Bowling is a recreational and competitive sport where players attempt to throw a bowling ball into as many pins as possible. First dated to ancient Egypt, bowling sets have been found in Egyptian tombs and graves. The most common type of bowling is 10 pin bowling, where players attempt to bowl the most successful throw, a strike, as many times as possible. Amongst professional bowlers, competitive leagues are created where individuals attempt to bowl more strikes as a collective group than their opponent teams. Commonly known for the culture of squeaky shoes and failed gutter balls, bowling continues to be an intensely popular sport.

How do you score bowling?

You score points by rolling the bowling ball down the lane and hitting any of the 10 pins, each pin is one point and the more you hit than more points you acquire. You could also not gain points by rolling the bowling ball into the gutters on the side of the bowling lane.

How long is a bowling lane?

Measuring from the foul line to the headpin: 60 feet (18.29 m) long and 42 inches (110 cm) wide not including the gutters on both sides. You also have 15 feet (4.57 m) of waiting/bowling surface before the foul line to prepare the next turn.

When was bowling invented?

A form of bowling can be traced back to 3200 BC in Egypt. A closer form of today’s game originated 2000 years about when roman soldiers were documented throwing rocks at larger skinnier rocks to see who could hit the most.

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Bowling Guides
Browse through our curated Bowling Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Bowling. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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4.5” | 11 cm (Diameter)
2.2-2.42 lb | 1-1.1 kg
Bowling Ball - Candlepin
11.000
1.100
70
https://p3d.in/e/OYuLR
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball - CandlepinView of a Candlepin Bowling Ball in 3D available for downloadView of a Candlepin Bowling Ball in 3D available for download
4.75”-5” | 12.1-12.7 cm (Diameter)
3.3-3.75 lb | 1.5-1.7 kg
Bowling Ball - Five-Pin & Duckpin
12.700
1.700
75
https://p3d.in/e/Kthod
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball - Five-Pin & DuckpinPerspective view of a 3D model of a Bowling Ball (Five-Pin & Duckpin)Perspective view of a 3D model of a Bowling Ball (Five-Pin & Duckpin)
8.595” | 21.83 cm (Diameter)
10-16 lb | 4.54-7.26 kg (Max)
Bowling Ball - Ten-Pin
21.830
7.260
40
https://p3d.in/e/iHChp
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball - Ten-Pin3D model of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball viewed in perspective3D model of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball viewed in perspective
34.5” | 87.5 cm
18” | 45.7 cm
9.1’ | 2.78 m
Bowling Ball Return
87.500
45.700
278.000
100
https://p3d.in/e/GhU0Q
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball Return3D perspective of a Bowling Ball Return available for download3D perspective of a Bowling Ball Return available for download
60” | 1.52 m (Overall)
60’ | 18.29 m (To Headpin)
440 ft² | 40.9 m² (Overall)
Bowling Lane
152.000
1829.000
40.90
2500
https://p3d.in/e/SJYBM
GUIDE
3D
Bowling LaneView of a Bowling Lane in 3D available for downloadView of a Bowling Lane in 3D available for download
11.68’ | 3.56 m (Overall)
60’ | 18.29 m (To Headpin)
954 ft² | 88.6 m² (Overall)
Bowling Lane - Ball Return
356.000
1829.000
88.60
3000
https://p3d.in/e/zYuF2
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Lane - Ball ReturnPerspective of a 3D model of a pair of Bowling Lanes with Ball ReturnPerspective of a 3D model of a pair of Bowling Lanes with Ball Return
15.75” | 40 cm
