Based on body construction, threaded ball valves came in various configurations including one-piece, two-piece and 3-piece designs. These are also referred to as a two way ball valves, since they are types of valves with only two ports, an inlet and an outlet. They usually function as shut off valves with a single flow direction from the inlet to the outlet.

• One Piece: A single solid body design that is low cost, robust and not prone to leaks but has a reduced port.
• Two Piece: Consists of two body parts that can be taken apart for servicing and is a full port.
• Three Piece: Consists of three body parts, allowing the removal of the central valve body for maintenance and part replacement.

Based on port design, One-piece valves are usually reduced-port, which means the internal opening or port is smaller than the diameter of the pipe it is connected to. Two-piece and three-piece valves are full-port, which means the valves internal opening or bore is the same size as the pipe it is connected to.

• Full Port: The valve's bore matches the pipe diameter it is connected to ensuring unrestricted flow and minimal pressure drop.
• Reduced Port: The valve's bore is smaller than the pipes diameter it is connected to which may cause some flow restriction, but reduces the cost and size of the valve.

Based on flow configuration, The flow configuration is determined by the amount of ports and is usually "bi-directional" which means that the fluid can flow through the valve in either direction. Multi-port valves have more complex flow configurations enabling the flow to be mixed or diverted.

• Two-Way: Only has two ports and allows flow in a straight line from inlet to outlet with a simple on/off function, this is the most common type of valve.
• Three-Way: Also called a multi-port and has either a "L-port" or T-port" flow pattern used to divert or mix the flow between the 3 ports.