Whether you are an adult looking to buy a regulation size NFL football, or a parent searching for information about junior-sized American footballs - you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve created an easy to interpret and understand American football ball size chart; so you can be sure that you’re buying a ball that’s the correct size.
Official guidelines for youth and junior American football, recommend the following ball sizes:
American Football Size Chart
How big is an American football ball?
Official NFL guidelines dictate that balls should be 11 to 11.25 inches (27.94cm - 28.58cm) long and have a weight of 14-15 ounces (396.89-425.24g). A regulation NFL ball should also have a long circumference (circumference along the length of the ball from side to side) of 28 to 28.5 inches and a short circumference (measured vertically around the middle of the ball) of 21 to 21.25 inches.
| Recommended American Football Sizes by Age | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | Size | Size Name | Weight | Diameter | Length |
| 9 and Under | 5 | Pee Wee | 285-310g | 13-14.2cm | 23-24cm |
| 9 - 12 | 6 | Junior | 320-350g | 14.5-15.5cm | 25-26cm |
| 12 - 14 | 7 | Youth | 350-380g | 15-16cm | 28cm |
| 14 and over | 9 | Official | 397-425g | 16.5-17.2cm | 28-28.5cm |
What shape is an American football?
An American football is a prolate spheroid. Balls are designed using a prolate spheroid shape as it makes them easier to tuck under the armpit and run with.
Why is an American football shaped the way that it is?
Early American football balls were made from inflated pig's bladders, often wrapped in a leather skin casing. These early balls were rounder than the balls used in the NFL today and more like a plum shape than a prolate spheroid. Accounts from the time do not make it completely clear why the ball became narrower at the ends, although many people believe that, as the game of American football is based on a combination of Association Football and rugby, the shape was inspired by the oval rugby ball.
The rugby ball got its oval shape accidentally in 1870 when the manufacturers switched from pig's bladder innertubes to rubber ones which were significantly more pliable. As the rules of American football moved away from the rules of rugby, the balls were designed to be narrower at the ends to allow for longer throws - giving the ball the shape we know today.
What pressure should an American football be?
The NFL guidelines stipulate that balls need a pressure of 12.5-13.5 psi (86.2-93.1 kPa). The best way to measure this is with a ball pump with a pressure gauge.
Where can I buy American football balls?
At Net World Sports we sell a vast range of American football equipment including practice balls, game balls, goal posts and training equipment. Our American football balls are available in 4 sizes and feature enhanced strength rubber bladders for superior shape and air retention.
As an enthusiast and expert in American football, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of choosing the right football size, understanding the history behind its peculiar shape, and ensuring optimal pressure for peak performance. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of official guidelines, historical context, and practical considerations.
Let's dive into the concepts covered in the article:
1. American Football Size Chart:
- Official NFL guidelines specify that regulation size NFL footballs should be 11 to 11.25 inches (27.94cm - 28.58cm) long.
- The weight of these balls should fall within the range of 14-15 ounces (396.89-425.24g).
- Long circumference (side to side) should be 28 to 28.5 inches, and short circumference (vertically around the middle) should be 21 to 21.25 inches.
2. Recommended American Football Sizes by Age:
- 9 and Under: Size 5 (Pee Wee) - Weight: 285-310g, Diameter: 13-14.2cm, Length: 23-24cm.
- 9 - 12: Size 6 (Junior) - Weight: 320-350g, Diameter: 14.5-15.5cm, Length: 25-26cm.
- 12 - 14: Size 7 (Youth) - Weight: 350-380g, Diameter: 15-16cm, Length: 28cm.
- 14 and over: Size 9 (Official) - Weight: 397-425g, Diameter: 16.5-17.2cm, Length: 28-28.5cm.
3. What Shape is an American Football?
- An American football is a prolate spheroid, designed to be easier to tuck under the armpit and run with.
4. Why is an American Football Shaped the Way it is?
- Early footballs were made from inflated pig's bladders, evolving from a rounder shape to the current prolate spheroid.
- The shape was likely inspired by the oval rugby ball, which obtained its shape accidentally in 1870 due to a switch in materials.
5. What Pressure Should an American Football Be?
- NFL guidelines specify a pressure range of 12.5-13.5 psi (86.2-93.1 kPa) for American footballs.
- Measurement is recommended using a ball pump with a pressure gauge.
6. Where Can I Buy American Football Balls?
- Net World Sports offers a wide range of American football equipment, including practice balls, game balls, goal posts, and training equipment.
- Their footballs come in four sizes and feature enhanced strength rubber bladders for superior shape and air retention.
With this comprehensive understanding, you can confidently navigate the intricacies of choosing the right American football, whether you're an adult eyeing an NFL regulation ball or a parent seeking the perfect size for your junior player.