2.9375” | 74.6 mm (Diameter)
2.43 lb | 1.1 kg
Candlepin
40.000
7.470
1.100
300
https://p3d.in/e/vkLim
GUIDE
3D
Candlepin3D model of a Candlepin viewed in perspective3D model of a Candlepin viewed in perspective
15.75” | 40 cm
38.875” | 98.7 cm
34.125” | 86.7 cm
Candlepin Pin Deck
40.000
98.700
86.700
5
https://p3d.in/e/DPg9G
GUIDE
3D
Candlepin Pin DeckPerspective view of a 3D model of a Candlepin Pin DeckPerspective view of a 3D model of a Candlepin Pin Deck
6’0” | 1.83 m
February 25, 1970
Chris Barnes
183.000
1970.00
7200
GUIDE
3D
Chris Barnes
9.4” | 23.3 cm
4.125” | 104.8 mm (Diameter)
1.5 lb | .68 kg
Duckpin
23.300
10.480
0.680
9500
https://p3d.in/e/YRu6J
GUIDE
3D
DuckpinPerspective view of a 3D model of a DuckpinPerspective view of a 3D model of a Duckpin
9.4” | 23.3 cm
40.125” | 101.9 cm
35.25” | 89.5 cm
Duckpin Pin Deck
23.300
101.900
89.500
5
https://p3d.in/e/abff7
GUIDE
3D
Duckpin Pin DeckView of a Duckpin Pin Deck in 3D available for downloadView of a Duckpin Pin Deck in 3D available for download
6’1” | 1.85 m
April 27, 1938
Earl Anthony
185.000
1938.00
3200
GUIDE
3D
Earl Anthony
12.5” | 31.75 cm
5” | 127 mm (Overall Band)
2.45 lb | 1.11 kg (Overall Max)
Five-Pin Bowling Pin
31.750
12.700
1.110
30
https://p3d.in/e/y8NXg
GUIDE
3D
Five-Pin Bowling PinView of a Five-Pin Bowling Pin in 3D available for downloadView of a Five-Pin Bowling Pin in 3D available for download
12.5” | 31.75 cm
41” | 104.1 cm
36.25” | 92.1 cm
Five-Pin Pin Deck
31.750
104.100
92.100
5
https://p3d.in/e/zLmrb
GUIDE
3D
Five-Pin Pin Deck3D model of a Five-Pin Pin Deck viewed in perspective3D model of a Five-Pin Pin Deck viewed in perspective
5’5” | 1.65 m
March 25, 1964
Norm Duke
165.000
1964.00
2400
GUIDE
3D
Norm Duke
5’7” | 1.70 m
August 21, 1962
Pete Weber
170.000
1962.00
14000
GUIDE
3D
Pete Weber
15” | 38 cm
4.75” | 121 mm (Diameter)
3.3-3.5 lb | 1.5-1.6 kg
Ten-Pin Bowling Pin
38.000
12.100
1.600
20
https://p3d.in/e/FUmmv
GUIDE
3D
Ten-Pin Bowling Pin3D model of a Ten-Pin Bowling Pin viewed in perspective3D model of a Ten-Pin Bowling Pin viewed in perspective
15” | 38 cm
40.75” | 103.5 cm
35.875” | 91.1 cm
Ten-Pin Pin Deck
38.000
103.500
91.100
10
https://p3d.in/e/efNeN
GUIDE
3D
Ten-Pin Pin DeckPerspective view of a 3D model of a Ten-Pin Pin DeckPerspective view of a 3D model of a Ten-Pin Pin Deck
Bowling Ball - Ten-Pin
Group of scaled illustrations of various sporting balls compared to the Ten-Pin Bowling Ball

A Ten-Pin Bowling Ball is the most common and traditional ball used to play bowling. A Ten-Pin Bowling Ball usually has 3 finger holes used to place the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger. It has 3 main parts – an inner core, outer core, and outside cover and can be made from plastic, urethane, particle, or resin. Different surface materials can enhance the friction between the ball and the bowling lane. The Ten-pin Bowling Ball can be personalized and is available in different colors and designs. All aspects of the Ten-Pin Bowling Ball are regulated by The United States Bowling Congress. 

Ten-Pin Bowling Balls have a diameter of 8.595” (21.83 cm) and circumference of 27” (68.58 cm). The mass of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball is between 10-16 lb (4.54-7.26 kg).

Dimensioned elevation drawing of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball measured with diameter and circumference
A Ten-Pin Bowling Ball is the most common and traditional ball used to play bowling. A Ten-Pin Bowling Ball usually has 3 finger holes used to place the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger. It has 3 main parts – an inner and outer core, and outside cover and can be made of assorted materials.

