Use the pressure printed on the exact ball or in its maker's instructions, checked with a pressure gauge. IFAB Law 2 sets the standard match-ball range at sea level at 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres, or 8.5 to 15.6 psi; that legal range is not a model-specific target for every practice ball. Follow the competition rules and the ball's own pressure guidance.
Use the pressure marked on your ball and measure it with a gauge. IFAB’s standard match-ball range at sea level is 8.5 to 15.6 psi, but a manufacturer’s recommended range can be narrower and can differ by ball type.
Compare the pressure guidance
| Guidance | Pressure | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| IFAB Law 2 standard match-ball range at sea level | 8.5–15.6 psi | Competition range, not an automatic target for every training ball |
| SELECT size 5 kids or club ball | 8.7–13.1 psi | Model-family recommendation from SELECT |
| SELECT size 5 professional ball | 10.2–14.5 psi | Model-family recommendation from SELECT |
The SELECT examples show why the number printed on a ball matters: its published size 5 range differs by ball type. Other brands and models can publish different guidance.
Inflate with a gauge
- Find the recommended pressure on the ball or the maker’s page for that exact model.
- Check the current pressure with a gauge that uses the same unit shown by the maker, such as PSI or bar.
- Add air in small amounts and recheck the reading against the recommended range.
- For a match, check the competition’s ball requirements as well as the model guidance.
SELECT’s inflating instructions tell owners to check its ball’s printed recommendation with a pressure gauge. Use the pump and valve care specified for your ball. Our training vs match soccer balls guide explains why the use label alone does not set one universal construction or pressure.
Related: training vs match soccer balls, soccer ball size by age, futsal ball vs soccer ball, and futsal ball pressure. Visit the balls hub.
Sources
Common questions
What pressure should a soccer ball be?
Check the pressure range printed on the ball; IFAB Law 2 gives a sea-level match-ball range of 8.5 to 15.6 psi (0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres).
How do I check soccer ball pressure?
Use a pressure gauge and compare its reading with the recommended range on the exact ball or its manufacturer's instructions.
Should I inflate every soccer ball to the IFAB maximum?
No. IFAB gives a match-ball range, while manufacturers can recommend a narrower range for a particular model or ball type.
Can two size 5 soccer balls have different pressure targets?
Yes. SELECT lists different size 5 ranges for its kids or club balls and its professional balls, so check the exact model.