Cricket Ball Weight (Grams & kg): 156g vs 142g vs 135g

Why Cricket Ball Weight Matters

Cricket-ball weight affects how the ball feels in the hand, how players control it, and whether it meets the rules for a particular category.

The correct ball helps players practise with equipment suited to their level. However, weight alone does not decide swing, bounce or durability. These also depend on:

• Ball construction
• Leather and finishing
• Core and winding
• Seam quality
• Bowling technique
• Pitch and weather conditions

A 156g ball is 21g heavier than a 135g ball—an increase of approximately 15.6% by mass. That difference can be clearly felt, especially by younger players moving to a heavier category.

Players should follow their competition rules and coaching guidance instead of choosing a ball only by age or appearance.

Understanding 156g, 142g and 135g Labels

Official rules provide a permitted range, but manufacturers often label cricket balls using a common target weight.

This is why you regularly see:

• 156g cricket balls for the men’s range
• 142g cricket balls for the women’s range
• 135g cricket balls for the Under-13 range

These numbers make it easier for players, coaches and buyers to identify the intended category. However, they should not be mistaken for the only weights allowed under the Laws.

For example, a new men’s ball does not have to weigh exactly 156g. It must fall within the permitted range of 155.9–163g.

How Cricket-Ball Weight Is Checked During Production

At SVB Sports, weight is checked during different stages of production because the core, wound thread, leather, stitching and finishing all contribute to the final result.

A ball may be designed around a target weight such as 156g, but it must also have:

• Balanced weight across the ball
• A consistent round shape
• Correct leather thickness
• Even stitching and seam formation
• A finished weight suitable for its intended category

This is why two balls carrying the same weight label may still feel different. Construction, balance, seam, hardness and finishing also affect how the ball performs.

156g Cricket Ball

A 156g ball is a common target weight for cricket balls made within the official men’s range.

• Official range: 155.9–163g
• Common labelled weight: 156g
• Common use: Men’s training and matches
• Available colours: Red, white and pink, depending on format
• Construction: Two-piece or four-piece, depending on the product

The heavier feel suits players training for men’s cricket. However, a 156g label does not guarantee better swing, bounce or durability.

Performance also depends on the leather, core, seam, stitching, finish, playing surface and weather.

142g Cricket Ball

A 142g ball is a common target weight within the official women’s range.

• Official range: 140–151g
• Common labelled weight: 142g
• Common use: Women’s cricket and programmes that specify this weight
• Available colours: Red, white and pink, depending on format

A 142g ball is lighter and slightly smaller than a men’s ball. This can make it easier to grip for players whose competition uses the women’s specification.

It should not automatically be assigned to a particular age group unless the competition or coaching programme specifies it.

135g Cricket Ball

A 135g ball is a common target weight within the official Under-13 range.

• Official range: 133–144g
• Common labelled weight: 135g
• Common use: Under-13 cricket and junior programmes using this specification

A lighter junior ball helps younger players train with equipment intended for their category.

However, junior rules can vary between cricket boards, schools, academies and competitions. Coaches and parents should confirm the required weight before purchasing.