Ten-Pin Bowling Balls have a diameter of 8.595” (21.83 cm) and circumference of 27” (68.58 cm). The mass of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball is between 10-16 lb (4.54-7.26 kg).

Dimensioned elevation drawing of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball measured with diameter and circumference
Bowling Ball - Ten-Pin
Height:
8.595” | 21.83 cm (Diameter)
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
10-16 lb | 4.54-7.26 kg (Max)
Area:

Circumference: 27” | 68.58 cm

Materials: Internal weight block; Plastic, urethane, resin, or particle coverstocks

Birthday

Drawings include:
Ten-Pin Bowling Ball Elevations (various)

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Duckpin Pin Deck
Size comparison diagram of the Duckpin Pin Deck compared to other bowling decks

Duckpin Pin Decks in Duckpin Bowling is the spacing between each of the Duckpins that creates an equilateral triangle formation. Duck Pin Spacing is the same as the more known Ten-Pin Bowling. Duckpin Pin Spacing is determined by the placement of the 4 rows of Duckpins in the triangle layout. Each side of the triangle has 4 Duckpins. The back row has 4 Duckpins, followed by 3 Duckpins, then 2 Duckpins, and the last row with the head pin. The head Duckpin marks the center of the width of the bowling lane. Any fallen Duckpin is removed once it is struck by the ball.

Duckpin Pin Decks have an overall width of 40.125” (101.9 cm) and depth of 35.25” (89.5 cm). The spacing between adjacent pins is 12" (30.48 cm).

Pair of drawings of a Duckpin Pin Deck showing dimensioned analysis of pin spacing, depth, and width
Duckpin Pin Decks in Duckpin Bowling is the spacing between each of the Duckpins that creates an equilateral triangle formation. Duck Pin Spacing is the same as the more known Ten-Pin Bowling. Duckpin Pin Spacing is determined by the placement of the 4 rows of Duckpins in the triangle layout.

Duckpin Pin Decks have an overall width of 40.125” (101.9 cm) and depth of 35.25” (89.5 cm). The spacing between adjacent pins is 12" (30.48 cm).

Pair of drawings of a Duckpin Pin Deck showing dimensioned analysis of pin spacing, depth, and width
Duckpin Pin Deck
Height:
9.4” | 23.3 cm
Width:
40.125” | 101.9 cm
Length:
Depth:
35.25” | 89.5 cm
Weight:
Area:

Adjacent Center to Center: 12” | 30.48 cm
Aligned Center to Center: 20.75” | 52.7 cm
Perimeter Center to Center: 36” | 91.44 cm


Birthday

Drawings include:
Duckpin Pin Deck front elevation, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Five-Pin Pin Deck
Group of scaled illustrations of various bowling decks compared to the Five-Pin Pin Deck

The Five-Pin Pin Deck in Five-Pin Bowling is the spacing between the 5 pins that create its ‘V’ formation and layout. Every pin has a heavy rubber band around its middle section that causes them to move further when struck by the Five-Pin Bowling Ball. Each of the 5 pins is worth a different scoring point value.

The headpin at the center is worth 5 points, the pins at both sides are worth 3 points each, and the pins at the ends are worth 2 points each. Together the five pins have a worth of 15 points in each frame.

Five-Pin Pin Decks have an overall width of 41” (104.1 cm) and depth of 36.25” (92.1 cm). The spacing between adjacent Five-Pin pins is 18” (45.7 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of a Five-Pin Pin Deck measured with height, width, depth, and spacing
The Five-Pin Pin Deck in Five-Pin Bowling is the spacing between the 5 pins that create its ‘V’ formation and layout. Every pin has a heavy rubber band around its middle section that causes them to move further when struck by the Five-Pin Bowling Ball.

Five-Pin Pin Decks have an overall width of 41” (104.1 cm) and depth of 36.25” (92.1 cm). The spacing between adjacent Five-Pin pins is 18” (45.7 cm).

