Bat Weight Differentials Explained

Almost all Baseball, Softball and T-Ball bats have a weight to length differential with a few exceptions.

The differential is a way to determine the length to weight ratio of the bat and is usually referred to as the drop or minus number, e.g. drop 3 or minus 3 (-3). The higher the number the lighter the bat is in relation to the length.

These numbers are all marked on the bat and relate to the length in inches minus the weight on ounces.

Examples:

• A 33 Inch bat weighing 30 ounces is a drop 3 bat or -3.
• A 30 inch bat weighing 20 ounces is a drop 10 bat or -10

For baseball bats the general differentials available are -3, -5, -8, -10, -11 and -12. Softball bats are -8, -9, -10, -10, -11, up to -13.5 and T-Ball bats -10, -11, -13 and -13. These numbers are all marked on the end of the barrel and the length and weight is usually found on the barrel and on the knob of the bat.

The key to deciding what differential to use depends on the players ability, you generally want the heaviest bat possible whilst generating good bat speed and that is governed by physical ability and experience.

Most baseball leagues will publish bat size and weight restrictions applicable to the various ages of the competitions the run in order to provide a safe environment for all players. Younger age groups are allowed to swing shorter and lighter bats whilst senior and adult competitions require heavier and longer bats.

Exceptions

Wood bats do not usually have differentials stamped on them due to the variable nature of wood but generally run around -1 or -2. There are some bats that are made to specific weights. Players will sometimes weigh a wood bat to find out how heavy it is, this is more popular with players from Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

**Due to manufacturing tolerances, certification calculations and standards, or added materials such as grip tape or decals, drop is not intended to and should not be relied upon to calculate the actual weight of bats.