American Football Size Chart
| Age | Football Size | Football Weight | Length |
| Ages 9 and under |
Pee-Wee |
10-10.5 ounces |
10 Inches |
| Ages 10-12 |
Junior |
11-11.5 ounces Now that you know the size, here are ours: TPU construction, no animal leather, sized from junior through official. Shop Eco Sports footballs → |
10.5 Inches |
| Ages 12-14 |
Intermediate/Youth |
12-12.5 ounces |
11 inches |
| Ages 14 & up |
Official |
14-15 ounces |
11.5 inches |
From peewee to pro, football players come in a wide range of sizes, and so do the footballs they use. Because of the sport's nature, there are many instances where a player is required to hold, throw or catch the ball with one hand. Depending on what you're using it for, you may want to get one of these different size options that a football comes in.
College and High School Football Size 9
Footballs used at the college and high school levels have the same measurements, which are slightly smaller than the ball used in the professional leagues. They have a length of 11 inches, a width of 7 inches, and a diameter of 21 inches. This slightly smaller ball allows for the on-average smaller players at the lower levels of competition to handle the ball more easily. Ages 14 & Up
NFL Football Size
An important metric often considered by NFL scouts when recruiting a quarterback or receiver is the player's hand size and ability to effectively secure the ball using one hand.
For obvious reasons, the largest available football size is used in the National Football League. The NFL rulebook states: "It shall have the form of a prolate spheroid and the size and weight shall be: long axis, 11 to 11 1/4 inches; long circumference, 28 to 28 1/2 inches; short circumference, 21 to 21 1/4 inches; weight, 14 to 15 ounces." Ages Adult +
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Intermediate / Youth Football Size 7
A bit smaller than the official college and high school footballs are the intermediate size 7 footballs which are used for 12 to 14-year-olds. Youth footballs have an average weight of 12.5 ounces, with a roughly long circumference of 26.25 inches and a roughly short circumference of 19.25 inches
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Junior Football Size 6
Slightly smaller than college and high school footballs are junior-sized footballs. Junior footballs have an average weight of 11 ounces, with a long circumference of roughly 25 inches (12.5 Inches Diameter) and a short circumference of roughly 18.5 inches. These are generally used for 10 to 12-year-olds.
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Pee Wee Football Size 5
The little guys also need their own football, so the smallest commonly used football option is a pee wee-sized football. Pee Wee footballs have an average weight of 9.5 ounces, with a long circumference of roughly 23 inches (11.5 Diameter) and a short circumference of roughly 17.25 inches. . Age 9 & Under
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Football Size By Your Kids Age
Age 4: Pee Wee Size 5 Football
Age 5: Pee Wee Size 5 Football
Age 6: Pee Wee Size 5 Football
Age 7: Pee Wee Size 5 Football
Age 8: Pee Wee Size 5 Football
Age 9: Junior Size 6 Football
Age 10: Junior Size 6 Football
Age 11: Junior Size 6 Football
Age 12: Junior Size 6 Football
Age 12: Youth Size 7 Football
Age 13: Youth Size 7 Football
Age 14: Youth Size 7 Football
Age 14: Official Size 9 Football
Age 15: Official Size 9 Football
Age 16: Official Size 9 Football
Age 17: Official Size 9 Football
Age 18: Official Size 9 Football
NCAA College Football: Official Size 9 Football
NFL Football: Official Size 9 Football
What size football by age — quick answers
Football sizes are named rather than numbered. Find the age below; sizes follow the standard manufacturer bands.
What size football for a 5 year old or younger?
A Mini football. It is the smallest size made and it exists so young kids can actually get a hand around the ball.
What size football for a 6 year old?
A Pee Wee football. Pee Wee covers roughly ages 6 to 9.
What size football for a 7 year old?
A Pee Wee. Same band as ages 6 to 9.
What size football for an 8 year old?
A Pee Wee football.
What size football for a 9 year old?
This is the crossover year. Pee Wee runs to about 9 and Junior starts at 9 — go by hand size and by what the league specifies.
What size football for a 10 year old?
A Junior football. Junior covers roughly ages 9 to 12.
What size football for an 11 year old?
A Junior football.
What size football for a 12 year old?
A Junior, or a Youth (also called Intermediate) if they are playing up. Youth covers roughly 12 to 14.
What size football for a 13 year old?
A Youth or Intermediate football, ages 12 to 14.
What size football for a 14 year old or older?
An Official (adult) football from 14 up. This is the size used in high school, college and the NFL.
Shop Eco Sports footballs →Frequently asked questions
What size football does the NFL use?
An Official size football — the full adult ball, also used in college and high school play.
What size football for high school?
Official size. High school, college and professional all use the same ball.
What is the difference between Junior and Youth football size?
Junior is the smaller of the two and covers roughly ages 9 to 12. Youth, sometimes labelled Intermediate, covers roughly 12 to 14 and is a step below the Official adult ball.
Is Pee Wee the same as Junior?
No. Pee Wee is smaller and covers roughly ages 6 to 9. Junior is the next size up, roughly 9 to 12.
What size football should a woman use?
Manufacturers list a Women’s Official size for ages 13 and up, which is slightly smaller than the men’s Official ball.
Should I buy a bigger football so my kid grows into it?
No. A ball too large for the hand forces a palm-throw instead of a proper grip across the laces, and that becomes the habit. Buy the size that fits now.
Does a leather or composite football matter for kids?
Composite is the better choice for youth play. It grips well in the wet, needs no breaking in, and costs less — and ours are made without animal products.
FREE DOWNLOAD
The Parent’s Guide to Safer Sports Gear
What is actually in the ball your kid plays with — and how to choose better. We’ll email you the guide.
