How Much Does A Bat Weigh? All You Need To Know And More!

By Alexis
Last Updated on

Having a hard time finding the right baseball bat for yourself? Well if you want to get that perfect swing that would get you a home run, I suggest you read on. In this short article, I will share with you everything you need to know like how much does a bat weighs and how you could use a baseball bat weight chart to find the right one for yourself.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

bryce harper bat model

How Much Does A Baseball Bat Weigh?

For you to find out how much does a baseball bat weigh, you must first get familiar with the different kinds of bats used in baseball. As of today, you will find five kinds of baseball bats including one-piece baseball bats, two-piece bats, alloy, composite, and hybrid bats.

Each and every one of these bats is made with different materials such as wood and metal. Solid wood bats tend to be heavier and hollow metal bats tend to be a lot lighter.

As MLB(Major League Baseball) bat regulations require, no baseball bat weighs less than 32 ounces or 2 pounds. In fact, the smallest bats in MLB are actually 2 pounds in weight. Heavy bats, on the other hand, can weigh as much as 54 ounces or 3.4 pounds.

babe ruth's baseball bat
Hmm… did Babe Ruth name his baseball bat? It seems like it from this picture!

But today, no MLB player uses a baseball bat as heavy as the Babe Ruth’s hickory bat. Even the big-sized bat that Bryce Harper uses is only a little over 35 ounces. Now not all baseball bats that are available in the market are made for MLB, this means that not all bats fall under the weight range of the bats used in MLB. Composite bats for one can be as light as 18 ounces or around 1 pound.

Why Is It Important To Use A Bat With The Right Weight?

If you are familiar with Major League Baseball players, you will find that all players use baseball bats of different lengths. Why? Because the weight of a bat directly corresponds to its overall length. So why does the weight of a baseball bat matter? If you have perfect accuracy and can hit the ball straight every time, why do you still have to choose the appropriate bat weight for yourself?

A player’s accuracy and strength aren’t the only things that matter when it comes to making the perfect swing. In fact, the weight and length of the bat are what matters the most because it lets the players practice their hitting skills, stance, and swing speed.

How long of a baseball bat do I need?
How do you size a baseball bat?

Getting yourself a lighter bat will allow you to swing it faster and much more easier than if you use a heavier bat. On the other hand, using a heavier bat will allow you to generate more power for your swing. This is why it is highly recommended that you choose a bat that comes with a weight that’s specifically for your body type. Overall, just choose a bat that feels easy to control.

Just keep in mind the different pros and cons that come to effect because of a bat’s weight. Also, take note that the heavier a baseball bat is, the easier it will be for you to drive the ball with a lot of power from your hit.

How To Choose The Right Bat For Yourself

Now that you are aware of the importance of a bat’s weight, let us now dive into how you could find the perfect baseball bat for yourself. So how do you do it? Do you simply take a bat and practice a couple of swings with it? Well yes, you can try that but I will tell you, it will take you a lot of time.

One quick and nearly surefire way for you to find the perfect bat for yourself, you will have to first find out your weight and height. The length of a baseball bat can range from 27 up to 34 inches, whereas every kind is measured to be the best one for a certain weight and height.

Look at this video to learn how to choose a bat:

27-inch baseball bats are best used by children who weigh less than 100 pounds and who are less than 3 feet and 8 inches tall. 28-inch baseball bats, on the other hand, are ideal for kids who weigh 101 to 150 pounds and are less than 4 feet tall.

If you wish to use a 29-inch bat, you should weigh no more than 180 pounds and should be no more than 5 feet and 4 inches tall. As for 30-inch bats, you should weigh at least 61 pounds and should have a height no taller than 5 feet and 8 inches to achieve the best swing.

As for bats that are more than 30 inches in length, you should be at least 3 feet and 9 inches tall for you to be able to maneuver the bat with ease. A 31-inch bat is ideal for someone who is around 4 feet tall and weighs at least 80 pounds. 32-inch bats, on the other hand, are perfect for people who are around 5 feet tall and are at least 81 pounds.

how to determine baseball bat length

This chart should answer your question on “How to determine baseball bat length?”

When it comes to 33-inch baseball bats, you must weigh at least 121 pounds and you must have a height of 5 feet and above to get the best swing. Lastly, the longest bat at 34 inches is made perfect for people who weigh above 180 pounds and are at least 5 feet and 9 inches in height.

Do take note that even though I have laid out the specifics of baseball bat lengths that are appropriate for one’s weight and height, these numbers are still only light recommendations. You may find a baseball bat that’s not suggested for your weight and height to be highly comfortable for you to use.

If anything, these numbers should only serve as a guide for you to get one step closer to finding the right baseball bat for yourself. So what I suggest is you try at least three kinds of baseball bats including one with the perfect length suggested for your height and weight, and two more that are around an inch shorter or longer than what’s recommended for you.

A Quick Recap

Well, there you have it! A short guide on how much does a bat weigh.

Just to give you a quick recap:

  • Baseball bat’s weight depends on its length and material
  • Baseball bats used in Major League Baseball can be as light as 2 pounds or as heavy as 3.4 pounds
  • Measure your height and weight first to identify the perfect bat length for you

Lastly, do not forget about the different pros and cons that can affect your swing when you choose a light or heavy bat:

  • Remember, the lighter the bat, the easier it is to swing and control.
  • The heavier the bat, the more power it can give you for your swing.

If you have any questions, just leave a comment down below. I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. If you want to know about more baseball facts, tips, and product reviews, just stay around. Thank you!

Updated on

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AUTHOR
Alexis
Alexis has been playing baseball since he was around 10. He is a 2020 high school graduate that currently trying to achieve his dream of becoming a professional baseball player.