Baseball bats come in various sizes, materials and weights. The guidelines for the dimensions of a baseball bat vary by playing level. High school, collegiate and professional baseball governing organizations each have their own standards. A bat must meet the published specifications to be used in a competition.
Type of Dimensions
A bat is measured by its length, diameter and weight. Individual bats are chosen based on the batter's age, height, weight, strength and playing ability. A bat's weight is measured in ounces and is usually between 19 and 35 oz. The bat length is the entire size of the bat, in inches, from end to end. The diameter of the bat is measured at the thickest area of the bat and is published in inches.
High School Bats
The National Federation of State High School Associations, or NFHS, oversees high school athletics, including baseball. Wood, aluminum or composite bats can be used, provided they meet the listed criteria. A bat has to be no longer than 36 inches. The diameter at the thickest part is limited to 2 5/8 inches, except on single-piece wood bats, which can have a diameter up to 2 3/4 inches. A bat cannot weigh more than 3 oz. less than the length of the bat. For example, a 33-inch-long bat cannot be more than 30 oz.
Collegiate Bats
The National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, governs the rules of college athletics. Baseball at this level allows longer wood bats than high school play. A wood bat cannot be more than 2 3/4 inches in diameter nor more than 42 inches long. Any grip material cannot extend farther than 18 inches from the end of the handle. A nonwood bat cannot be more than 36 inches long with a diameter of no more than 2 5/8 inches. The bat cannot weight more than three units less than the length, as with a high school bat.
Major League Bats
Major League Baseball, or MLB, is the main professional league in the U.S. The MLB only uses wooden bats. A major league bat cannot be more than 42 inches long. The diameter at the thickest part of the bat cannot be more than 2 5/8 inches. No substance or material can extend more than 18 inches from the end of the bat handle.
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