When it comes to the sport of table tennis, the terms “ping pong” and “table tennis” are often used interchangeably. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice a subtle difference between the two terms—especially when we’re talking about the equipment used in the game, such as a ping pong ball. While many people may refer to the ball as “ping pong,” especially in casual conversation, table tennis has a specific set of definitions and standards. Let’s take a deeper look at the difference.

1. Terminology: Ping Pong vs. Table Tennis

The term “ping pong” was first used in the early 20th century as a nickname for the sport that would later become known as table tennis. The name is thought to derive from the sounds made when the ball hit the paddle and table—“ping” and “pong.”

However, as the sport became more formalized, especially in the 1920s, the name “ping pong” gained favor due to its association with a more competitive, standardized version of the game. Organizations such as the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) began to adopt the name “table tennis” for official competitions, while “ping pong” became more associated with recreational or casual settings.

2. Table Tennis: What are the standards?

Table tennis and ping pong balls may look the same at first glance, but the ITTF has set clear standards for the size, weight, and materials of table tennis balls used in professional competitions.

Materials:

• Table tennis balls: Modern table tennis balls are made of plastic materials, specifically celluloid, or more recently, plastic composites. These materials are designed to ensure that the ball has the correct bounce, durability, and consistency for competitive play.

Ping pong balls: Early table tennis balls were made of celluloid, but with increased awareness of safety and environmental issues, the use of non-flammable plastic materials has become more common. Although the term "ping pong" is more colloquial, they still follow the same material standards in modern times, especially for competitive play.

Size and weight:

Table tennis balls: According to ITTF regulations, a standard table tennis ball must be 40 mm (1.57 in) in diameter and weigh 2.7 g (0.095 oz).

Ping pong balls: While many amateur players still refer to the ball as a "ping pong ball," it is important to note that for official play it must meet the size and weight specifications listed above. If you buy a ping pong ball for recreational use, it may not always meet these standards, resulting in a change in play.

Bounce and spin:

Ping pong balls: The bounce of a ping pong ball is an important characteristic as it affects play, especially when players perform complex spins. A professional ping pong ball must bounce to a height of approximately 24-26 cm when dropped from a height of 30 cm.

Table tennis balls: While a "ping pong ball" used in recreational situations may have a similar bounce, it may not have the precision or consistency required for serious play.

3. Environment of use:

Ping pong balls: Ping pong balls are used in formal competitions such as the Table Tennis World Championships, the Olympic Games and the ITTF World Cup, which have specific standards for ball size, weight and performance.

Table tennis balls: Ping pong balls are often used for recreational play and are sometimes made of lower quality materials, which affects their durability and performance. But for professional play, "ping pong balls" must meet ITTF standards.