Football Field Size in Meters: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover official soccer field dimensions measured in meters in this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a coach, player, or stadium designer, understanding the Football Field Size in Meters is essential for laying out a proper pitch and ensuring compliance with international rules. We’ll cover the Laws of the Game (FIFA/IFAB) that define allowed field dimensions, discuss common field layouts and markings, and offer practical tips for measuring a field. (For context, early football rules were stated in yards. Since 1999, IFAB uses metric units for all official field sizes. Thus 100 yards equals about 91.44 m. For example, the preferred size for many professional pitches is 115×74 yards – which is exactly 105×68 meters.) Soccer pitch dimensions are the same globally, whether you call it a football field or soccer field. Searches like “soccer field measurements” or “football pitch dimensions” will find the same information as our guide.

For field planning, all dimensions below are taken edge-to-edge, including the boundary lines. In practice, leagues or organizers pick a standard size within the legal ranges. Referees verify pitch length and width before matches using a tape measure or laser device. Remember: the touchlines are the longer pair of sidelines, and the goal lines are the shorter ends. By rule, the touchline must be longer than the goal line, so you cannot have a perfect square field. All corners are right angles. The IFAB Laws state that the outside edges of the boundary lines count in the measurement, so if lines are up to 12 cm wide (the maximum allowed), they are included in the official length/width.

In summary, a regulation 11v11 pitch can be anywhere from 90–120 meters long and 45–90 meters wide. These wide ranges accommodate different stadium sizes around the world. For example, a field that is 90×45 m is at the absolute minimum by Law, while 120×90 m is the maximum allowed. A real soccer field might choose something in between. Officials measure from the outside of one touchline to the outside of the opposite touchline to get the width, and similarly along the goal lines for the length. (One yard is 0.9144 m, so 90 yards ≈82.3m and 100 yards ≈91.4m. Modern plans use meters, but you’ll sometimes see both units listed for clarity.)

• Touchlines (Length): 90–120 meters (100–130 yards).

• Goal Lines (Width): 45–90 meters (50–100 yards).

• International Matches: 100–110 m long by 64–75 m wide.

These ranges define the football field size in meters allowed for official play. For any full-size match, the field must lie within these limits. For example, a field of 95×60m is legal by Law 1, but at 60m wide it falls below the 64m minimum for international games. Such a pitch could host domestic matches but not a World Cup qualifier. Conversely, a giant 115×85m field would exceed the 90m width limit and is not permitted. Fields smaller than 90×45m simply cannot be used for adult 11-a-side under the Laws of the Game (youth soccer may use smaller fields under different rules).

Legally, the field of play must also be flat and level, with no ridges or holes. Technology like GPS surveying or laser leveling is sometimes used by stadium builders to ensure accuracy. Typically, the playing surface is natural grass or hybrid turf, cut to about 25–30 mm length for best ball roll. Groundskeepers often mow in alternating light and dark stripes – a visual aid that also helps referees judge offsides. In big stadiums there’s usually a safety run-off beyond the lines: FIFA recommends at least 2 meters of clear space around the pitch, and advises about 5m behind each goal and 4m along the sides in major venues. (UEFA guidelines similarly suggest keeping 1–3m between the touchline and any advertising boards for player safety.)

FIFA Standard Field Size

The Laws allow variation, but FIFA’s preferred standard for top-level soccer is 105 × 68 meters. This exact size is used in World Cup finals, Champions League games, and most international competitions. It provides an optimal area (~7,140 m²) for play and TV coverage, and it has become the de facto norm worldwide. FIFA’s own stadium regulations call for this size: for example, the FIFA Technical Handbook explicitly cites 105×68m as the field of play. Nearly all national associations and leagues follow suit for consistency.

Many famous stadiums use exactly 105×68m:

• Camp Nou (Barcelona): 105 × 68 m

• Wembley Stadium (London): 105 × 68 m

• San Siro (Milan): 105 × 68 m

• Old Trafford (Manchester): 105 × 68 m

Other venues may be just slightly different but still within the rules. For instance, Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge is 103 × 67 m and Liverpool’s Anfield is 101 × 68 m. These examples show how 105×68m is the target, and even when space is tight the dimensions stay near that norm. In fact, UEFA stadium regulations codify this: Category 1 venues can use 100–105×64–68m fields, while Category 2 and above are fixed at 105×68m. In South America and other regions, major competition pitches also cluster around 105×68 for this reason. As a result, commentators often assume a “standard” size of 105×68m when discussing professional play, and we will use that as a reference point throughout.

