Choosing the right football depends on the player’s age, the type of football being played and the competition regulations. Footballs are commonly sold as Size 3, Size 4 and Size 5, but the exact requirements for youth football can vary between competitions and football associations.
For senior football, however, the official requirements are clearly defined by The International Football Association Board (IFAB). Under the current 2026/27 Laws of the Game, Law 2 specifies the ball’s circumference, weight, pressure and other requirements.
This football size guide explains the official football measurements, the standard Size 5 football, youth football sizes and what to check when buying a match ball.
Football Size Chart
Size 3, Size 4 and Size 5 are commonly used football sizes, but they should not be confused with universal IFAB rules. IFAB specifies the ball requirements for standard matches but does not provide a universal Size 1–5 age chart.
FIFA’s youth research also shows that ball sizes and regulations can vary by competition, association, academy and manufacturer. Therefore, youth players should follow the specific ball-size requirements of their competition.
| Football Size | Typical Use | Official Specification |
| Size 1 | Mini/skill football | No universal IFAB specification |
| Size 2 | Small training/skill football | No universal IFAB specification |
| Size 3 | Youth football | Specifications can vary by competition |
| Size 4 | Youth/junior football | Specifications can vary by competition |
| Size 5 | Senior football | 68–70 cm circumference; 410–450 g; 0.6–1.1 atm at sea level |
What is the Official Football Size?
For standard senior football, the regulation ball is commonly referred to as a Size 5 football.
Under IFAB Law 2, the ball must meet these requirements:
- Circumference: 68–70 cm (27–28 inches)
- Weight: 410–450 g (14–16 oz) at the start of the match
- Pressure: 0.6–1.1 atmospheres at sea level
- Shape: Spherical
- Material: Suitable material
These are the official minimum specifications stated in Law 2 of the 2026/27 Laws of the Game. IFAB states the pressure specification is equivalent to 600–1,100 g/cm² or approximately 8.5–15.6 lb/in² at sea level.
Size 5 Football
A Size 5 football is the standard full-size ball used for senior football. It is the size associated with professional, international and other adult-level football.
The important point is that the official requirement is not simply the label “Size 5”. The ball used in a match must satisfy the specifications established by the relevant competition regulations and the Laws of the Game.
For a standard senior match, the key measurements are:
Circumference: 68–70 cm
Weight: 410–450 g at the start of the match
Pressure: 0.6–1.1 atmospheres at sea level
The ball must also be spherical and made of suitable material.
Size 4 Football
A Size 4 football is commonly sold as a junior or youth football and is used in various youth-development and junior competitions. However, there is no single universal IFAB Size 4 specification that applies to every youth competition.
FIFA has conducted research into youth football and developed recommendations covering different youth age groups. The research considered regulations and recommendations from confederations and member associations, youth academies, manufacturers and academic research.
Because youth football regulations can differ, players, parents and coaches should check the rules of their specific competition before choosing a Size 4 football for an official match. For general training, a Size 4 football may be appropriate when recommended by the relevant academy, club or competition.
Size 3 Football
A Size 3 football is commonly marketed for younger players and introductory football. Like Size 4, however, Size 3 does not have a single universal circumference, weight and pressure specification established by IFAB for all youth football worldwide.
FIFA’s youth football research specifically recognises that different organisations have used different specifications for younger age groups. Its recommendations were developed from research and information gathered from football bodies, academies and manufacturers.
This means it is better to describe Size 3 as a commonly used youth football size, rather than claiming that every child below a particular age must use it.
What About Size 1 and Size 2 Footballs?
Size 1 and Size 2 footballs are commonly available as smaller footballs for skills, training and recreational use. They should not be confused with the standard senior match ball. IFAB’s Law 2 establishes the requirements for the ball used in standard matches, including the 68–70 cm circumference and 410–450 g weight range.
The exact specifications and intended use of smaller footballs can depend on the manufacturer and the programme or competition using them.
Read More: Football Goal Post Size
Are All Footballs the Same Size?
No. Footballs are available in different sizes and specifications.
The standard senior match ball has a clearly defined range under IFAB Law 2. Youth footballs, meanwhile, can have different requirements depending on the competition and age category.
This distinction is important because a football sold as Size 3 or Size 4 does not automatically mean it is approved for every youth competition. When buying a football for competitive play, the competition regulations should take priority over general size labels.
FIFA Quality Marks for Footballs
Size is not the only factor that matters when choosing a match football.
FIFA operates the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs, which tests footballs against technical requirements in addition to the minimum specifications in Law 2. FIFA states that its football testing programme assesses factors including:
- Weight
- Circumference
- Roundness
- Bounce
- Water absorption
- Loss of pressure
- Shape and size retention
Only footballs that pass the relevant testing requirements can receive a FIFA quality mark. FIFA currently uses quality marks including FIFA Quality Pro, FIFA Quality and FIFA Basic. The specific requirements differ between the marks.
For international matches organised by FIFA or the confederations, FIFA states that the balls must bear a FIFA quality mark.
How to Choose the Right Football Size
The first step is to identify whether the ball is for senior football, youth competition, training or recreational use. For senior football, a regulation Size 5 football meeting the IFAB requirements is the appropriate choice.
For youth football, check the rules of the relevant competition or football association. Do not rely solely on a general age-based chart because youth regulations are not universally identical. For training and recreational football, the choice can be based on the player’s age, ability and the recommendations of the coach or programme.
If you are purchasing a ball for an official competition, also check whether the competition requires a specific FIFA quality mark. IFAB states that national association competitions may require balls bearing a FIFA quality mark.
Official Football Measurements at a Glance
For quick reference, the official senior football requirements under IFAB Law 2 are:
| Specification | Official Requirement |
| Shape | Spherical |
| Circumference | 68–70 cm |
| Circumference in inches | 27–28 inches |
| Weight at start of match | 410–450 g |
| Weight in ounces | 14–16 oz |
| Pressure at sea level | 0.6–1.1 atmospheres |
| Pressure in psi | 8.5–15.6 lb/in² |
| FIFA quality mark | Required for official competitions under FIFA or confederation auspices |
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember from this football size guide is that the official senior football specifications are clearly defined by IFAB. A standard senior match ball must be spherical, 68–70 cm in circumference, 410–450 g at the start of the match and inflated to 0.6–1.1 atmospheres at sea level.
Size 3 and Size 4 footballs are widely used in youth football, but there is no single universal IFAB size-and-age chart for youth football. Requirements can vary according to the competition, football association and development programme.
For official matches, always check the applicable competition regulations and look for the required FIFA quality mark where applicable. This ensures that the football meets the relevant technical requirements in addition to the basic specifications set out in the Laws of the Game.
Download Playo on Android or iOS, or visit playo.co to start playing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional senior football uses the standard full-size football, commonly known as Size 5. Under IFAB Law 2, it must have a circumference of 68–70 cm and weigh 410–450 g at the start of the match.
The official circumference for a standard senior match ball is 68–70 cm (27–28 inches).
A regulation senior match ball must weigh 410–450 g (14–16 oz) at the start of the match.
Under IFAB Law 2, the ball must have a pressure of 0.6–1.1 atmospheres at sea level, equivalent to approximately 8.5–15.6 psi.
No. IFAB does not universally require Size 4 for children. Youth football requirements can vary by competition and age group.
No. Size 3 is commonly used for younger players, but the required size can vary by youth competition and age group.
