What are the rules for a table tennis ball?
Officials' detail · The table, the net, the ball and the racket · 3 of 4A table tennis ball is 40 mm across, weighs 2.7 grams and is made of plastic. It is white or orange, and matt. At competitions players choose the match ball before coming to the table, or the umpire takes one at random.
How it works
- Diameter 40 mm; weight 2.7 g.
- Plastic; white or orange; matt.
- The competition names the brand and colour in advance, chosen from those approved by the ITTF.
- Players may not pick balls in the playing area. They choose beforehand where possible; if not, or if they cannot agree, the umpire takes one at random from the box.
- A ball damaged during a match is replaced, and the players may have a few practice rallies with the new one.
- Shirts and shorts must be a colour plainly different from the ball's.
Tricky cases
The ball cracked during a rally. Is the point replayed?
The Laws do not say so directly. A damaged ball is replaced, and the umpire may call a let when conditions were disturbed in a way that could affect the rally.
Can a player wear a white shirt?
It depends on the ball. The main colour of the shirt must be plainly different from the ball in use, so not white with a white ball.
Why the rule exists
One size and weight keep spin and speed comparable everywhere. The colour rules are about seeing the ball: against the table, the surroundings and the opponent's shirt.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITTF Laws | As above | L2.3 |
| Celluloid balls and the 38 mm ball | Earlier specifications | C |
From the rule book
ITTF Statutes 2026, Law 2.3; Regulations 3.2.1.2, 3.2.2.2 and 3.4.2.1. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITTF Statutes (PDF).