What is the Weight of a Cricket Ball? (In Grams & KG Explained)

What is the Weight of a Cricket Ball?

If you love cricket, you already know that the ball is at the heart of the game. The bat can change, the ground can be big or small, but the ball always remains the true hero. But have you ever stopped and thought: what is the weight of a cricket ball? Is it heavy like a baseball, or lighter like a tennis ball? And how many grams or kilograms does it actually weigh?

In this article, we’ll look at the exact weight of a cricket ball in both grams and kilograms. We’ll also discuss why its weight matters, how the ball differs for men, women, and junior players, and share a few interesting stories about this small yet powerful leather ball.

Standard Weight of a Cricket Ball (in kg & grams)

The Laws of Cricket, written by the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) in London, set clear rules about the weight of the cricket ball.

• For men’s cricket, the weight of a cricket ball must be between 155.9 grams and 163 grams.
• If we convert that into kilograms, it is 0.155 kg to 0.163 kg.

The standard men’s cricket ball is slightly heavier than an average apple.

Weight of Cricket Ball for Women

In women’s professional cricket, the ball is slightly lighter. This is designed to make it more comfortable for players and to balance the women’s game.

• The official weight is between 140 grams and 151 grams.
• In kilograms, this is 0.14 kg to 0.151 kg.

It may sound like a small difference, but in a high-speed game, even a few grams can change swing, bounce, and handling.

Junior Cricket Ball Weight

Cricket is not just for adults. Children who are learning the game also need a ball that matches their age and strength. That’s why junior cricket balls are lighter.

• A junior cricket ball usually weighs between 133 grams and 144 grams.
• In kilograms, this is 0.133 kg to 0.144 kg.

This makes it safer and easier for kids to practice without injury.

Why the Weight Matters in Cricket

You might wonder, why is the weight of the ball so strictly fixed? Can’t it be heavier or lighter? Here’s why it matters:

1. Swing and Spin – A heavier ball behaves differently in the air. If the weight changes, the swing and spin also change.
2. Safety – The cricket ball is tough. If it’s too heavy, it can injure a player, and if it’s too light, it doesn’t give the true cricket experience.
3. Balance of the Game – Both batters and bowlers should have equal chances. The set weight helps maintain this balance.
4. Durability – A properly weighted ball lasts longer during a match, even after 80 overs in a Test game.

Fun Comparison: Cricket Ball vs Other Balls

To understand the weight better, let’s compare a cricket ball with other sports balls:

👉 From this table, you can see that the cricket ball is heavier than a baseball but much lighter than a football.

Test Matches and the 156-gram Ball

In men’s Test cricket, the ball used is almost always between 156 and 156.5 grams. This has become the “sweet spot” of the game.

• Bowlers love this weight because it helps in both swing and spin.
• Batters face the real challenge because the ball feels solid on the bat.
• Umpires check the weight before every game to ensure it is within the allowed range.

How Weight Affects Batters and Bowlers

The ball’s weight is not just about numbers; it affects real match performance.

• Fast Bowlers → Need weight for pace. Too light, and it won’t carry speed.
• Spinners → A slightly heavier ball helps them grip and turn.
• Batters → They face challenges. A 160 g ball at 140 km/h feels like a bullet hitting the bat.

Even fielders feel the difference when catching. A catch from the deep with a heavy ball stings in the palm.

Do Different Pitches Need Different Ball Weights?

Fans often ask if cricket boards adjust the ball’s weight based on conditions.

• Answer: No. The weight is fixed worldwide.
• But conditions (dry, humid, grassy pitches) affect how the ball feels.
• Example: In England, a 156 g Duke’s ball swings more in damp weather. In Australia, the same weight Kookaburra ball behaves differently because of hard, dry pitches.

While the weight remains constant, the behavior certainly does not.

Brands and Their Signature Weights

While rules fix the range, brands have their signature touch:

• Dukes (England): Approximately 156g, hand-stitched, known for their extra swing.
• Kookaburra (Australia): 156 g, machine-stitched, ideal for bounce.
• SG (India): 156 g, slightly harder seam, best for spin-friendly pitches.

All three stay within limits but feel slightly different in the hand.

The Making of a Cricket Ball and Its Weight

The weight is not random; it comes from how the ball is made.

1. Cork Core – At the center, there is cork, which gives the base weight.
2. String Layers – Cork is tightly wound with string to add shape and weight.
3. Leather Cover – A red (or white) leather cover is stitched on top. This adds the final weight.

Each step carefully maintains the weight within the standard. Even a few extra stitches or thicker leather can make it overweight. That’s why ball-making is considered an art in cricket.

Red Ball vs White Ball: Is the Weight the Same?

Many fans ask if the red Test ball and the white ODI/T20 ball have different weights.

The answer: No.

• Both red and white cricket balls follow the same weight rules.
• The only difference is in the leather treatment and shine.

A Look at History: Has the Ball’s Weight Changed?

Cricket is hundreds of years old, but the weight of the ball has remained almost the same.

• In the 18th century, balls were hand-made and sometimes uneven.
• MCC standardized the weight in the 19th century to ensure fairness.
• Since then, whether it’s a Test in England or an ODI in India, the cricket ball follows the same weight law.

Different Brands, Same Weight

Top cricket ball brands like Dukes, Kookaburra, and SG all produce balls that follow the same weight standards.

• Dukes (used in England) – 156 g
• Kookaburra (used in Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc.) – 156 g
• SG (used in India) – 156 g

No matter the brand, the weight difference is only a few grams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much does a cricket ball weigh in kilograms?

👉 Between 0.155 kg and 0.163 kg for men’s cricket.

Q2: What is the weight of a cricket ball in grams?

👉 Between 155.9 grams and 163 grams for men’s cricket.

Q3: Are women’s cricket balls lighter?

👉 Yes. They weigh between 140 g and 151 g (0.14–0.151 kg).

Q4: What about junior cricket balls?

👉 They are lighter, around 133 g to 144 g (0.133–0.144 kg).

Q5: Does the red ball weigh more than the white ball?

👉 No, both follow the same weight standards.

Final Thoughts

Now you clearly know how much a cricket ball weighs in both kilograms and grams.

• Men’s cricket: 155.9 g – 163 g (0.155–0.163 kg)
• Women’s cricket: 140 g – 151 g (0.14–0.151 kg)
• Junior cricket: 133 g – 144 g (0.133–0.144 kg)

The cricket ball may look small, but its carefully fixed weight makes it the perfect balance of speed, swing, spin, and safety. Without this standard, the game of cricket would not feel the same.

Next time you watch a bowler charging in, remember that little 156-gram red leather ball is carrying the weight of history, science, and tradition.