Cocaine, one of the most notorious stimulants in the world, is often discussed in coded street slang. Among the most commonly used terms is the “8 ball.” But what does an 8 ball of coke actually mean, how much does it weigh, what does it look like, and why is it so dangerous? In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know.

What Is an 8 Ball of Cocaine?

An 8 ball of cocaine refers to 1/8 of an ounce, which is equal to 3.5 grams. The term “8 ball” is derived from this measurement and is used widely in drug culture as shorthand. You may hear variations like “eight ball of cocaine,” “8 ball coke,” or simply “ball of coke.”

This quantity is commonly bought and sold due to its manageable size and potent dose. It’s enough to be considered a significant personal stash but not quite large enough to trigger major trafficking charges in most jurisdictions.

How Many Grams Are in an 8 Ball?

There are 3.5 grams in an 8 ball of cocaine. This is a standardized measurement:

• 1 ounce of cocaine = 28 grams
  
  
• 3.5 grams = 1/8 of an ounce
  
  
• Therefore, 8 balls make up a full ounce
  
  

Users often ask: “how many grams in a ball of coke?” or “how many grams is an 8ball?” The answer remains the same: 3.5 grams. Some also refer to this as “half of a 7,” or simply “three and a half.”

What Does an 8 Ball of Coke Look Like?

An 8 ball of cocaine usually appears as a small, white powdery clump or compacted bag of crystals. It’s often wrapped in plastic, foil, or a corner of a ziplock baggie. Street versions can vary due to how the cocaine has been cut—common adulterants include baking soda, lidocaine, caffeine, or even fentanyl.

You might also hear someone ask: “what does a gram of coke look like?” or “what does an 8 ball of cocaine look like?” Visually, a gram of coke is a small pile, but an 8 ball is enough to make dozens of lines or multiple doses depending on use.

How Much Is an 8 Ball of Cocaine?

The price of an 8 ball depends heavily on location, purity, and availability. On average in the U.S., an 8 ball of coke might cost anywhere from $120 to $300.

Factors that influence the cost:

• Purity (higher purity = higher cost)
  
  
• Geographic region (urban areas often have cheaper prices)
  
  
• Demand and supply fluctuations
  
  

Common queries include: “how much is an 8 ball of coke?”, “how much does an 8 ball weigh?”, or “what is the street price of an 8 ball?” All stem from this standard unit of cocaine.

Why Is It Called an 8 Ball?

The slang term “8 ball” comes from pool, where the black 8 ball is the last and most critical ball in the game. In drug terminology, it became associated with 1/8th of an ounce.

Slang variations include:

• “8 ball of coke”
  
  
• “eight ball drugs”
  
  
• “8ball drug”
  
  
• “eight ball cocaine”
  
  

The use of coded language like “8 ball” is often designed to evade law enforcement or make illicit activity sound casual.

How Many 8 Balls Are in an Ounce?

If you’re wondering “how many 8 balls are in an ounce of cocaine?”, the answer is straightforward:

• 1 ounce = 28 grams
  
  
• 3.5 grams = 1 eight ball
  
  
• Therefore, there are exactly 8 eight balls in one ounce of cocaine
  
  

In larger quantities, the term extends to pounds and kilos:

• 16 ounces in a pound = 128 balls per pound
  
  
• 1 kilo = 1000 grams = 285+ 8 balls
  
  

Effects and Dangers of Using an 8 Ball

Using an entire 8 ball of cocaine—or even a portion—can be extremely dangerous. Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that affects your dopamine levels, creating a euphoric high that can quickly lead to addiction.

Short-term effects:

• Euphoria and confidence
  
  
• Increased heart rate and energy
  
  
• Dilated pupils
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  

Long-term effects or high doses (e.g., full 8 ball):

• Cardiovascular damage
  
  
• Paranoia and hallucinations
  
  
• Stroke or heart attack
  
  
• Sudden death from overdose
  
  

Some users mistakenly believe they can handle an 8 ball in one session, but the risk of fatal overdose is high—especially if the cocaine is laced with fentanyl or other potent substances.

Why Do People Use 8 Balls Instead of Smaller Amounts?

Some users consider 3.5 grams to be a more economical or effective purchase:

• “Party size”: often shared across multiple people
  
  
• Dealer minimums: smaller amounts (e.g., a gram) may be harder to acquire
  
  
• Perceived value: more lines or bumps per dollar
  
  

Unfortunately, this also makes it easy to binge, putting users at higher risk of cocaine addiction and long-term dependency.

Getting Help for Cocaine Addiction

If you or someone you love is using 8 balls of cocaine or experiencing dependency on coke, it’s important to seek help.

