Quick answer
USA Basketball and the NBA recommend a size 5 ball (27.5 in) for ages 7–8 and a size 6 (28.5 in) for ages 9–11. From age 12, girls use a size 6 and boys use a size 7 (29.5 in), which is the size used in the NBA.
Basketball size by age
| Age | Recommended ball |
|---|---|
| 7–8 | Size 5 (27.5 in) |
| 9–11 | Size 6 (28.5 in) |
| 12–14 | Girls size 6 (28.5 in), boys size 7 (29.5 in) |
| Grades 9–12 | Girls size 6 (28.5 in), boys size 7 (29.5 in) |
A smaller ball suits a child's hand size and helps with control. These are recommendations, so a league may set its own size.
Size 3 and size 4 basketballs
Brands also sell smaller balls for younger children. A size 4 basketball is about 25.5 inches around, and Wilson suggests it for roughly ages 4–8. A size 3 mini ball is about 22 inches, and Wilson suggests it for around age 4 and under. Exact sizes and age advice vary by brand, so check the label.
Basketball size chart
| Ball | Circumference | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Size 7 | 29.5" | NBA, men's college and FIBA, boys from age 12 |
| Size 6 | 28.5" | WNBA, women's college and FIBA, girls from age 12, all players ages 9–11 |
| Size 5 | 27.5" | Ages 7–8 |
Official and NBA basketball size by league
| League | Ball |
|---|---|
| NBA | Size 7 (29.5 in) |
| WNBA | Size 6 (28.5 in) |
| Men's college | Size 7 (29.5 in) |
| Women's college | Size 6 (28.5 in) |
| FIBA men | Size 7 (750–770 mm) |
| FIBA women | Size 6 (715–730 mm) |
| FIBA mini basketball | Size 5 or lightweight size 5 (685–700 mm) |
NBA and women's basketball size
The NBA uses a size 7 ball, and the WNBA uses a size 6. The women's ball is 1 inch smaller around.
Rim height by age
| Age | Rim height | Free-throw line | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–8 | 8 ft | 14 ft | 50 × 42 ft (played across a full court) |
| 9–11 | 9 ft | 14 ft | 74 × 50 ft |
| 12–14 | 10 ft (regulation) | 15 ft | 84 × 50 ft or 94 × 50 ft |
| Grades 9–12 | 10 ft (regulation) | 15 ft | 94 × 50 ft |
More in how tall is a basketball hoop, or see the best outdoor basketball for concrete and asphalt.
Frequently asked questions
What size basketball for a 10 year old?
USA Basketball and the NBA recommend a size 6 ball (28.5 in) for ages 9–11.
What size basketball for an 8 year old?
A size 5 ball (27.5 in) is recommended for ages 7–8.
What is a size 4 basketball?
A size 4 ball is about 25.5 inches around. Wilson suggests it for roughly ages 4–8, while USA Basketball and the NBA's guidelines start at age 7 with a size 5.
What size basketball does the NBA use?
The NBA uses a size 7 ball, which is 29.5 inches around.
What size basketball do women use?
A size 6 ball, 28.5 inches around, in the WNBA, women's college basketball and FIBA women's competitions.