Tennis ball Size & Weight

An official tennis ball is 6.54 to 6.86 cm across, or about 67 mm on average, and weighs 56.0 to 59.4 grams. Those tight tolerances are set by the International Tennis Federation, and every ball used in sanctioned play is tested against them.

This guide covers the exact tennis ball dimensions, how the ITF also regulates bounce, how the ball compares to a baseball and a billiard ball, and why the fuzzy surface matters.

Quick Answer: How Big Is a Tennis Ball?

A tennis ball has a diameter of 6.54 to 6.86 cm (about 67 mm) and weighs 56.0 to 59.4 g. When dropped from 254 cm onto concrete it must bounce back 135 to 147 cm.

Tennis Ball Dimensions at a Glance

• Diameter: ~67 mm / 6.7 cm / 2.64 in (Type 2, the standard ball)
• Circumference: about 210 mm / 21 cm
• Weight: 56.0 – 59.4 g
• Radius: ~33.5 mm
• Standard: ITF Rules of Tennis, Appendix I; Type 1 (fast), Type 2 (medium, the common one), Type 3 (slow) differ mainly in bounce and, for Type 3, size

What Does a Tennis Ball Look Like in Size?

A tennis ball fits neatly in a closed hand and is about the size of a small orange or a billiard ball with a fuzzy coat. Three tennis balls stacked (as they come in a tube) stand about 20 cm tall. Its 67 mm diameter is just under the width of a credit card’s short side plus a little more.

6 Everyday Comparisons for a Tennis Ball

1. A baseball (73 mm) is about 6 mm larger across and roughly 2.5 times heavier (145 g vs 58 g).
2. A billiard ball (57.15 mm) is about 10 mm smaller and much heavier at 170 g.
3. A golf ball (42.7 mm) is 24 mm smaller across.
4. A medium orange (about 70 mm) is a very close visual match.
5. A cricket ball (about 72 mm, 160 g) is slightly larger and far heavier.
6. A US baseball-sized hole: a tennis ball is just too big to pass through a standard 63.5 mm (2.5 in) ring.

Tennis Ball Size in Different Units

Why the Fuzzy Surface Is Part of the Spec

The felt nap slows the ball through the air and grips the strings, which shapes how the game plays. New balls are “fluffed” and play faster; as the nap wears and flattens, the ball slows and sits up more. That is why professional matches change balls every 7 to 9 games. The felt does not change the ball’s measured diameter much, but a brand-new ball reads at the upper end of the range and a worn one drifts down.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Tennis Ball Dimensions

1. Quoting a single diameter. The legal range is 65.4 – 68.6 mm; “67 mm” is a midpoint, not a fixed value.
2. Ignoring ball type. Type 3 (slow) balls are about 6% larger in diameter than Type 2.
3. Forgetting altitude balls. High-altitude (pressureless or reduced-pressure) balls meet different bounce rules.
4. Assuming it is the same as a baseball. A baseball is larger and much heavier.
5. Treating a worn ball as spec. Diameter and bounce both drop as the felt wears.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the diameter of a tennis ball?

Between 6.54 and 6.86 cm, about 67 mm on average.

How much does a tennis ball weigh?

56.0 to 59.4 grams.

How high should a tennis ball bounce?

135 to 147 cm when dropped from 254 cm onto concrete.

Is a tennis ball bigger than a baseball?

No. A baseball is about 6 mm larger across and around 90 g heavier.

Why do tennis balls have fuzz?

The felt slows the ball, adds air resistance, and helps the strings grip it.

How tall is a tube of three tennis balls?

About 20 cm.

Final Takeaway

An official tennis ball is 6.54 to 6.86 cm (about 67 mm) across and 56.0 to 59.4 grams, with a regulated bounce and a felt surface that is part of the specification. It is smaller and lighter than a baseball, much bigger than a golf ball, and about the size of a medium orange.