American football Size & Weight
American football Size & Weight measures 280.0mm × 170.0mm. It weighs about 425.0g.
Dimensions
| Length | 280.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 170.0 mm |
| Weight | 425.0 g |
An NFL football is about 280 mm (11 in) long on its long axis, with a long circumference of about 71 cm and a short (middle) circumference of about 53 cm. It weighs 397 to 425 grams. The shape is a prolate spheroid, pointed at both ends, so it has no single “diameter.”
This guide covers the exact football dimensions, how the NFL, NCAA, and high-school balls differ, how it compares to a rugby ball, and why it is measured in two circumferences.
Quick Answer: How Big Is an American Football?
An NFL football is 11 to 11.25 in (279 to 286 mm) long, with a long circumference of 28 to 28.5 in (71 to 72 cm) and a short circumference of 21 to 21.25 in (53 to 54 cm). It weighs 14 to 15 oz (397 to 425 g) and is inflated to 12.5 to 13.5 psi.
| Attribute | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length (long axis) | 279 – 286 mm | 11 – 11.25 in |
| Long circumference | 71 – 72 cm | 28 – 28.5 in |
| Short circumference | 53 – 54 cm | 21 – 21.25 in |
| Widest diameter | ~170 mm | ~6.7 in |
| Weight | 397 – 425 g | 14 – 15 oz |
American Football Dimensions at a Glance
- Length: ~280 mm / 28.0 cm / 11.0 in point to point
- Widest diameter: ~170 mm / 17 cm (across the fat middle)
- Long circumference: ~71 cm; short circumference: ~53 cm
- Weight: 397 – 425 g (NFL Rule 2)
- Inflation: 12.5 – 13.5 psi
- Shape: prolate spheroid with a leather or composite cover and a lace
What Does an American Football Look Like in Size?
Cradled in one arm, a football runs from about the elbow to the wrist. Its 280 mm length is close to the height of a sheet of A4 minus a couple of centimetres, and its 170 mm width is a bit wider than a soccer ball is across. A quarterback’s hand spans roughly the short circumference.
6 Everyday Comparisons for an American Football
- A rugby union ball (about 285 – 300 mm long, 58 – 62 cm short circumference, 410 – 460 g) is a little longer, rounder, and heavier.
- A soccer ball (size 5) (220 mm) is about 60 mm shorter than the football is long, but 50 mm wider across the middle.
- A sheet of A4 paper (297 mm long) is 17 mm longer than the football.
- A 2-litre soda bottle (about 330 mm tall) is longer and narrower.
- A loaf of bread (about 280 x 130 mm) is a close match in length, narrower in width.
- A newborn baby (about 500 mm long) is roughly 1.8 footballs head to toe.
American Football Size in Different Units
| Measurement | mm | cm | inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | ~280 | ~28.0 | ~11.0 |
| Widest diameter | ~170 | ~17.0 | ~6.7 |
| Long circumference | ~710 | ~71.0 | ~28.0 |
| Short circumference | ~530 | ~53.0 | ~21.0 |
Football Sizes by Level
| Level | Length | Long circumference | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL / official (size 9) | 11 – 11.25 in | 28 – 28.5 in | 14 – 15 oz |
| High school / college (size 9) | ~11 in | ~28 in | 14 – 15 oz |
| Youth (size 7 / “junior”) | ~10 in | ~26 in | ~11 oz |
| Pee-wee (size 6) | ~9.5 in | ~24.5 in | ~10 oz |
The NFL and NCAA balls are nearly identical in size; the NFL ball (“The Duke”) is all-leather with no white stripes, while the college ball has two white stripes near the ends.
Why a Football Is Measured in Two Circumferences
Because the ball is not round, one number cannot describe it. The long circumference goes around the ball the long way, over both points; the short circumference goes around the fat middle. Together with the length, those two figures pin down the shape. Manufacturers and officials check all three, plus the weight and pressure.
Common Mistakes When Comparing Football Dimensions
- Asking for the “diameter.” A football has no single diameter; use length plus the two circumferences.
- Assuming college and NFL balls are the same. The sizes match, but the NFL ball has no stripes and college balls do.
- Confusing it with a rugby ball. A rugby ball is longer, rounder in the middle, and usually heavier.
- Ignoring inflation. Pressure (12.5 – 13.5 psi in the NFL) affects grip and how the ball measures.
- Using a youth ball as a reference for adult size. Youth balls are several centimetres shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an American football?
About 11 to 11.25 inches (279 to 286 mm) point to point.
What is the circumference of a football?
About 28 inches the long way and 21 inches around the middle.
How much does an NFL football weigh?
14 to 15 ounces (397 to 425 g).
What is the widest part of a football?
About 17 cm (6.7 in) across the middle.
Is a football the same as a rugby ball?
No. A rugby ball is a bit longer, rounder, and usually heavier.
Why does a football have two circumferences?
It is not round, so it takes a length plus a long and a short circumference to describe.
Final Takeaway
An American football is about 280 mm (11 in) long and 170 mm (6.7 in) across the middle, with a long circumference near 71 cm, a short circumference near 53 cm, and a weight of 397 to 425 grams. Because it is a prolate spheroid it has no single diameter, and it is shorter and lighter than a rugby ball.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a American football Size & Weight?
A American football Size & Weight is 280.0mm (28.0cm) long.
How much does a American football Size & Weight weigh?
A American football Size & Weight weighs about 425.0g.