Short answer: Most pool cues weigh 18 to 21 oz (510 to 595 g); snooker and English-style cues sit lighter. Match the tip to the balls: 9 to 10 mm for snooker and English-style pool, 12.5 to 13 mm for American pool. Standard length is 145 cm (57 in).
By Andy Gibson · Updated 18 October 2026
Pool cue weight guide: how heavy should a cue be?
Cue weights are quoted in ounces. Here is what the common weights mean in grams and where you'll see them:
| Weight | Grams | Where you'll see it |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 18 oz | 454 to 510 g | Snooker and English-style pool cues, which usually sit at the lighter end |
| 18 oz | 510 g | The middle of the standard range; the Formula Sports GCE is 18 oz |
| 18 to 21 oz | 510 to 595 g | Most pool playing cues, according to McDermott, made in half-ounce steps |
| 25 oz | 709 g | The maximum the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) allows; there is no minimum |
Manufacturing tolerance means two cues sold at the same weight can differ slightly. McDermott quotes about a quarter of an ounce (7 g) either way on its cues.
Does cue weight matter?
It changes how the cue feels in your stroke more than what it can do. A heavier cue carries more momentum at the same arm speed; a lighter cue is easier to move slowly and precisely. Neither is better. The right weight is the one at which your stroke stays straight and relaxed through the ball.
If you're starting out, choose the middle of the range, around 18 to 19 oz, and adjust once your stroke has settled. Our cue straightness guide also matters here: a light, straight cue plays better than a heavy, warped one.
Can you change a cue's weight?
On many pool cues, yes. Cues built with a weight bolt in the butt can be made heavier or lighter by swapping the bolt; McDermott shows a one-ounce bolt moving a cue from about 18.8 to 19.8 oz. The Grafex Supreme uses the Grafex Multi-Weight System to set the cue between 16 and 18 oz, or 21 oz in its heavier setting.
Supreme - 2-Piece Multi Weight Graphite Cue
Choose your option
Choose your option
What size tip should a cue have?
The tip is matched to the size of the balls. Pool in Australia is played with several ball sizes, so check the table you play on most:
| Game | Ball size | Usual tip | Shop by tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| English-style pool | 2 in (50.8 mm); cue ball often 1 7/8 in (47.6 mm) | 8 to 10 mm | 8 to 8.5 mm, 9 to 9.5 mm |
| Snooker | 52.5 mm (WPBSA rules) | 9 to 10 mm | 9 to 9.5 mm, 10 to 10.5 mm |
| American pool | 2 1/4 in (57.2 mm) | 12.5 to 13 mm | 12 to 12.5 mm, 13 to 14 mm |
The WPA allows tips up to 14 mm, with no minimum. A tip much smaller than the ball calls for a more accurate strike: the 8 mm tip on the Pot Black Blue Viper gives a very small contact patch, precise for placing side, and suits a player working on cue delivery. A larger tip puts more leather on a larger, heavier ball, which is why American pool cues carry 12.5 to 13 mm.
Several cues in our range come in two tip sizes so you can match your table: the Palko Warrior (9.5 or 11.8 mm), the Grafex Gladiator (9 or 12.5 mm) and the Powerglide Emanate (10 or 13 mm).
Screw-in, glue-on and travel tips
- Screw-in: replaced by unscrewing it, with no glue or clamp. Common on club and junior cues such as the Formula Sports Edge.
- Glue-on: the standard on better cues; replaced by re-tipping. Spare tips from Taom, Kamui and others are in our cue tips range.
- Travel tips: some cues, including the Grafex and Palko ranges, ship with a travel tip that protects the cue in transit. It isn't a playing tip and must be replaced before first use.
Choose your option
Choose your option
Choose your option
What length cue do I need?
For most adults, 145 cm (57 in), the standard length and the one most of our cues are made in. The rules set only minimums: 914 mm (3 ft) for snooker under the WPBSA rules, and 40 in (1,016 mm) for pool under the WPA specifications.
| Length | Centimetres | Who it suits | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 to 48 in | 91 to 122 cm | Children; shots against a wall | 36 to 48-inch cues |
| 52 to 55 in | 132 to 140 cm | Younger players; tables with restricted space | 52 to 55-inch cues |
| 57 in | 145 cm | Most adult players | 57-inch cues |
| 58 in | 147 cm | Taller players; common on carbon and graphite cues | 58-inch cues |
| 60 in and over | 152 cm and over | Taller players; long reaches on large tables | 60-inch and over cues |
A cue that is too long for a child can't be drawn back without the back hand coming off the butt, which is how a poor stroke gets learned early. The Formula Sports Rumpus comes in 36 and 48 in, and the Dufferin Hi Run in 42, 48, 54 and 57 in, so the cue can grow with the player.
A taller player's bridge naturally sits further from the ball. The Formula Sports GCE is 60 in, three inches longer than standard.
Choose your option
Choose your option
Choose your option
Short room, or a long shot?
If a wall or pillar sits close to one end of the table, a full-length cue can't be drawn back on some shots. The Formula Sports 4-Piece Adjustable assembles to 44, 49, 52 or 57 in; its multi-jointed build means the assembled cue may not sit perfectly straight. For the opposite problem, a shot stretched over the table, an extension fits the butt and adds length without a second cue. The Formula Sports High Performance comes with a 6 in (15 cm) extension.
Which weight, tip and length should I choose?
| Player | Weight | Tip | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult, English-style pool table | About 18 oz | 9 to 10 mm | 57 in |
| Adult, snooker | 16 to 18 oz | 9 to 10 mm | 57 to 58 in |
| Adult, American pool | 18 to 21 oz | 12.5 to 13 mm | 57 to 58 in |
| Taller player | About 18 oz | To suit the balls | 58 to 60 in |
| Child | Set by the shorter cue; no need to choose | To suit the balls | 36 to 48 in |
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard weight of a pool cue?
Most pool cues are made between 18 and 21 oz (510 to 595 g). Snooker and English-style cues usually sit a little lighter.
Is a heavier cue better?
No. A heavier cue carries more momentum at the same arm speed; a lighter one is easier to control at low speed. Choose the weight at which your stroke stays straight.
What weight cue should a beginner use?
Around 18 to 19 oz, the middle of the range. Adjust once your stroke has settled.
What tip size is best for 2 inch balls?
8 to 10 mm, with 9 mm a common choice on 2 in English-style balls.
What tip size do American pool cues use?
12.5 to 13 mm, to suit 2 1/4 in (57.2 mm) balls. The WPA maximum is 14 mm.
How long is a standard pool cue?
57 in (145 cm). 58 in is also common, and taller players often use 58 to 60 in.
What length cue does a child need?
Usually 36 to 48 in, short enough to draw back without the back hand leaving the butt.
Related guides
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