full of holes, but its dimensions are tightly regulated so every match plays fairly. Below are the official USA Pickleball specs for size, weight, bounce, and holes, the differences between indoor and outdoor balls, and how those numbers affect your game.
Quick answer: A regulation pickleball measures 2.874 to 2.972 inches (about 73 to 75.5 mm) in diameter and weighs 0.78 to 0.935 ounces (about 22.1 to 26.5 grams). It has 26 to 40 circular holes and must bounce 30 to 34 inches when dropped from 78 inches onto a hard surface.
Official Pickleball Ball Specifications
These standards come from the USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual. Every ball used in sanctioned play must meet them and appear on the approved ball list.
|
Spec |
Requirement |
|
Diameter |
2.874 to 2.972 inches (73.0 to 75.5 mm) |
|
Weight |
0.78 to 0.935 oz (22.1 to 26.5 g) |
|
Bounce |
30 to 34 inches, dropped from 78 inches |
|
Holes |
26 to 40 circular holes |
|
Out-of-round variance |
No greater than 0.020 inch |
|
Hardness (durometer) |
Roughly 40 to 50 on the Shore D scale |
Pickleball Diameter
A legal pickleball is 2.874 to 2.972 inches across, so a little under 3 inches, or roughly 73 to 75.5 mm. That makes it slightly larger than a tennis ball but much lighter. The out-of-round tolerance is tight (no more than 0.020 inch of variance) so the ball flies straight and bounces predictably.
How Much Does a Pickleball Weigh?
A regulation pickleball weighs 0.78 to 0.935 ounces, which is about 22.1 to 26.5 grams. For comparison, that is roughly a third of a tennis ball. The weight matters more than it sounds: a heavier ball inside the legal range cuts through wind better outdoors, while a lighter ball feels softer and easier to control indoors.
Bounce and Hardness
Dropped from 78 inches onto a smooth, hard surface at room temperature, a legal ball bounces 30 to 34 inches. Pickleballs are made from a single piece of hard, smooth plastic with a durometer hardness around 40 to 50 (Shore D). Cold weather stiffens the plastic and can make balls crack sooner, which is why outdoor balls wear out faster.
Number of Holes
The rules allow 26 to 40 circular holes, and the hole pattern is the clearest way to tell ball types apart. It also drives how the ball behaves in the air, which leads to the biggest practical distinction: indoor versus outdoor.
Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleballs
Both must fall within the same official limits, but they are built differently:
|
Feature |
Indoor ball |
Outdoor ball |
|
Holes |
Fewer, larger (often 26) |
More, smaller (often 40) |
|
Plastic |
Softer |
Harder |
|
Feel |
Lighter, easier to control |
Heavier, faster |
|
Best for |
Gym floors, quieter play |
Wind and rough courts |
|
Durability |
Softer, dents over time |
Harder, cracks in cold |
If you play mostly at a gym or community center, choose an indoor ball. For outdoor courts, pick an outdoor ball so wind does not push it around. See our guide to essential pickleball accessories for what else to keep in your bag.
Why the Ball Specs Matter for Your Game
The size and weight influence spin, speed, and control. A worn or cracked ball flies unpredictably, so replace it once it softens, cracks, or goes out of round. Pair the right ball with the right paddle (our paddle materials guide helps) and you will get consistent, fair rallies. New to the sport? Start with the basic pickleball rules and the official court dimensions, or the mini court dimensions for smaller spaces.
To move freely through every dink and drive, comfortable court gear helps. Browse Olaben women’s pickleball apparel and pickleball equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a pickleball?
A regulation pickleball is 2.874 to 2.972 inches (about 73 to 75.5 mm) in diameter, just under 3 inches across.
How much does a pickleball weigh?
Between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces, or about 22.1 to 26.5 grams.
How many holes does a pickleball have?
Anywhere from 26 to 40 circular holes. Indoor balls usually have fewer, larger holes; outdoor balls have more, smaller holes.
Is a pickleball bigger than a tennis ball?
Slightly. A pickleball is a touch larger in diameter but much lighter than a tennis ball.
How do I know if a ball is regulation?
Check that it appears on the USA Pickleball approved ball list and meets the size, weight, and bounce specs above.
Final Thoughts
A pickleball may look simple, but its size (2.874 to 2.972 inches), weight (0.78 to 0.935 ounces), bounce, and hole count are all set by USA Pickleball for fair, consistent play. Match indoor or outdoor balls to where you play, replace them when they wear out, and pair them with the right paddle and comfortable court-ready apparel.
