Updated October 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Size 7 indoorWilson Evolution4.7★, 16,900+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →
Size 6 indoorWilson Evo NXTsold in 6 and 7Check price on Amazon →Wilson basketball sizes · 2026
Size 7 is 29.5″, size 6 is 28.5″, and age decides which one you need
Wilson sells most of its basketballs in several sizes, and the listing names can be confusing: “size 7”, “29.5″” and “official” all mean the same ball. This guide explains every Wilson size, who each one is for, and which Wilson ball to buy in that size.
- Size 7 indoorWilson Evolution · 4.7★, 16,900+ ratings
- Size 6 indoorWilson Evo NXT · sold in 6 and 7
- Outdoor, any sizeWilson NBA DRV · 4.6★, 11,000+
- Budget, sizes 5–7Wilson Killer Crossover · 4.6★, 8,000+
Wilson basketball size chart
Basketball sizes are measured around the ball (the circumference). Wilson labels its balls by both the size number and the inches, so check both on the listing.
| Size | Circumference | Weight (approx.) | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 7 (official) | 29.5″ | 22 oz | Men and boys 12+; high school, college, NBA |
| Size 6 (intermediate) | 28.5″ | 20 oz | Women and girls 12+; boys 9–11; WNBA, women’s college |
| Size 5 (youth) | 27.5″ | 17 oz | Boys and girls 9–11 |
| Size 4 (junior) | 25.5″ | 14 oz | Ages 5–8 |
| Size 3 (mini) | 22″ | 10 oz | Ages 4–6, mini hoops |
| Size 1 (micro) | 16″ | – | Toddlers, novelty, collectibles |
Weights are approximate and vary a little by ball. The age bands match Wilson’s own size notes on its Amazon listings, such as the Killer Crossover, which lists 29.5″ for boys 12 and up and 28.5″ for girls 9 and up and boys 9 to 11. Leagues can differ, so ask your coach.
Wilson size 6 vs size 7: which do you need?
This is the question most people searching for a Wilson ball are asking. The difference is one inch around and about two ounces. That sounds small, but young hands feel it straight away.
- Buy size 7 (29.5″) if the player is a boy aged 12 or older, or a man. It is the ball used in boys’ middle school, high school, college and the NBA.
- Buy size 6 (28.5″) if the player is a girl or woman aged 12 or older, or a boy aged 9 to 11. It is the official size for girls’ high school, women’s college and the WNBA.
- Not sure? Match the ball the player uses in games. Practicing with the same size builds a consistent shot.
| Size 6 | Size 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Circumference | 28.5″ | 29.5″ |
| Weight | About 20 oz | About 22 oz |
| Used by | Girls 12+, women, boys 9–11 | Boys 12+, men |
| Leagues | WNBA, NCAA women, girls’ HS | NBA, NCAA men, boys’ HS |
| Best Wilson pick | Evo NXT or Evolution 28.5 | Evolution 29.5 |
Wilson size 5 and smaller
Size 5 (27.5″) is the standard youth ball for kids aged about 9 to 11 in most rec leagues. Size 4 (25.5″) suits ages 5 to 8 and is a good first “real” ball. Sizes 3 and 1 are mostly for mini hoops, toddlers and fans. If your child is between bands, go with the league’s game ball size, or the smaller of the two for younger kids still learning to dribble.
The best Wilson ball in each size
Wilson Evolution Indoor Basketball
You need this if: you play indoors and want the ball most US high schools use.
- Sizes28.5″ and 29.5″ (and youth)
- CoverEvo microfiber composite
- ApprovedNFHS
- Rating4.7★ (16,900+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It is the best-known indoor ball in the US, famous for its soft Cushion Core feel and grip. It is the safest buy for a school or club player.
Keep in mind: Indoor only: concrete wears the soft cover fast. See our full Evolution review.
Wilson NCAA Evo NXT Game Basketball
You need this if: you want a premium indoor game ball in size 6 or 7.
- Sizes6 (28.5″) and 7 (29.5″)
- UseIndoor game ball
- LeagueOfficial NCAA ball
- Rating4.7★ (930+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The official NCAA game ball, sold in both women’s and men’s sizes. A great step up for serious players.
Keep in mind: It costs much more than the Evolution. Read our Evo NXT review.
Wilson NBA DRV Outdoor Basketball
You need this if: you play on driveways and park courts.
- SizesSize 7, plus youth sizes
- CoverTough outdoor rubber
- UseOutdoor
- Rating4.6★ (11,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: Built for asphalt, with deep channels for grip and a cover that takes the scraping that ruins indoor balls.
Keep in mind: It feels harder than an indoor ball. That is normal for outdoor rubber.
Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Outdoor Basketball
You need this if: you need a cheap, tough ball in size 5, 6 or 7.
