Are billiard balls different to snooker balls?

Answer 1

The correct answer is "maybe". The original game of billiards refers to English Billiards and this is nothing like pool. English billiards uses balls that are 52.5mm (2-1/16 inches) in diameter. The Carom Billiards games, such as Three Cushion, is also nothing like pool. Carom billiard games use balls that are 61.5mm (2-7/16 inches) in diameter. Both English and carom billiard ball sets use 3 balls: a white one, a red one, and another white one with a spot on it (sometimes substituted with a yellow ball).

However, the term billiards today nearly always refers to the Pocket Billiards games, most likely 9 Ball or 8 Ball. These are also referred to as pool games and all use the same balls. These balls are 57.15mm (2-1/4 inches) in diameter. There are 15 numbered balls and a white cue ball in a typical set.

Answer 2

Sometimes. In coin operated pool tables the cue ball must be "different" in order for it to be returned to play and not captured as the numbered balls are. The original method for this was making a slightly larger cue ball. Today, most coin operated tables use a cue ball with a metal center that is the same size as all other balls on the table. The magnet is used to return the cue ball to the player.

Answer 3

Yes, they are different sizes although they are typically made of the same material.

Billiard balls (carom billiards) are 61.5mm diameter.

Pool balls (pocket billiards) are 57.15mm diameter.

Snooker balls are 52.5mm diameter, although this can depend on where they are manufactured.

Answer 4

No. Pool balls are larger.

Standard pool balls are 57.2 mm and snooker balls 52.5 mm in diameter.