Dimensioned drawings of a Five-Pin Pin Deck measured with height, width, depth, and spacing
Five-Pin Pin Deck
Height:
12.5” | 31.75 cm
Width:
41” | 104.1 cm
Length:
Depth:
36.25” | 92.1 cm
Weight:
Area:

Adjacent Center to Center: 18” | 45.7 cm

Perimeter Center to Center: 36” | 91.44 cm


Birthday

Drawings include:
Five-Pin Pin Deck front elevation, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Five-Pin Bowling Pin
Group of scaled illustrations of various bowling pins compared to the Five-Pin Bowling Pin

The Five-Pin Bowling Pin in Five-Pin Bowling has a heavy rubber band around its middle section that causes them to move further when struck by the Five-Pin Bowling Ball. Each of the 5 pins is worth a different scoring point value. The headpin at the center is worth 5 points, the pins at both sides are worth 3 points each, and the pins at the ends are worth 2 points each. Together the five pins have a worth of 15 points in each frame.

Five-Pin Bowling Pins have an overall diameter of 5” (127 mm), base diameter of 1.625” (41.3 mm), and height of 12.5” (31.75 cm). The mass of a Five-Pin Bowling Pin is regulated at a maximum of 2.45 lb (1.11 kg).

Elevation drawings of a Five-Pin Bowling Pin showing dimensioned analysis of their height and diameter
The Five-Pin Bowling Pin in Five-Pin Bowling has a heavy rubber band around its middle section that causes them to move further when struck by the Five-Pin Bowling Ball. Each of the 5 pins is worth a different scoring point value. Together the five pins have a worth of 15 points in each frame.

Five-Pin Bowling Pins have an overall diameter of 5” (127 mm), base diameter of 1.625” (41.3 mm), and height of 12.5” (31.75 cm). The mass of a Five-Pin Bowling Pin is regulated at a maximum of 2.45 lb (1.11 kg).

Elevation drawings of a Five-Pin Bowling Pin showing dimensioned analysis of their height and diameter
Five-Pin Bowling Pin
Height:
12.5” | 31.75 cm
Width:
5” | 127 mm (Overall Band)
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
2.45 lb | 1.11 kg (Overall Max)
Area:

Pin Diameter: 4.1875” | 106.36 mm

Base Diameter: 1.625” | 41.3 mm
Band Thickness: 1” | 25.4 mm
Band Weight: 5.5 oz | .16 kg

Materials: Hard maple wood; rubber band

Birthday

Drawings include:
Five-Pin Bowling Pin front elevation, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

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Candlepin
Scaled comparison drawings of the Candlepin and other bowling pins

A Candlepin is the type of pin used in Candlepin Bowling and is the target at which the bowling ball is directed at during a game. The Candlepin was named after its candle-like appearance. A Candlepin has an almost cylindrical shape that slightly tapers at each end. Unlike other standard bowling pins, they are vertically symmetrical and can be placed on either of its ends. It is also taller than a standard Duckpin or Ten-Pin Bowling Pin.  A Candlepin is able to produce a billiard ball like sound when struck by a bowling ball. Typically, a Candlepin is almost the same weight as a Candlepin bowling ball.

Candlepins have an overall diameter of 2.9375” (74.6 mm); base diameter of 2.125” (54 mm)
, and height of 15.75” (40 cm). The mass of a Candlepin is regulated at 2.43 lb (1.1 kg).

Dimensioned elevation drawings of a Candlepin measured with height and diameters
A Candlepin is the type of pin used in Candlepin Bowling and is the target at which the bowling ball is directed at during a game. The Candlepin was named after its candle-like appearance. A Candlepin has an almost cylindrical shape that slightly tapers at each end.

Candlepins have an overall diameter of 2.9375” (74.6 mm); base diameter of 2.125” (54 mm)
, and height of 15.75” (40 cm). The mass of a Candlepin is regulated at 2.43 lb (1.1 kg).

Dimensioned elevation drawings of a Candlepin measured with height and diameters
Candlepin
Height:
15.75” | 40 cm
Width:
2.9375” | 74.6 mm (Diameter)
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
2.43 lb | 1.1 kg
Area:

Base Diameter: 2.125” | 54 mm

Materials: Hard maple wood; plastic coated finish

Birthday

Drawings include:
Candlepin front elevation, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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