Bocce ball sizes and court dimensions depend on the format. USBF Open tournament balls are 106 to 107 millimeters across and weigh 900 to 920 grams, and its official court is 86.92 feet by 13.12 feet. The federation allows unofficial courts to be smaller.
Bocce uses a small target ball, but ball dimensions and court layouts depend on the format.
Ball sizes
| Set or standard | Ball details |
|---|---|
| USBF Open tournament | 106 to 107 mm diameter and 900 to 920 g |
| Other backyard sets | Check the maker’s listed diameter and weight; sizes vary |
A full set has eight balls (four per team, in two colors or patterns) and one pallino.
Court surfaces and set materials
The USBF Open rules list several court surfaces in use, including carpet, crushed stone, dirt, oyster shells, clay and synthetic surfaces. They do not require one court surface. Ball materials and weights vary by set, so check the maker’s listed details for the balls you plan to use.
Court dimensions
The USBF Open rules list an official court as 86.92 feet long by 13.12 feet wide. The federation allows unofficial courts to be smaller, so agree on the playing boundaries before a casual game. Leave space behind each end for players.
Planning an informal court
The USBF permits unofficial courts to be smaller than its tournament layout. Measure the open lane you can use, mark clear boundaries and agree how to handle an out-of-bounds ball before play. For a fixed court, check the surface and boundary details against the rules used by the players.
Basic play
Teams roll the pallino, then take turns rolling balls toward it. The USBF Open rules determine which team plays next and how a frame is scored; agree on the format before a casual game.
For other lawn-ball games, see kubb rules and tournament set sizes, pétanque versus bocce, nine-wicket croquet layout and rules, horseshoes and cornhole.
If you are comparing bocce with lawn bowls, see lawn bowls vs bocce for the equipment and space differences.
Setting up a yard for kids too? See trampoline safety and sizing.
Browse bocce and ball games.
Source
Common questions
What size are regulation bocce balls?
The USBF Open tournament standard is 106 to 107 millimeters in diameter and 900 to 920 grams per ball.
How big is a bocce court?
USBF Open rules list an official court at 86.92 feet by 13.12 feet and allow unofficial courts to be smaller.
What is the best surface for a bocce court?
The USBF Open rules list several court surfaces, including carpet, crushed stone, dirt, oyster shells, clay and synthetic surfaces. Ask which surface and local rules a casual court uses.
Can kids play with regulation bocce balls?
USBF Open tournament balls weigh 900 to 920 grams. Compare the listed dimensions and weight of the exact set with the people who will play.