Baseball
Baseball measures ⌀73.0mm. It weighs about 145.0g.
Dimensions
| Diameter | 73.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 145.0 g |
Baseball
A regulation baseball measures 2.86 to 2.94 inches (7.3 to 7.5 cm) in diameter and weighs 5.0 to 5.25 ounces (142 to 149 grams), as specified by Major League Baseball. This page covers the exact dimensions, weight, and how a baseball compares to a softball.
Dimensions
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 2.86 to 2.94 | 7.3 to 7.5 |
| Circumference | 9.0 to 9.25 | 22.9 to 23.5 |
Weight
A regulation baseball weighs between 5.0 and 5.25 ounces (142 to 149 grams). The ball’s core is made of cork and rubber, wound tightly with yarn, and covered with two pieces of white leather stitched together with 108 stitches.
Baseball vs softball
| Ball | Circumference (in) | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 9.0 to 9.25 | 5.0 to 5.25 |
| Softball (fastpitch) | 11.88 to 12.13 | 6.25 |
A softball is noticeably larger and heavier than a baseball, despite the sport’s name suggesting otherwise. The larger size compensates for the shorter pitching distance and underhand throwing motion used in softball.
Stitching
A regulation baseball has exactly 108 red cotton stitches holding its two figure-eight-shaped leather pieces together. These raised seams affect the ball’s aerodynamics, allowing pitchers to grip the seams differently to produce curveballs, sliders, and other breaking pitches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the diameter of a baseball?
Between 2.86 and 2.94 inches (7.3 to 7.5 cm), as specified by Major League Baseball regulations.
How much does a baseball weigh?
Between 5.0 and 5.25 ounces (142 to 149 grams) for a regulation ball.
Is a softball bigger than a baseball?
Yes. A fastpitch softball has a circumference of about 12 inches, noticeably larger than a baseball’s 9 to 9.25 inches.
How many stitches are on a baseball?
108 stitches, made of red cotton thread, holding the ball’s two leather panels together.
What is a baseball made of?
A cork and rubber core wound tightly with yarn, covered by two pieces of white leather stitched together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Baseball weigh?
A Baseball weighs about 145.0g.