Bowling Ball Weight Calculator (What Weight Ball Should I Use?)

How it works

Ball weight (lb) ≈ 10% of body weight (lb) + adjustments (−2 lb limited strength, +1 lb strong bowler, +1 lb custom-drilled fingertip ball) · rounded to a whole pound, between 6 and 16 lb · 1 kg = 2.2046 lb.

Ten-pin bowling balls are sold in whole pounds from about 6 to 16 lb, the maximum allowed by the USBC and World Bowling. The usual starting point is a ball of about 10% of your body weight, up to 16 lb. A custom-drilled fingertip ball fits the hand so well that most bowlers can handle about a pound more than a house ball, while juniors, seniors and anyone with wrist or shoulder issues should go lighter. You should be able to swing the ball through a full game without your arm or accuracy fading.

Worked example

A 65 kg (143.3 lb) adult bowler with a house ball: 10% × 143.3 = 14.3 lb, rounded to a 14 lb ball (6.4 kg). Trying 13–15 lb balls confirms the best fit; with a custom-drilled fingertip ball the same bowler could move up to 15 lb.

Sources: USBC — Equipment specifications (16 lb maximum) · Bowling ball — weights and fitting

Frequently asked questions