American football
American football measures 280.0mm × 170.0mm. It weighs about 425.0g.
Dimensions
| Length | 280.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 170.0 mm |
| Weight | 425.0 g |
American football
A regulation American football measures 11 to 11.25 inches (28 to 28.6 cm) long and 21 to 21.25 inches (53.3 to 54 cm) in long circumference, weighing 14 to 15 ounces (397 to 425 grams). This page covers the exact dimensions, weight, and how the ball differs across leagues.
Dimensions
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 11.0 to 11.25 | 28.0 to 28.6 |
| Long circumference | 21.0 to 21.25 | 53.3 to 54.0 |
| Short circumference | 27.75 to 28.5 | 70.5 to 72.4 |
Weight
A regulation NFL football weighs between 14 and 15 ounces (397 to 425 grams). The ball has a leather cover over a rubber bladder, inflated to a pressure of 12.5 to 13.5 psi according to NFL rules.
Youth football sizes
| Size | Length (in) | Age group |
|---|---|---|
| Official (size 9) | 11.0 to 11.25 | High school and up |
| Intermediate (size 8) | 10.5 | Ages 12 to 14 |
| Youth (size 6) | 9.5 | Ages 9 to 11 |
Youth leagues use progressively smaller footballs to match the smaller hand size of younger players, since a full-size official ball can be difficult to grip and throw accurately before a player’s hands have grown enough.
Shape
An American football is a prolate spheroid, longer along one axis than the other two, unlike the perfectly round balls used in most other sports. This elongated shape is designed for spiral passing, where the ball spins along its long axis to maintain stability and accuracy in flight.
Frequently asked questions
What is the length of an American football?
11 to 11.25 inches (28 to 28.6 cm) long, as specified for the official NFL ball.
How much does a football weigh?
Between 14 and 15 ounces (397 to 425 grams) for a regulation NFL football.
What size football does a 10 year old use?
Typically a youth size 6 ball, about 9.5 inches long, smaller than the official size 9 ball used in high school and professional play.
What shape is a football?
A prolate spheroid, an elongated oval shape that helps it spin in a stable spiral when thrown correctly.
What pressure should a football be inflated to?
Between 12.5 and 13.5 psi, according to official NFL rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a American football?
A American football is 280.0mm (28.0cm) long.
How much does a American football weigh?
A American football weighs about 425.0g.