Basketball guide
Youth Basketball Size Chart
Youth basketball size by age: size 5 for ages 7-8, size 6 for ages 9-11 and girls 12-14, and size 7 for boys 12-14.
Best next step
Check the table, then confirm the brand chart.
Photo: Vincent Dave Agustin / Unsplash
Basketball sizing for youth players is primarily determined by the league. Most recreational and competitive leagues assign ball size by age division, and those assignments can differ for boys and girls divisions at older age levels. The most important first step is confirming what ball size your child's league uses for games, since that determines what to practice with at home.
For home training, matching the game ball size reinforces the correct dribbling, passing, and shooting feel. The published NBA and USA Basketball bands begin at age 7. We do not present an ages 5-8 grouping as an official range; programs for younger children choose equipment locally. Confirm with the coach or program director before buying.
Editorial note
We use these guides as starting ranges, then compare the recommendation against brand charts, fit checks, and sport-specific safety rules before surfacing gear links. Read more about how our sizing works.
Spot a range that looks off, or a league rule we should mention? Tell us — corrections make these guides better for every parent.
Step 1
Find the likely size range
| Player / measurement | Starting size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under age 7 | Ask the program | Not covered by the published NBA/USA Basketball competition bands. |
| Ages 7-8 | Size 5 / 27.5 in | Published youth competition standard. |
| Ages 9-11 | Size 6 / 28.5 in | Published youth competition standard. |
| Ages 12-14 girls | Size 6 / 28.5 in | Published youth competition standard. |
| Ages 12-14 boys | Size 7 / 29.5 in | Published youth competition standard. |
Source context: Based on NBA and USA Basketball youth competition standards. Ages below 7 and local programs may use different equipment; league rules remain final.
Step 2
Measure before you shop
Points to measure
Basketball size checkpoints
Check the printed ball size and league rule before buying.
- 1Size markLook for size 5, 6, or 7.
- 2CircumferenceBrand specs list the outside measurement.
- 3Grip feelPlayer should pass and shoot comfortably.
- 1Measure in socks or the base layer your child will actually wear.
- 2Write down age, height, weight, and any league requirement before shopping.
- 3Compare your measurement to the brand chart and choose the more comfortable beginner-safe range when between sizes.
Good reasons
When to size up
- Your child is between sizes and the larger size still feels controlled.
- The season is several months long and the gear is not protective headgear.
- The brand chart says the current measurement is at the top of a range.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Buying only for growth and making the gear hard to control.
- Skipping the brand chart because another brand fit last season.
- Ignoring league rules for bats, balls, sticks, and protective equipment.
Parent tip
Because gender is not always how leagues assign ball size, use your league's rulebook as the final answer.
FAQ
What size basketball do 12-year-olds use?
Under the NBA and USA Basketball youth guidelines, girls ages 12-14 use size 6 (28.5 inches) and boys ages 12-14 use size 7 (29.5 inches). Local leagues can modify the standard, so confirm the game ball before buying a practice ball.
When do boys move to a size 7 basketball?
The NBA and USA Basketball youth chart moves boys to size 7 for the ages 12-14 segment. Some local programs switch later, so practicing with the league's actual game size matters more than moving up early.
What size basketball does 12U use?
There is no single universal 12U answer. The NBA and USA Basketball age chart separates girls and boys at ages 12-14: size 6 for girls and size 7 for boys. Check whether your event uses age, grade, or a local equipment rule.
What is the difference between basketball sizes 5, 6, and 7?
Size 5 is 27.5 inches, size 6 is 28.5 inches, and size 7 is 29.5 inches in circumference. The extra inch changes grip and shooting mechanics, which is why home practice should match the game ball.
Provenance
Sources used for this sizing guide
We use the published NBA/USA Basketball age bands where they apply and label younger-player guidance as program-dependent.
NBA and USA Basketball
Governing bodySupports: Ball size by age; Basket height by age
Reviewed July 2026
Related guides
Know your child's starting size before you shop.
Answer 4 quick questions — sport, gear type, age, and height — and get a beginner-safe size range plus what to avoid.