Football Ground Layout and Markings

![Labeled diagram of a football field showing official dimensions in meters]

A regulation pitch has a set layout of marked lines and zones. In the diagram above, all the key areas are labeled with their official measurements (in meters, with yards for reference). The main components are:

• Goal Area (Goal Box): The small rectangle in front of each goal is 5.5 m deep into the field and 5.5 m from each goalpost along the goal line. This 5.5m×18.32m box is where goal kicks are taken and where the goalkeeper can handle the ball.

• Penalty Area (Penalty Box): The larger box extends 16.5 m from each goalpost into the field and 16.5m along the goal line (40.3m total width). Fouls by a defender in this area incur a penalty kick. The penalty spot is marked 11 m (12 yards) from the goal line, and an arc (the “D”) of radius 9.15m is drawn outside the box to enforce a 10-yard distance on free kicks.

• Goals: Each goal must be 7.32 m wide (between the posts) and 2.44 m tall. These dimensions (8×24 feet) have been standard since the 19th century. Goals are centered on each goal line, and nets must fit behind them.

• Center Circle: A circle of radius 9.15 m is drawn around the midpoint of the field. At kick-off, only the two kicking players and the referee are allowed inside; all others must stand outside this circle until play starts.

• Halfway Line and Center Spot: A line across the field midway between goal lines marks the halves. The center spot is at its midpoint for kick-offs.

• Penalty Arc (“D”): Outside each penalty box, a semicircle of radius 9.15m is drawn from the penalty spot. This arc is not part of the penalty area, but it ensures that defenders stay 10 yards away during a penalty kick.

• Corner Arcs: At each of the four corners, a quarter-circle of radius 1 m is marked for corner kicks. The corner flag (a post at least 1.5 m high) stands exactly at the corner point.

• Corner Flags: A flag on a post (≥1.5m tall) is placed at each corner. Some pitches also have halfway-line flags (e.g., FIFA requires them at the center spot in some youth games), but the corner flags are mandatory.

• Technical Area: Along one sideline, the coaches’ technical areas are marked (usually 1 m from the touchline and extending 1m on each side of the team benches). These have no fixed size in Law 1, but leagues often define them.

No other lines (except advertising logos or coaching diagrams in training) are allowed on the pitch. Importantly, under the Laws, each line belongs to the area it defines. For example, the goal line is part of the goal area, and the touchline is part of the field of play. This means a ball touching the line is still “in” play. In fact, IFAB clarifies that a ball on or above any line marking a boundary is still in play; it only goes out of bounds when the whole ball crosses the line.

Ground maintenance is also key. FIFA states that the grass should be well-kept (typically 25–30 mm long for top pitches). Alternate mowing stripes look professional and help judges pick offside. FIFA recommends at least 2–3 meters of clear run-off beyond the touchlines to any advertising boards. In practical terms, this means leaving about 1–3m between the playing surface and any obstacles, per UEFA guidelines.

Field Variations and Examples

Even though FIFA defines the limits, actual pitch sizes vary. For adult 11-a-side, any field must meet the Laws’ criteria. Many leagues standardize on one size: e.g. a domestic competition might require all clubs to have a 105×68m home pitch. But some older or smaller venues are different. For example, until its 2017 rebuild, Manchester United’s Old Trafford surface was 105×68 m, whereas some older British grounds in the 20th century were near the minimum (e.g. 100×64 m).

Historical Note: In the early days of football (mid-1800s), pitches had no standardized size. Clubs laid out fields that fit their land – often 100–150 yards long and 50–70 yards wide. The idea of marked lines came in the 1880s. It wasn’t until 1938 that the IFAB Laws settled on formal dimensions (100–130×50–100 yards), which later became our 90–120×45–90 m range. The switch to metric in 1997–99 meant those yard ranges were converted to meters.

Small vs Large: The minimum 90×45m field is very rare in pro soccer – only tiny grounds or youth fields hit that. The maximum 120×90m is almost never used because it’s simply too big for most stadiums. Most professional fields cluster between about 100×64m and 110×75m. As mentioned, 105×68m is the most common example. Some venues push near the top end: for instance, a few South American clubs have hosted games on 110×75m fields (the max for international play) to suit wide, open play. By contrast, a few compact British pitches (like in certain stadium redevelopments) have been as small as ~100×64m – still legal but noticeably tighter.

Other Football Codes: Note “football” can mean different games elsewhere. An American football field is 91.44m between goal lines by 48.8m wide, plus 9.14m end zones (109.7m total length). That’s much narrower (and slightly longer) than a typical soccer pitch. Rugby pitches have their own sizes (up to 100×70m plus in-goal areas). This guide strictly covers association football (soccer) as defined by FIFA.

