A standard golf ball is exactly 1.68 inches in diameter. This measurement is officially set by golf’s governing bodies—the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A—to keep the game fair and consistent around the world.
To visualize:
- A golf ball is about the size of a small egg or a large gumball.
- It easily fits in the palm of your hand and weighs around 1.62 ounces (45.93 grams).

Step-by-Step Guide: Understanding Golf Ball Size in Inches
1st Step: Learn the Standard Size
- The official diameter of a golf ball is 1.68 inches.
- This size has been the legal standard for all professional and amateur golf tournaments since the 1990s.
2nd Step: Understand Why the Size Matters
- The 1.68-inch size ensures:
- Fairness in flight distance
- Consistent performance
- Compliance with official rules
3rd Step: Measure It Yourself
- Use a tape measure or caliper to check the diameter.
- Measure across the widest point of the ball to get an accurate result.
4rth Step: Compare with Codmmon Objects
- For an easy reference:
- A ping pong ball = about 1.57 inches (smaller than a golf ball)
- A golf ball = 1.68 inches
- A tennis ball = around 2.7 inches (much larger)
Don’t miss knowing: How Big Is a Golf Ball in Centimeters?
How Is a Titleist Golf Ball Made?
And, How a Golf Ball is Made?
How Many Holes Are on a Golf Ball?
Original | Revised |
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“Manufactured to a precise size for regulation and play standardization.” | “Have a fixed size to ensure fair play and consistent performance.” |
“The diameter must be 1.68 inches, a size which has been deemed ideal for optimal aerodynamics and performance consistency…” | “The official diameter is 1.68 inches. This size helps the ball fly straight and perform the same way in every game.” |
“This dimension aligns with the guidelines issued by key golf regulatory bodies such as the USGA and the R&A.” | “It follows the rules set by golf’s main governing bodies: USGA and R&A.” |