There are two types of ping pong ball sizes: regulation size (40mm) and recreational size (38mm). Regulation size balls are used in tournament play, while recreational size balls are often used for home use or casual play.
Additionally, balls can come in different materials such as celluloid or plastic, and different brands may offer variations in quality and bounce. It’s best to choose the type of ball based on your personal preferences and the level of play you are aiming for.
But in order to decide what’s best for you, you need to learn about how each option differs from one another, so let’s delve into this subject in this article.
40mm ping pong ball vs 38mm ping pong ball
A 40mm ping pong ball is used in regulation play because it meets the standards set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). These balls are used in professional and competitive play because they have a consistent size, weight, and bounce, allowing for fair and standardized play.
A 38mm ball, on the other hand, is often used for recreational or casual play as they may be easier to handle and have a softer feel. However, they may not have the same level of consistency or bounce as a 40mm ball, and may not be suitable for more serious or competitive play.
Celluloid vs plastic ping pong balls
Ping pong balls are typically made from one of two materials: celluloid or plastic.
Celluloid ping pong balls have been used in the game since its inception and are still widely used today. They are made from a celluloid plastic that gives them a consistent bounce and good speed, but can be more fragile and subject to cracking over time.
Plastic ping pong balls, also known as poly balls, are a more recent development and are made from a durable, lightweight plastic material. They are generally more resistant to cracking, but may have a slightly slower speed and less consistent bounce compared to celluloid balls.
In general, celluloid balls are favored by more experienced and competitive players, who value their traditional feel and performance. Plastic balls, on the other hand, may be more suitable for casual or recreational play, as they are more durable and easier to handle.
Ultimately, the choice of ball material is a matter of personal preference, and some players may prefer the feel and performance of one type over the other.
Diameters of various ping pong balls
The ping pong ball is the smallest ball among common balls used in sports. As the table shows below, you can see how the ping pong balls compares to a golf ball, tennis ball, baseball and softball.
| Ball | Diameter |
| Ping pong | 38mm (1.5″) or 40mm 1(1.6″) |
| Golf ball | 44mm (1.75″) |
| Tennis ball | 64mm (2.5″) |
| Baseball | 70mm (2.75″) |
| Softball | 102mm (4″) |
Costs of ping pong balls vary by type
The cost of ping pong balls can vary widely depending on factors such as brand, quality, and material. In general, plastic balls are often less expensive than celluloid balls, although the price difference can be minimal.
There are many well-known brands of ping pong balls including STIGA, Andro, Butterfly, Donic, DHS, Gewo, Schildkröt, and DHS among others. Other brands sold in bulk include Pro-Spin, MAPOL, Joola and Franklin.
The most affordable ping pong balls are usually the plastic training balls, which are designed for casual or beginner play and typically sold in bulk at a low price. The more you buy at one time, the less you pay per unit.
You can find per ball pricing at 20 cents – 80 cents per ball and for brand name balls, you can find bulk pricing at $1 – $2 per ball.
Celluloid balls, on the other hand, are often more expensive, with top-quality competition balls from major brands costing several dollars per ball. These balls are designed for serious play and are favored by competitive players due to their performance and durability.
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few cents to several dollars for a ping pong ball, depending on the quality and material. To find the right balance between cost and performance, it’s best to consider your individual needs and preferences, and read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.
What is a 40+ ping pong ball?
A 40+ ping pong ball refers to a ball that meets the standards set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for competition play. The “40+” refers to the ball’s bounce height, which must be between 40 cm and 43 cm when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm onto a standard steel block. This standard ensures that the ball performs consistently and meets the requirements for fair and competitive play.
The 40+ rating is usually only applicable to celluloid balls, which are favored by competitive players due to their performance and durability. Plastic balls, on the other hand, are often used for training and recreational play, and may not meet the same standards for bounce height and consistency.
When purchasing a ping pong ball, it’s important to consider the type of play you’ll be using it for. If you’re looking to play competitively, a 40+ celluloid ball is usually the best choice. But if you’re just looking to have fun and play recreationally, a plastic training ball can be a more affordable and suitable option.
Summary
You can choose from two different sizes of ping pong balls and two different types of material too. While the pros use a 40mm ball that tends to be made from celluloid, you can also choose a 38mm ball made from plastic for your own personal use.
If you want to learn more about the sport of ping pong, you can start by learning about the typical size of a ping pong table. This is certainly important if you decide to put one in your home to ensure you have enough space.