Asana Recovery offers:

• Medically supervised detox
  
  
• Inpatient and outpatient cocaine rehab
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  
  
• Dual diagnosis treatment
  
  

You don’t have to wait for an overdose or a rock bottom moment to change. Help is available now. Call us or reach out through our contact form to begin your recovery journey.

Ready to Break Free from Cocaine Use? Asana Recovery Can Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with cocaine addiction—whether it’s recreational use or frequent 8 ball binges—Asana Recovery offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your needs. Our team understands the grip that substances like cocaine can have and how hard it is to stop once dependency sets in. With medically supervised detox, personalized therapy, and ongoing support, we help individuals take back control of their lives in a safe, supportive environment. Don’t let a drug like cocaine define your future. Contact Asana Recovery today to start your journey toward healing and long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About 8 Ball Cocaine

What is an 8 ball of cocaine?

An 8 ball of cocaine is a common street term referring to 3.5 grams of cocaine, which equals one-eighth of an ounce. The phrase “8 ball” is often used as slang for cocaine, and it represents a standard quantity sold or consumed in illicit drug transactions. This term can also apply to other substances, like meth or crack, when sold in similar quantities.

How many grams are in an 8 ball?

An 8 ball contains 3.5 grams of cocaine. This amount is one-eighth (1/8) of an ounce—hence the name. Many people search “how many grams in an 8 ball” or “how many grams is an 8ball of cocaine” because the term is widely used but not often explained clearly.

What does an 8 ball of coke look like?

An 8 ball of coke typically appears as a small, tightly packed ball or baggie of white powder, often stored in plastic wrap or foil. The actual appearance of an eight ball of cocaine may vary slightly depending on its purity and what it has been cut with (such as baking soda or local anesthetics). Users often ask: “what does an 8 ball of cocaine look like?” or “how big is an 8 ball of coke?”—and the answer is that it’s compact, about the size of a golf ball or smaller.

Why is it called an 8 ball?

It’s called an 8 ball because it weighs one-eighth of an ounce, which equals 3.5 grams. The term has become part of drug slang, especially when referring to cocaine or crack cocaine. Searches like “why is it called an 8 ball” or “what is an 8 ball slang” are popular because people associate it with both drug culture and billiards.

How much does an 8 ball of cocaine cost?

The price of an 8 ball of cocaine can range widely depending on location, purity, and availability. On average in the U.S., it might cost anywhere from $120 to $300. Users often ask “how much is an 8 ball of coke” or “what is the street price of an 8 ball” when trying to understand its value on the black market.

How many 8 balls are in an ounce?

There are eight 8 balls in one ounce of cocaine. Since each 8 ball is 3.5 grams and there are approximately 28 grams in an ounce, this math checks out. This question appears in searches like “how many 8 balls in an ounce” or “how many balls in an ounce of cocaine.”

Is an 8 ball a lot of cocaine?

Yes, 3.5 grams of cocaine is considered a high quantity for personal use and could be dangerous, especially for someone with low tolerance. This amount is often associated with binge use, and misuse can quickly lead to addiction, overdose, or long-term health damage. Many users ask “is an 8 ball of coke a lot?” or “how long does an 8 ball of cocaine last?” depending on usage patterns.

What is half of an 8 ball?

Half an 8 ball is 1.75 grams of cocaine. People frequently refer to this when discussing smaller purchases or consumption levels. You might find it listed as “half ball of coke”, “half of 3.5 grams”, or “how much is a half 8 ball” in common drug terminology.

What does 8 ball mean in drug slang?

In drug slang, “8 ball” means a quantity of 3.5 grams of cocaine, crack, or meth. It’s shorthand that simplifies conversations in illegal drug deals. Many users search for “8 ball drug meaning”, “8 ball meaning drugs”, or simply “what is an 8 ball drug.”

How many grams are in a ball?

A “ball” on its own typically refers to an 8 ball, or 3.5 grams. Some may use the term differently depending on context, but in drug culture, “a ball of coke” or “a cocaine ball” is almost always referencing 3.5 grams. Related searches include: “how many grams in a ball of cocaine” and “grams in a ball.”

Informational Sources

• American Addiction Centers. (2023). Cocaine addiction: Signs, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/cocaine-treatment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Cocaine overdose data. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/cocaine/index.html
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2022). Drugs of abuse: A DEA resource guide. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Drugs%20of%20Abuse%202020-Web%20Version-508%20compliant.pdf
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Cocaine drug facts. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cocaine
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
• Zinnia Health. (2024). What is an 8 ball of cocaine? Retrieved from https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/cocaine/8-ball-of-cocaine