Soccer Ball Sizes – A Complete Guide

Unless you are buying a ball for your pets, you must consider the soccer ball sizes before you make a purchase.

What Do Soccer Ball Sizes Mean and Does a Ball Size Matter?

You must be wondering why you should care about the size of a soccer ball. Very often a lot of buyers do not want to overthink before buying a somewhat tiny object like a soccer ball. But this is a wrong approach.

Look, soccer balls vary based on the construction, soccer ball type as well as the size. You use a ball for the different purpose and different players of various age ranges use a ball, right?

For example, you may just want to buy a ball for practicing purpose in that case you should only look for the options that are made particularly for practicing. The official match balls are different than practice balls in terms of characteristics like air retention, shape, water absorption, curve, trajectory, etc. Otherwise, FIFA will not approve those. Similarly, indoor, beach, futsal, street balls are different in terms of construction and other characteristics.

Anyways, Like the construction and other characteristics soccer balls can be varied based on the sizes to make it usable for different leagues, more importantly, different age group.

If you are wondering how many soccer ball sizes are maintained when you are reading this article, the answer is 5. Yes, there are total five ball sizes, size 5, size 4, size 3, size 2, size 1.

If you ask me why is the ball size important or does a ball size really matter? I would like to answer, “yes, it matters”.

It matters mostly because of the skill development of a kid from his/her child to the adult stage. Besides skill development, it is also a matter of safety. If a young player or kid kicks a size 5 ball regularly it is obvious that he/she will face injuries in a short period of time. The pressure and the circumference a size 5 ball holds are suitable only for the adult players.

It’s not only about the injury issue, a kid or young player needs to get a ball where the bounce and weight suit them most to perform dribbling and other necessary drills.

soccer ball sizes

Size 5 Soccer Balls

Size 5 balls are for the adults and used in the major leagues where adult players are playing. To be exact anyone aging above 12 years is recommended to use this balls. The circumference of this size is 27-28 inches and weight varies between 14-16 oz. The standard pressure of this type ranges between 8.5-15.6 PSI.

FIFA approves only size 5 balls for the major tournaments after testing the balls in terms of shape, curve, trajectory, air retention, weight, roundness, water absorption, loss of pressure, etc.

Check out our reviews on best soccer balls of different types here including size 5.

Size 4 Soccer Balls

Size 4 balls are for those learners who are aging between 8-12 years. The circumference measurement of size 4 ball is 25-26 inches and weight ranges from 12-13 oz. The standard pressure range of this size is also 8.5-15.6 PSI.

The main benefit of making this size which is smaller than its size 5 counterpart the players of aging 8-12 years will find it more convenient and feel comfortable to deal with. If they want to dribble, juggle, nutmeg or whatever skill they want to acquire this size is perfect for them in terms of controlling and safety measures.

Size 3 Soccer Balls

By now you’ve probably guessed this size is for the younger age than that of size 4 users.

Yes, true.

This size is for children under 8 years, and the circumference of this type of ball is 23-24 inches where the weight varies from 11-12 oz. Kindergarten students can use this ball without any issue.

Size 2 Soccer Balls

If you have a child aging under 4 years then this size is perfect for him/her.

Adults also use this size for ball controlling drill. Because if they can control smaller size balls then they can easily control the larger size balls meaning size 5 as they will provide more grip.

The circumference of size 2 balls is 20-22 inches.

Size 1 Soccer Balls

These are called mini balls or skill balls as the clubs use this ball to train their players for skill development and ball control purpose. Anyone can use this size to develop their skills. The circumference of this sized ball is 18-20 inches. Size 1 balls are used as souvenir and collectible as well.

SizeAge LevelCircumference
5Above 12 years27″-28″
4Between 8-12 years25″-26″
3Under 8 years23″-24″
2Under 4 years / Any age20″-22″
1Any age18″-20″

How to Measure Soccer Ball Size?

Well, when you are going to buy a soccer ball either online or offline you will have the option to choose from size 5 to size 1 depending on the availability of that particular brand and model. So you don’t have to measure anything with a ruler before buying. You just order the appropriate size and that’s it.

But in case you are interested in knowing the procedure of measuring the size then here is the way below.

  • At first, you have to inflate the ball with the recommended pressure of that particular sized ball. Very often you will find the recommended pressure on the body of it.
  • Now place the ball making 90 degrees angle with anything like a wall. You simply put the ball on a tabletop and keep the table with the wall attached keeping the 90-degree angle between the table body and the wall. Now touch the ball with the wall.
  • After that, place a square making 180 degrees from the side/ panel of the ball that is touching the wall. That means you will actually hold the square on the opposite side of the ball that is touching the wall. Don’t push the ball hard with that square. Gently touch the ball with that square to keep it motionless.
  • Next, mark a point on the table where the front of the square is touching both the ball and table. The distance measured from the wall and this point are considered as the diameter of the soccer ball.
  • Then measure this distance in centimeter scale and multiply it with 3.4 to find out the circumference in centimeter scale. It is better to avoid measure tape for measuring. Better use scale/ruler to measure the distance.

Final Words

Sometimes you will find different leagues are approving a particular ball size. So make sure the size of the ball with your coach before purchasing one. To understand the age range, circumference measurement, and weight of the ball I hope this guide will give you a comprehensive knowledge of different ball sizes.

If you have any queries on anything more regarding soccer ball sizes let us know in the comment box below.

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