- Sizes27.5″, 28.5″, 29.5″
- BuildRubber, tacky pebbled cover
- UseOutdoor
- Rating4.6★ (8,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It comes in all three common sizes, so one family can buy the right ball for each child. Buyers like the bounce and durability.
Keep in mind: Bright colors aren’t for everyone, and rubber balls feel less soft than composite.
Wilson Reaction Pro Basketball
You need this if: you play both inside and out with one ball.
- Size7 (also youth sizes)
- CoverSynthetic leather
- UseIndoor and outdoor
- Rating4.6★ (1,000+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: A middle ground: grippier than rubber indoors, tougher than a pure indoor ball outdoors.
Keep in mind: It won’t last as long on concrete as the DRV.
How to read a Wilson listing
Wilson listings often bundle several sizes under one title, like “Evolution Basketballs”. Before you add to cart:
- Pick the size from the “Size” or “Style” menu. The default is often 29.5″.
- Check the title updates to the size you chose, such as “Size 6 – 28.5″”.
- Check whether it says indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor.
- Look at color. Some sizes come only in certain colors.
Indoor vs outdoor Wilson balls
| Type | Cover | Best surface | Wilson examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor | Composite microfiber | Wood gym floors | Evolution, Evo NXT |
| Outdoor | Rubber | Asphalt, concrete | NBA DRV, Killer Crossover |
| Indoor/outdoor | Synthetic leather or composite | Both, with more wear outside | Reaction Pro |
Using an indoor ball outside is the fastest way to ruin it. If your child plays on the driveway, buy a cheap outdoor ball for that and keep the Evolution for the gym.
How to pump a Wilson basketball
Most Wilson basketballs are printed with a pressure range, usually 7 to 9 PSI. Wet the needle before you insert it, pump to the middle of the range, and check bounce: dropped from shoulder height, a ball should bounce back to about waist height. A small ball pump with a gauge, like the Wilson NCAA Dual Action Pump, makes this easy.
Wilson basketball size by age and league
| Player | Typical age | Wilson size |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K and kindergarten | 4–5 | Size 3 (22″) or size 4 |
| Early elementary | 5–8 | Size 4 (25.5″) |
| Upper elementary, boys and girls | 9–11 | Size 5 (27.5″) |
| Middle school girls | 12–14 | Size 6 (28.5″) |
| Middle school boys | 12–14 | Size 7 (29.5″) |
| High school girls | 14–18 | Size 6 (28.5″) |
| High school boys | 14–18 | Size 7 (29.5″) |
| Women’s rec and college | 18+ | Size 6 (28.5″) |
| Men’s rec and college | 18+ | Size 7 (29.5″) |
Some youth leagues move boys to size 6 at age 10 or 11 as a bridge to size 7. Always check the league rules, since the game ball is what matters most.
Why the right size matters
A ball that is too big makes young players push the ball with two hands instead of shooting with one, and that habit is hard to undo later. A ball that is too small feels light and throws off shooting range when the player moves up. Using the correct size from the start helps kids build good form, dribble with control and pass accurately. It also keeps the game fun, which is what keeps kids playing.
Buying for more than one child
Families with kids of different ages don’t need three premium balls. A smart setup is one indoor game ball in each player’s league size (for example, an Evolution 28.5″ for a teen daughter and a 29.5″ for a teen son), plus one cheap outdoor ball for the driveway. The Killer Crossover is handy here because it comes in 27.5″, 28.5″ and 29.5″, so younger siblings get their own size without paying premium prices.
Wilson vs Spalding and Molten sizing
Sizes are the same across brands: a size 6 is 28.5″ whether it says Wilson, Spalding or Molten. The differences are in feel and grip. Wilson’s Evolution is known as the soft, grippy high school favorite. Molten balls are often used in international play and some state associations. If your child’s league uses a specific brand, practicing with the same ball can help, but the size is what matters most.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What size is a Wilson Evolution basketball?
It comes in 29.5″ (size 7), 28.5″ (size 6) and youth sizes. The default listing is usually 29.5″.
Is 28.5 a size 6?
Yes. A 28.5-inch basketball is size 6, the official women’s and girls’ size.
What size Wilson basketball for a 10-year-old?
Usually size 5 (27.5″). Some 10-year-old boys move to size 6 (28.5″) if their league uses it.
What size basketball does the NBA use?
Size 7, 29.5 inches. The WNBA uses size 6, 28.5 inches.
Can adults use a size 6 basketball?
Yes. Many women and some men with smaller hands prefer it for shooting practice, but men’s leagues play with size 7.
How we chose
We used Wilson’s size labels and age notes from its Amazon listings, the standard league sizes, and Amazon ratings and review counts as of October 2026. We did not test these balls ourselves. For more ages and brands, see our basketball size by age chart.
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