How wide is a baseball?
A baseball is about 7.4 cm (2.91 in) across.
Size source: en.wikipedia.org
Compared with things you know
- About 3 times as wide as a US quarter coin (2.43 cm)
- About 86% as wide as a credit card (8.56 cm)
- About 31% as wide as a basketball (24 cm)
Baseball dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter (typical; rule range 73–75 mm) | 7.4 cm74 mm | 2.913 in | [2] |
| Circumference (maximum allowed) | 23.5 cm | 9.252 in | [1][2] |
Standard: MLB Official Baseball Rules, Rule 3.01
Baseball and softball sizes by circumference[1][3]
| Baseball (MLB rule) | 22.9–23.5 cm (9–9.25 in)9 to 9 1/4 in |
|---|---|
| Softball, 11 in | 27.9 cm (11 in)11 in |
| Softball, 12 in | 30.5 cm (1 ft 0 in)12 in |
| Softball, 16 in (Chicago-style) | 40.6 cm (1 ft 4 in)16 in |
What the rules say
Major League Baseball defines the ball by circumference and weight, not diameter. Rule 3.01 says it must measure not less than 9 and not more than 9 1/4 in (229 to 235 mm) in circumference and weigh 5 to 5 1/4 oz. Wikipedia converts this to a diameter of 2.86 to 2.94 in (73 to 75 mm).[1][2]
Compared with a softball
A softball is larger. Wikipedia gives its circumference as 11 to 12 in (28 to 30 cm) depending on age group, or rarely 16 in (41 cm). A baseball is 9 to 9 1/4 in around. The standard baseball has 108 double stitches, or 216 individual stitches, holding its covers together.[2][3]
Did you know?
A regulation baseball has 108 stitches.
Questions people ask
How big is a baseball in inches?
A regulation baseball is 9 to 9 1/4 in around, which is 2.86 to 2.94 in (73 to 75 mm) in diameter.[1][2]
What is the circumference of a baseball?
MLB Rule 3.01 requires 9 to 9 1/4 in (22.9 to 23.5 cm). The ball must also weigh 5 to 5 1/4 oz.[1]
Is a softball bigger than a baseball?
Yes. A softball is 11 to 12 in (28 to 30 cm) around, or rarely 16 in, against 9 to 9 1/4 in for a baseball.[1][3]
How big is a baseball bat?
MLB Rule 3.02 allows a bat up to 2.61 in (6.6 cm) thick at its widest point and up to 42 in (107 cm) long.[1]
Sources
- Official Baseball Rules, 2019 Edition (MLB), Rule 3.01 and 3.02 content.mlb.com
- Baseball (ball) — Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
- Softball — Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
