Cricket Ball Size and Weight: Full Comparison by Format
A cricket ball weighs between 155.9 g and 163 g and has a circumference of 22.4–22.9 cm for men's cricket. Women's and youth balls are slightly smaller and lighter.
A men’s cricket ball must weigh between 155.9 g and 163 g (5½ oz to 5¾ oz) and have a circumference of 22.4 cm to 22.9 cm (8.81 to 9.00 inches), as specified in Law 4 of the MCC Laws of Cricket. Women’s and junior balls are smaller and lighter.
Official cricket ball specifications
| Format / Level | Weight | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s senior (Test, ODI, T20I) | 155.9 g – 163 g | 22.4 cm – 22.9 cm |
| Women’s senior | 140 g – 151 g | 21.0 cm – 22.5 cm |
| Under-13 / junior (approx.) | ~133 g | ~20.5 cm |
Exact junior specifications may vary by national board.
Red, white, and pink balls — same size, different purpose
All three colours used in senior men’s cricket conform to the same physical specifications:
- Red ball — used in Test cricket and first-class matches; traditionally swings more and can reverse-swing as it ages
- White ball — used in ODI and T20 cricket; two balls (one from each end) used in ODI formats to limit wear
- Pink ball — used in day-night Test cricket to be visible under floodlights
The colour does affect how the ball behaves — seam condition, how visible the sheen is, and lacquer thickness vary by manufacturer — but the weight and circumference remain within the same Laws-mandated range.
How cricket ball size compares to other sports
| Sport | Ball weight (approx.) | Circumference (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket (men’s) | 156–163 g | 22.4–22.9 cm |
| Baseball | 142–149 g | 23.0–23.5 cm |
| Tennis | 56–59 g | ~21.0 cm |
| Football (soccer) | 410–450 g | 68–70 cm |
A cricket ball is heavier than a tennis ball but lighter than a baseball, and considerably smaller and harder than a football.
Why ball size matters
The precise dimensions of a cricket ball affect:
- Seam grip — a larger seam height aids finger-spin and seam bowling
- Swing — the ball’s lacquered surface and weight combine with airflow to produce swing
- Bounce — heavier balls produce more consistent bounce off hard pitches
- Safety — the hardness and weight mean protective equipment (helmet, pads, gloves) is essential at senior level
Ball construction
A cricket ball has a multi-layered construction: a cork core wound with twine, covered by four pieces of leather stitched together with a prominent seam. The seam is the bowler’s primary tool for movement. Top-level balls are manufactured by brands such as Dukes, Kookaburra, and SG, each with slightly different seam height and lacquer, which can influence how the ball behaves in different conditions.
Quick summary: Men’s cricket balls weigh 155.9–163 g with a circumference of 22.4–22.9 cm. Women’s balls are lighter and smaller. Red, white, and pink balls all meet the same size spec — colour only affects visibility and swing characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cricket ball weigh?+
Under MCC Laws, a men's cricket ball must weigh between 155.9 g and 163 g (5.5 oz to 5.75 oz). Women's cricket uses a slightly lighter ball of 140–151 g.
What is the circumference of a cricket ball?+
A men's cricket ball has a circumference of between 22.4 cm and 22.9 cm (8.81–9.00 inches). The women's ball circumference is 21.0–22.5 cm.
Is a red cricket ball different in size from a white ball?+
No. Red, white, and pink cricket balls used in senior men's cricket all conform to the same weight and size specifications under the Laws of Cricket. The colour affects visibility and swing behaviour, not the physical dimensions.