Soccer Ball Size Breakdown (2024)

Table of Contents
SIZE 5 SIZE 4 SIZE 3 SIZE 1 FAQs

Soccer ball dimensions can vary by league and purpose. Discover the differences and be sure you use the right ball size for your specific soccer style.

When it comes to soccer balls, not all are created equal. Sure, there are countless colors and a multitude of materials available, but one of the largest areas of difference among soccer balls is sizing. This variation serves a purpose, though, as it allows more individuals to experience the game with the same amount of fun and excitement. A six-year-old child will most likely find more enjoyment playing soccer with a ball proportionate to his or her size rather than with an adult-sized ball.

There are four different soccer ball sizes, with 1 being the smallest and 5 being the largest. Each have their own dimensions, as seen in the graphic below, and each are used best for a specific drill, age group or league.

SIZE 5

Size 5 soccer balls will be best suited for any players ages 12 and older, including adults and professionals. They have a circumference of 27"-28" and weigh approximately 410-450 grams. For match play, the best soccer balls of this size category will carry the “FIFA Inspected” or “FIFA Approved” stamp, meaning that they have undergone proper testing for circumference, roundness, rebound, weight, water absorption, loss of pressure, shape and size retention. These “FIFA Inspected” soccer balls can be a higher price point, so some may consider using them for match play only.

SIZE 4

A size 4 soccer ball is used primarily by youth players in the 8-12 age range. The dimensions of a size 4 ball are 25"-26" in circumference and 350-390 grams in weight. This decrease in size is beneficial for this age group as it allows players to get accustomed to their skill set. For example, players of this age might find difficulty in practicing their dribbling skills or ball control if they choose to use a size 5 ball, as it may be too large and too heavy for efficient training.

SIZE 3

A size 3 soccer ball is typically best suited for children ages 8 or younger. Measuring 23"-24" in circumference and weighing roughly 300-320 grams, this soccer ball size is the smallest that you’ll see in competitive play. This small youth ball is a great option because it encourages proper ball handling for youngsters and is properly proportioned to most kids at this age group.

SIZE 1

Also referred to as “minis,” size 1 soccer balls have a circumference of 18"-20". While some may benefit from skill training with these sized soccer balls, their main purpose is for general entertainment and collection. Many souvenir balls with player logos or club designs will be size 1 for their ease and collectability.

Finding the right soccer ball size based on age group can be beneficial, but remember that size can also vary by league standards. Make sure to check with your coach or league official to be sure that you’re purchasing the right ball.

Now you’re ready to play!

Soccer Ball Size Breakdown (2024)

FAQs

How many sizes of soccer balls are there? ›

SIZE BALLCIRCUMFERENCE (cm) - FIFAAGE
Size 5 Football (Adult)68 - 70 (cm)Ages 14+
Size 4 Football (Youth)63.5 - 66 (cm)Under 10's - 13's
Size 3 Football (Junior)58.5 - 61 (cm)Under 6's - 9's
Size 2 Football55 - 56 (cm)All
3 more rows

When to use a size 5 soccer ball? ›

Size two soccer balls are rarely used because they are so close in circumference to size one. If you're looking for a ball for someone younger than four years old, a size one ball will do the trick. Size 5 soccer balls are the standard soccer ball size for ages 12 and older all the way up to professionals.

What size soccer ball for a 7 year old boy? ›

Soccer Ball Size Chart
SOCCER BALL SIZEAGECIRCUMFERENCE
23-5 years old20 to 22 Inches
35-8 years old23 to 24 Inches
48-11 years old25 to 26 Inches
5Above 12 years old27 to 28 Inches
1 more row

How do you measure the diameter of a soccer ball? ›

  1. To measure the diameter of a spherical ball using metre scale is not possible and difficult.
  2. Place the ball between two blocks tightly on a flat surface, whose diameter is to be measured.
  3. The distance between the inner edges of the block gives the diameter of the spherical object.
Jul 3, 2022

