Bowling pins are the most important pieces of equipment used in a game of bowling. A good pin is essential to ensure that the bowling ball rolls smoothly and accurately down the lane. Therefore, it is important to know the dimensions and weight of a bowling pin for proper setup and play.
Bowling Pin Dimensions And Weight
Regulation bowling pins are made out of hard rock maple, which is a type of wood. The standard 10-pin shape has been designed for maximum stability, with the base being slightly larger and heavier than the head for a more balanced feel.
The regulation bowling pin is designed to be very specific in size and weight, as these parameters have been determined to provide optimal functionality. The base diameter of 2.03 inches ensures that the pins remain stable when placed on the lane surface, while the belly diameter of 4.77 inches allows for a consistent reaction on impact from the bowling ball. The neck diameter of 1.78 inches ensures that the pins remain upright and can be reset easily after each strike, while the head diameter of 2.55 inches provides the perfect target for the bowler.
Finally, the overall height of 15 inches ensures that a regulation-size bowling ball can easily reach and knock down the pins.
The regulation weight of a bowling pin is important to ensure fair play in the sport. To meet regulations, each pin must weigh between 3 pounds 6 ounces and 3 pounds 10 ounces. This ensures that the pins all fall in the same way and don’t give any team an unfair advantage.
What Is a Bowling Pin?
A bowling pin is a small cylindrical object that is used in the game of bowling. They are typically made of hardwood or plastic and are 15 inches tall and 4.75 inches wide at the widest point. Ten bowling pins are set up in a triangular formation at the beginning of each frame of bowling, and the goal is to knock them all down with a bowling ball.
Bowling pins today are made from a single block of maple wood that is shaped to the required measurements and coated with a combination of latex, nylon, and Surlyn resin. This is a departure from the previous method of using wood-pulp powder for coating pins, demonstrating the advances in technology that have been made in the bowling industry.
Bowling Pin Specifications and Dimensions
Bowling is a popular sport enjoyed by many people, and there are five different variations of it. But 10-pin bowling is the most popular and commonly played form, so this guide will focus more on its dimensions and specifications.
Different Bowling Pin Parts
The basic parts of a bowling pin include the following:
- Base: The bottom part of the pin that sits on the alley.
- Shoulder: The widest part of the pin, located just above the base.
- Midsection/Belly: The middle part of the pin that tapers down from the shoulder to the neck.
- Neck: The narrowest part of the pin, located just above the midsection.
- Head: The top part of the pin, where the numbers and/or symbols are typically printed.
- Hole: A small hole located near the top of the pin that helps to balance it on the base.
Some bowling pins also have additional features such as a slight taper near the base, which makes them harder to knock down.
Related: Standard Bowling Lane Dimensions
Specifications Of Bowling Pin Size
The regulation of bowling pins is overseen by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), which has set strict standards on size and weight for 9-pin and 10-pin bowling pins. These parameters must be adhered to in order to ensure fair play and an enjoyable game for all participants.
This pin must measure 15 inches in height, with a base of 2.03 inches in width, gradually widening to a belly of 4.77 inches in width (at its widest point), then tapering to a neck of 1.78 inches wide (at its narrowest point). The pin head will be 2.55 inches wide (at its widest point).
Specifications Of Bowling Pin Weight
The US Bowling Congress stipulates that a regulation bowling pin must weigh between 3 pounds 6 ounces and 3 pounds 10 ounces.
| Weight Parameters | Weight |
| Minimum Tolerance | 3 pounds 6 ounces |
| Maximum Tolerance | 3 pounds 10 ounces |
| Targeted Weight | 3 pounds 8 ounces |
Different Types Of Bowling Pins
Besides 9- and 10-pin bowling, there are other types of bowling such as 5-pin bowling, duckpin bowling, and candlepin bowling.
5-Pin
In 5-pin bowling, the pins are arranged differently than in 9- and 10-pin bowling. Instead of a diamond or triangle formation, they are set up in a 2-2-1 configuration. This setup is distinct from other forms of bowling as it presents different challenges to players.
The 5-pin bowling pings stand at a height of 12.5 inches, with its base measuring 1.625 inches in width and having a 5-inch wide belly. Its neck is roughly the same size as its base, measuring 1.625 inches in width. The average weight of these bowling pins should be around 2 pounds 7 ounces.
Duckpin
Duckpin bowling is a variation of the traditional ten-pin and candlepin bowling games. The pins used in duckpin bowling are slightly smaller than regular bowling pins but retain the same arrangement as their full-size counterparts. They are shaped like squashed versions of 10- and 9-pin bowling pins.
Duckpin bowling pins are uniquely shaped and sized. They stand approximately 9.4 inches high, with a base and neck that measure 1.375 inches in width, and a belly that is 4.125 inches wide at its widest point. These small but heavy-duty pins weigh in at around 1 pound 8 ounces each.
Candlepin
Candlepin bowling differs from other types of bowling, in that the pins used are noticeably different. They have a cylindrical shape that tapers slightly at both ends, creating an almost perfect cylinder overall.
A candlepin bowling pin stands at 15.75 inches in height and has a width that ranges from 2.125 inches on the top and bottom to 2.9375 inches in the middle (belly). It does not feature a neck and typically weighs around 2 pounds 7 ounces.
Related: What Are The Baseball Bat Dimensions? Complete Guide
Comparison Chart of Different Bowling Pins Types
Here is a comparison chart of different types of bowling pins:
| Parameters | 9- and 10-pin Bowling | 5-pin Bowling | Candlepin Bowling | Duckpin Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of pins | 9 or 10 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| Shape | Tapered with a larger base | Tapered with a smaller base | Cylindrical with a tapering top | Cylindrical with a small base |
| Height | 15 inches (38 cm) | 12 inches (30 cm) | 15.75 inches (40 cm) | 9.4 inches (24 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 3 pounds 6 ounces (1.5 kg) | Approximately 3 pounds 6 ounces (1.5 kg) | Approximately 2 pounds 7 ounces (1.1 kg) | Approximately 3 pounds 12 ounces (1.7 kg) |
| Material | Wood or synthetic material | Wood | Wood | Composite material or rubber-coated |
| Top diameter | 2.75 inches (7 cm) | 2.75 inches (7 cm) | 2.75 inches (7 cm) | 4.75 inches (12 cm) |
| Base diameter | 4.75 inches (12 cm) | 2.3 inches (6 cm) | 2.75 inches (7 cm) | 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) |
FAQs
What is the bowling pin weight?
The weight of a standard regulation bowling pin is usually around 1.6 kilograms (3 pounds 8 ounces).
How many kg is a bowling pin?
A standard regulation bowling pin weighs approximately 1.6 kilograms.
How much do pins weigh?
Bowling pins typically weigh about 1.6 kilograms each.
Are there 12 pins in bowling?
Yes, in a standard game of bowling, there are 12 pins arranged in a triangular formation at the end of the lane. The objective is to knock down all 10 pins in one or two rolls, depending on whether a spare or strike is achieved.