As you probably know, ping pong balls are small round balls used in the game of table tennis. But did you know that there are actually official dimensions of a ping pong ball?
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What is Ping Pong Balls Made of?
The material of the ping pong ball also depends on what kind of ping pong you’re playing. For table tennis, the balls must be made from celluloid, a type of plastic. But for practice, you can use ping pong balls made from different materials, as long as they’re the same size and weight.
>> See more: What is the ping pong table size required for a regulation game?
1. Ping Pong Ball for Celluloid
Celluloid ping pong balls are white and have a matte finish. They’re made from multiple layers of cellulose acetate, which makes them very lightweight and bouncy.
2. Ping Pong Ball for plastic
Plastic ping pong balls are usually brighter and have a shiny surface. They’re made from a single solid piece of plastic, which makes them slightly heavier than celluloid balls.
What are the Dimensions of a Ping Pong Ball?
According to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the official size of a ping pong ball is 40 millimeters in diameter. That’s about 1.57 inches. The weight of the ball depends on what kind of ping pong you’re playing. For table tennis, the official weight is 2.7 grams (0.095 ounces). But for recreational play, ping pong balls can be lighter, as long as they’re a consistent weight and size.
Ping Pong Ball size for Celluloid & Plastic Balls
The table tennis ball size for tournament play is different from the size of balls used for practice. For tournament play, the balls must be made from celluloid, a type of plastic. The weight and size of these balls are very specific. But for practice, you can use ping pong balls made from different materials, as long as they’re the same size and weight.
1. Ping Pong Ball for Celluloid
Celluloid ping pong balls are white and have a matte finish. They’re made from multiple layers of cellulose acetate, which makes them very lightweight and bouncy. The official weight of a celluloid ping pong ball is 2.7 grams (0.095 ounces). The diameter must be 40 millimeters (1.57 inches).
2. Ping Pong Ball for plastic
Plastic ping pong balls are usually brighter and have a shiny surface. They’re made from a single solid piece of plastic, which makes them slightly heavier than celluloid balls. The weight of a plastic ping pong ball can vary, but it should be close to 2.7 grams (0.095 ounces). The diameter must be 40 millimeters (1.57 inches).
How to Measure the Size of a Ping Pong Ball
To measure the size of a ping pong ball, you’ll need a ruler or a tape measure. Place the ping pong ball on a flat surface. Then, use the ruler or tape measure to measure the diameter of the ball. The diameter is the distance from one side of the ball to the other, passing through the center.
How to measure the quality of a Table Tennis Ball?
The quality of a table tennis ball can be measured by its bounce, spin, and speed. A good table tennis ball should have a consistent bounce and spin. It should also be fast enough to play an exciting game of table tennis.
1. One-Star Ball
One-star table tennis balls are the cheapest and lowest quality balls. They’re usually made from plastic and don’t have a consistent bounce or spin. One-star balls are not used in official tournaments.
2. Two-Star Ball
Two-star table tennis balls are slightly better than one-star balls. They’re usually made from celluloid and have a more consistent bounce and spin. Two-star balls are used in some amateur tournaments.
3. Three-Star Ball
Three-star table tennis balls are the highest quality balls. They’re made from celluloid and have a very consistent bounce and spin. Three-star balls are used in all professional tournaments.
4. Training Ball
Training table tennis balls are designed for practicing your skills. They’re usually made from plastic and have a softer bounce. This makes them easier to control than three-star balls. Training balls are not used in official tournaments.
5. Practice Ball
Practice table tennis balls are similar to training balls, but they’re usually made from celluloid. They have a softer bounce and are easier to control than three-star balls. Practice balls are not used in official tournaments.
What is the difference between a Ping Pong Ball & a Table Tennis Ball?
The main difference between a ping pong ball and a table tennis ball is its size. Ping pong balls are larger than table tennis balls. Ping pong balls are also usually made from plastic, while table tennis balls are made from celluloid.
The following table compares the size, weight, and material of ping pong balls and table tennis balls:
| Characteristic | Ping Pong Ball | Table Tennis Ball |
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Weight | 2.7 grams (0.095 ounces) | 2.7 grams (0.095 ounces) |
| Material | Plastic or Celluloid | Celluloid |
As you can see, ping pong balls and table tennis balls are very similar. They’re the same weight and made from the same materials. The only difference is their size. Ping pong balls are larger than table tennis balls.
What Ping Pong Balls do Professionals Use?
The ping pong balls used in professional tournaments are three-star balls. These balls are made from celluloid and have a very consistent bounce and spin.
Ping pong balls for beginners
If you’re just starting out, you can use any type of ping pong ball. But for the best results, we recommend using a three-star ball. These balls are made from celluloid and have a very consistent bounce and spin.
Conclusion
What Are the Dimensions of A Ping Pong Ball? The answer is that the ping pong ball is 40mm (1.57inch) in diameter and has a weight of 2.7 grams (0.095 ounces). However, if it’s just for fun, it can be lighter as long as it’s the right size and weight.
