What are the rules for a volleyball?
Officials' detail · The court, the net, the ball, the team and beach volleyball · 3 of 4Checked 13 October 2026
An indoor volleyball is 65 to 67 cm round and weighs 260 to 280 grams. It has a leather or synthetic leather cover over an inflated bladder, and may be one light colour or a mix of colours. Every ball used in a match must be the same.
How it works
- Circumference 65 to 67 cm; weight 260 to 280 g.
- Inside pressure 0.30 to 0.325 kg/cm².
- All balls used in a match must be the same in size, weight, pressure, type and colour.
- FIVB, world and official competitions, and national and league championships, use FIVB-approved balls.
- At FIVB events five balls are used, with ball retrievers round the court, so that play restarts quickly.
Tricky cases
Is a beach volleyball the same ball?
No. A beach volleyball is slightly larger, 66 to 68 cm round, and much softer, at 0.175 to 0.225 kg/cm². It weighs the same.
Why the rule exists
A light ball at a fixed pressure floats and rebounds in a way players can learn. Matching balls keep that the same from rally to rally.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIVB rules | As above | V 3 |
| Beach volleyball | 66 to 68 cm; lower pressure; a cover that does not absorb water | BV 3.1 |
From the rule book
FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rule 3. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules (PDF).