Short answer: A snooker cue has a smaller tip (9 to 10 mm), an ash shaft and a brass ferrule, for 52.5 mm balls. An American pool cue has a 12 to 13 mm tip and thicker maple or carbon shaft for 2 1/4in balls. Australian pub pool sits closer to snooker.
By Andy Gibson · Updated 19 October 2026
What is the difference between a snooker cue and a pool cue?
The tip, the shaft and the ferrule change most, and all three follow the size of the balls. Snooker balls are 52.5 mm under the WPBSA rules. American pool balls are 2 1/4in (57.15 mm) under the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) specification. The English-style eight ball played on most Australian pub and club tables uses 2in (50.8 mm) balls, smaller than both.
| Spec | Snooker cue | English-style pool cue | American pool cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balls it is built for | 52.5 mm snooker balls | 2in (50.8 mm) pool balls | 2 1/4in (57.15 mm) pool balls |
| Tip diameter | 9 to 10 mm | 8 to 10 mm | 12 to 13 mm |
| Shaft | Ash, slim taper | Ash or maple | Maple or carbon, thicker |
| Ferrule | Brass | Brass or chrome | Wider, to match the shaft; stainless steel on some carbon cues |
| Length | Usually 57in, extension fitted to the butt | Usually 57in | Usually 58in |
| Joint | 3/4 split, 50/50 two-piece or one-piece | Two-piece or one-piece | Centre joint, often quick release |
| Example in our range | Diamond Centenary | Formula Sports High Performance | Powerglide Emanate (13 mm) |
Why do snooker cues have smaller tips?
Because snooker balls are smaller and the game asks for finer control. A 9 to 10 mm tip gives a small contact patch, so you can place side and screw more precisely on a 52.5 mm ball. Snooker cues in our range, such as the Mitchell World Champion, the Diamond Centenary and the Powerglide Swerve, are fitted with 9.5 mm tips.
An American pool cue strikes a larger, heavier ball, and the wider 12 to 13 mm tip and thicker shaft suit that. The rules allow plenty of room either way: the WPA sets a maximum tip width of 14 mm for pool, and the WPBSA rules only require a snooker cue to be at least 914 mm (3 ft) long and of traditional shape.
Why are snooker cues made of ash and American pool cues of maple?
Ash has an open grain with arrowhead markings along the shaft, and snooker players line the grain up and sight along it. Better ash cues match the grain across the joint so the line runs unbroken, as on the Formula Sports High Performance.
Maple is pale and close-grained with no feathering, and it stays smooth under the closed bridge many American pool players use. The Dufferin Dot is a maple cue in our range. Carbon fibre shafts are now common in American pool too: the Grafex Gladiator comes with a 12.5 mm tip for American balls or a 9 mm tip for English-style play.
Our guide to checking a cue is straight covers how each material handles heat and moisture.
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What is a ferrule, and why is a snooker ferrule brass?
The ferrule is the short collar at the end of the shaft that the tip is glued to. It protects the timber from splitting on impact. Snooker cues traditionally use a slim brass ferrule, which suits the narrow shaft and small tip: the Powerglide Paramount and Swerve both carry a brass ferrule behind a 9.5 mm tip. American pool cues use a wider ferrule to match the thicker shaft, and some carbon cues use steel: the Powerglide Emanate has a stainless steel ferrule.
Are snooker cues and pool cues the same length and weight?
Length is similar. Most snooker cues are 57in and take an extension in the butt for long shots. American pool cues are usually 58in, like the Palko Warrior and Grafex Gladiator. Taller players can go longer: the Formula Sports GCE is 60in. See all 57in, 58in and 60in and over cues.
Weight overlaps more than people expect. Snooker cues are commonly 16 to 19 oz: the Diamond Centenary is made between 16 and 18 oz, and the Powerglide Swerve in 18 or 19 oz. American pool cues usually run 18 to 21 oz, and the WPA allows up to 25 oz. Weight is a matter of feel more than game: choose what lets you keep a smooth, straight delivery.
Why do snooker cues come in 3/4 split?
A 3/4 split puts the joint low in the butt rather than at the midpoint. The shaft runs unbroken through the bridge hand, so the cue plays close to a one-piece but still breaks down to fit a case. Most serious snooker players settle on it. American pool cues are nearly always jointed in the centre, often with a quick-release joint for fast assembly. See 3/4 split cues and two-piece cues.
Can you use a snooker cue for pool?
Yes, and in Australia most people do. The English-style eight ball on pub and club tables uses 2in balls, smaller than snooker balls, so a 9 to 10 mm snooker-style ash cue is the normal choice. Some players go smaller still: the Pot Black Blue Viper has an 8 mm tip.
On an American table with 2 1/4in balls, a snooker cue works but feels light at the tip end, and the small tip makes a large ball harder to control on firm shots. A 12 to 13 mm cue is the better tool there. The reverse also holds: a 13 mm American cue on 52.5 mm snooker balls gives up the fine placement of side that snooker needs.
Which cue should you buy?
| If you mostly play… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Snooker on a full-size table | 9 to 9.5 mm ash, ideally 3/4 split | Small tip for side and screw; unbroken shaft |
| Eight ball on a pub or home table (2in balls) | 9 to 9.5 mm or 10 mm ash or maple | Tip matched to the smaller ball |
| American pool (2 1/4in balls) | 12 to 12.5 mm or 13 mm, maple or carbon | Wider tip and stiffer shaft for larger balls |
| A mix of tables | 10 mm cue, or a carbon cue in the tip size of your main game | 10 mm sits between the two; carbon shrugs off travel |
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Frequently asked questions
What tip size is a snooker cue?
Usually 9 to 10 mm, with 9.5 mm the most common. American pool cues are usually 12 to 13 mm.
Can I use a pool cue on a snooker table?
A 9 to 10 mm pool cue plays snooker well. A 12 to 13 mm American cue works, but the wide tip makes it harder to place side precisely on 52.5 mm balls.
What cue do Australian pub tables need?
Most pub and club tables play English-style eight ball with 2in balls, so a 9 to 10 mm ash or maple cue suits them.
Are snooker cues heavier than pool cues?
No, usually slightly lighter. Snooker cues are commonly 16 to 19 oz; American pool cues usually 18 to 21 oz.
Why is a snooker cue ferrule brass?
It's the traditional material for the slim shaft and small tip of a snooker cue. The ferrule protects the end of the shaft from splitting on impact.
Is a 3/4 split cue only for snooker?
No, but snooker players use it most. The low joint keeps the shaft unbroken through the bridge, and the cue still fits a case.
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