What size soccer ball for a 3 year old girl? ›

What Soccer Ball Sizes Exist?
Soccer Ball SizeCircumferenceAge Group
1Less than 20 inches3 and under
220-22 inches3-5 years
323-24 inches5-8 years
425-26 inches8-12 years
1 more row
Nov 25, 2022

How do you know if a ball is size 5? ›

Size 5 balls have a circumference of 27 to 28 inches and weigh approximately 410 to 450 grams, or approximately 14 to 16 ounces. This ball is not recommended for younger players due to its size and weight, which could lead to frustration and even injuries.

What is a pitch soccer ball? ›

The Nike Pitch Training Soccer Ball is a durable design built for training sessions and improving your footwork. High-contrast graphics make it easier to see the ball in the air or on the ground. Smooth, durable casing has a consistent feel. High-contrast graphics make it easy to track the ball.

Is there a build-out line at U-8 games? ›

Soccer has introduced the following policy and field marking change in 7v7 play. The use of a Build Out LINE for the U8, U9 & U10 levels is now required. The installation and use of the build out lines will be used to promote playing the ball out of the back (defensive) area in an unpressured situation.

How do you pick a soccer ball for kids? ›

SOCCER SIZE GUIDE - SOCCER BALL SIZE BY AGE

Although there are no official guidelines, soccer coaches generally recommend that children aged 3-5 years old use a size 2 soccer ball, and children aged 3 and under play with a size 1 soccer ball.

Is a size 7 ball a boys ball? ›

FOR AGES 12 YEARS & OVER

Size 7 (29.5" or 75cm) is the official size of all adult Male basketballs, suitable for male basketball players aged 12 years and over.

What size football for an 8 year old boy? ›

The FA guidelines for youth football recommend the following ball sizes for each age group below: Size 2 football – Under 5. Size 3 football – Under 7, Under 8, Under 9 and Under 10. Size 4 football – Under 11, Under 12, Under 13 and Under 14.

How to size a soccer ball? ›

What Size Soccer Ball Should I Buy?
  1. SOCCER BALL SIZE CHART.
  2. Players ages 8 and under should use a junior size 3 ball. It's critical we give younger players the right size ball. ...
  3. Players ages 8-12 should use a youth size 4 soccer ball. ...
  4. Players ages 13 and up should use an official size 5 soccer ball.
Oct 23, 2018

What is a soccer ball circumference? ›

Size 5 Soccer Balls (Footballs) have a diameter of 8.6”-9” (22-23 cm) and circumference of 27”-28” (68-70 cm).

How many different size footballs are there? ›

American Football Size Chart
AgeFootball SizeFootball Weight
Ages 9 and underPee-Wee Size 510-10.5 ounces
Ages 10-12Junior Size 611-11.5 ounces
Ages 12-14Intermediate/Youth Size 712-12.5 ounces
Ages 14 & upOfficial Size 9 (NFL- High School)14-15 ounces

What are ball sizes? ›

Sport Ball Diameter, Sorted from Smallest to largest
sportdiameter (inches)diameter (mm)
Volleyball8.15 to 8.39207 to 213
Bowling8.500 to 8.595215.9 to 218.3
Football (Soccer)8.5 to 8.8216 to 223
Korfball8.5 to 8.8216.5 to 224.4
27 more rows
Apr 24, 2024

How many shapes does a soccer ball have? ›

Although a soccer ball can be put together in many different ways, there is one design so ubiquitous that it has become iconic. This standard soccer ball is stitched or glued together from 32 polygons, 12 of them five-sided and 20 six-sided, arranged in such a way that every pentagon is surrounded by hexagons.

How many cm is a size 5 football? ›

Size 5 Soccer Balls (Footballs) have a diameter of 8.6”-9” (22-23 cm) and circumference of 27”-28” (68-70 cm).

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