What is a hockey ball made of, and how heavy is it?
Officials' detail · The pitch, the goal, the stick and the ball · 4 of 5Checked 13 October 2026
A hockey ball is hard, round and usually white, with a circumference of 224 to 235 mm and a weight of 156 to 163 grams. It can be made of any material and may have indentations, the dimples seen on many balls. Another colour can be used if it stands out against the pitch.
How it works
- Spherical, hard, smooth, with indentations allowed.
- Circumference 224 to 235 mm; weight 156 to 163 grams.
- White, or an agreed colour that contrasts with the playing surface.
Tricky cases
Is a hockey ball heavier than a cricket ball?
No. They weigh about the same: a men's cricket ball is 155.9 to 163 grams. A hockey ball can be slightly bigger, up to 235 mm round against the cricket ball's 229 mm.
Why the rule exists
A standard ball means it travels and bounces the same way everywhere, and the contrasting colour keeps it visible.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H4.7; Spec 3 |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rule 4.7 and Equipment Specification 3, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).