Youth and league sports sizing · Soccer
Soccer ball size by age.
A player’s age to the ball size US Youth Soccer specifies, with circumference and weight. Size 5 matches the IFAB Law 2 ball.
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How this works
Rule 303 of the US Youth Soccer Policy on Players and Playing Rules (dated 5 December 2025) lists a ball size, circumference and weight for each age group: 6 and under and 8 and under use a size 3, 10, 11 and 12 and under use a size 4, and 13 and under through 19 and under use a size 5. The tool finds the smallest group that includes the age you enter. Centimetres and grams for sizes 3 and 4 are the published inches and ounces converted at 2.54 cm per inch and 28.35 g per ounce. For size 5 it quotes the metric figures in IFAB Law 2 instead.
This is the US Youth Soccer standard. Other federations and leagues set their own age cut-offs, and Canada Soccer, FIFA youth programs or a local league may differ, so check the competition’s rules.
Worked example. A 9 year old plays in the 10 and under group, which US Youth Soccer assigns a size 4 ball of 25 to 26 in and 11 to 13 oz. An 8 year old is 8 and under, a size 3 (23 to 24 in, 11 to 12 oz). From 13 and under up to 19 and under the ball is a size 5, 27 to 28 in and 14 to 16 oz, which matches IFAB Law 2’s 68 to 70 cm and 410 to 450 g.
Frequently asked questions
What size soccer ball for a 5 year old?
US Youth Soccer’s youngest group is 6 and under, which uses a size 3 (23 to 24 in, 11 to 12 oz). Ages below 6 are not in its table.
What size soccer ball for a 10 year old?
The 10 and under group uses a size 4, 25 to 26 in around and 11 to 13 oz.
When do kids switch to a size 5 ball?
In the 13 and under group, according to US Youth Soccer Rule 303. Size 5 is 27 to 28 in and 14 to 16 oz.
What are the official adult ball specifications?
IFAB Law 2 requires a circumference of 68 to 70 cm (27 to 28 in), a start-of-match weight of 410 to 450 g (14 to 16 oz) and a pressure of 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres at sea level.
Does every league use these sizes?
No. This is US Youth Soccer’s policy. Other bodies group ages differently, so confirm with your league.
Sources
Checked
- US Youth Soccer Policy on Players and Playing Rules (5 Dec 2025), Rule 303
- IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 2: The Ball
Ball sizes, inch circumferences and ounce weights come from Rule 303 of the US Youth Soccer policy. The size 5 metric figures come from IFAB Law 2. Centimetre and gram figures for sizes 3 and 4 are this tool’s own conversions of the published inches and ounces. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
A starting size from a published chart, not a professional fitting. Makers and leagues differ, so try equipment on, and check your league’s rules. Helmets and other protective gear are not covered.