What color is the 3 ball?
The 3 ball is red in the traditional WPA pool-ball color scheme. A traditional American pool set has one white cue ball and fifteen numbered object balls. Balls 1–8 are solids: 1 yellow, 2 blue, 3 red, 4 purple, 5 orange, 6 green, 7 maroon and 8 black. Balls 9–15 are white with matching colored bands: 9 yellow, 10 blue, 11 red, 12 purple, 13 orange, 14 green and 15 maroon. TV-color and branded sets can use a different palette, so match the model code before ordering a replacement ball.
How are solids and stripes used in 8-ball?
Eight-ball uses all fifteen object balls. The seven lower-numbered colored balls form the solids group, the seven higher-numbered banded balls form the stripes group, and the black 8-ball is the game ball. Current WPA rules define the rack and how groups are chosen; venue rules should be stated separately when they differ.
Which balls are used in 9-ball?
Nine-ball uses balls 1 through 9 rather than a separate nine-ball color system. The balls are racked in a diamond with the 1-ball at the apex and the 9-ball in the middle. Confirm that a replacement ball matches the set's diameter, weight, material, finish and visual palette before mixing it into play.
Why can TV colors look different?
Some television or high-visibility sets change selected hues to improve contrast on camera and cloth. Do not assume that every purple, pink, tan or light-blue ball identifies the same model. Compare the manufacturer's model code and complete color chart, especially when ordering replacement balls for an existing set.
Do pool, English pool and snooker use the same set?
No. American pool commonly uses numbered solids and stripes; English pool sets can use red and yellow groups; snooker uses a cue ball, reds and six colored balls with a different scoring system. Match the discipline, ball diameter, table and pocket system instead of choosing only by appearance.
Wholesale buyer checklist
State the game, exact diameter, complete ball count, traditional or TV-color format, material claim, cue-ball type, replacement-ball requirement, box or case, branding, quantity and destination. Ask for one approved sample set and a written packing list before a club rollout or wholesale order.
What to include in your RFQ
For a comparable quotation, send the target billiard discipline or table model, destination country, expected order quantity, intended venue, required customization and preferred delivery window. Ask the supplier to separate the standard scope, optional items, spare parts, export packing and installation support.
Traditional pool ball color chart
| Solid ball | Traditional color | Matching stripe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow | 9 — yellow band |
| 2 | Blue | 10 — blue band |
| 3 | Red | 11 — red band |
| 4 | Purple | 12 — purple band |
| 5 | Orange | 13 — orange band |
| 6 | Green | 14 — green band |
| 7 | Maroon / burgundy | 15 — maroon band |
| 8 | Black | No matching stripe |
Sources and buyer discussions reviewed
This guide is original factory-side guidance informed by official resources and recurring buyer questions. External links are provided for verification and context; they are not endorsements of Sundays Billiards.
Need a product recommendation?
Include the model or product type, quantity and destination. We’ll reply with the specification questions needed for a comparable quote.
Request a quote