Youth and Amateur: For youth 11v11 games, leagues often allow smaller fields (e.g. U-14 might play on ~75–90m × 45–55m). Law 1’s numbers apply only to adult matches, so youth associations write their own guidelines. However, for any official adult match, even non-professional, the 90–120×45–90 range must be followed. Stadium owners should be aware: if a field is even slightly short, referees can refuse to allow a match. In practice, minor deviations (a few centimeters) are tolerated, but larger differences must be corrected.

Field Size and Playing Style

Pitch dimensions can subtly influence how the game is played. In general:

• Large Field Advantage: More space encourages passing and speed. For example, Manchester City’s home pitch (~105×68m) was praised by Pep Guardiola, who said it’s “easier to pass and dribble on longer and wider pitches”. Teams with high stamina and technical skill often exploit wide fields to stretch opponents. A very long or wide pitch leads to more sprinting and long passes.

• Small Field Advantage: A compact pitch favors defense and quick, short play. Smaller fields (e.g. around 100×66m) give attackers less room, which helps defensive teams. Luton Town’s old Kenilworth Road (~100×66m) famously allowed a tight, low-block defense in the Championship. On a small pitch you get more 50-50 duels and aerial contests, and fewer clear breakaway runs.

• Home Advantage: Teams know their own pitch dimensions intimately. A club used to a very wide home pitch will practice wing play all week; visiting teams then have to adjust. Many managers insist on pre-game warm-ups at the stadium so players can adapt their runs and passes to that field’s size.

• Coaching Adjustments: Some managers even tweak their field for tactics. For instance, Wales manager Mark Hughes once shaved a few yards off the touchline at his stadium to limit Brazil’s wide play. Stoke City’s Tony Pulis famously kept his pitch near the minimum width to reinforce his defensive strategy. These moves can give a slight edge (e.g. making throw-ins or crosses less threatening) but are generally considered minor factors. Coaches more often cite ball, player skill and weather as bigger influences.

In reality, players and analysts note that field size is only one of many variables. Nevertheless, understanding your pitch’s exact dimensions is crucial for tactics and training.

How to Lay Out and Measure a Soccer Field

1. Clear and Level the Site: Choose a flat area. FIFA requires the field to be level, so any drastic slopes should be graded out. Remove rocks, debris, and mow the grass uniformly to the same height. Ensure good drainage in case of rain. (Most fields have a slight camber to the sides for water runoff, but the main surface should play flat.)

2. Mark the Length (Touchlines): Decide on your desired touchline length (within 90–120m). Using a long measuring tape or wheel, lay out two parallel lines that long. Place flags or stakes at the four corners roughly where they will be.

3. Square the Corners: Make sure each corner is a right angle. An easy check is the 3-4-5 method: measure 60m along one line and 80m along the perpendicular line; the diagonal between those points should be 100m if the corner is square. Alternatively, measure both diagonals of the planned rectangle – they must be equal if corners are right angles.

4. Mark the Width (Goal Lines): Now measure between the touchlines to set your field width. Mark two points exactly the desired width apart at each end, then draw straight goal lines connecting these points. Each goal line should be perpendicular to the touchlines.

5. Halfway Line and Center: Measure the midpoint of each touchline and draw a straight line between them. That is the halfway line. Place a mark at the center of this line – this is the center spot.

6. Draw the Center Circle: Using the center spot as the pivot, draw a circle of radius 9.15m (use a rope and can of marking spray or a line-drawing tool).

7. Penalty and Goal Areas: For each goal: from each goalpost measure 16.5m into the field (parallel to the goal line) and draw the lines that distance apart. Connect them with a line parallel to the goal line to form the penalty area. Then from each goalpost measure 5.5m into the field and mark those points; connect them with a line 5.5m out to form the smaller goal area.

8. Penalty Spot and Arc: Measure 11m from the center of the goal line to mark the penalty spot. Using that spot as the center, draw a 9.15m radius arc outside the penalty box for the “D”.

9. Corner Flags and Arcs: Place a flagpost (at least 1.5m tall) at each corner. From each post, draw a 1m radius quarter-circle on the field for the corner kick arc.

10. Paint the Lines: Use turf marking paint or chalk to paint all the lines. Lines should be consistent and up to 12 cm wide. A line-striping machine is the most common tool. Paint along the guide marks you made in steps 2–9.

11. Install Goals: Position the goal frames centered on each goal line (they must occupy the center of that line). Each goal is 7.32×2.44m. Secure them firmly (in-ground posts or heavy weights) for safety.

12. Final Verification: Measure all major lengths again to ensure they match your plan. Check that no unauthorized marks are on the field. Once everything checks out, your pitch is ready for official play!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the official football field size in meters?
A: IFAB Law 1 states that an official 11v11 soccer field must be 90–120m long by 45–90m wide. There’s no single fixed size, just any dimensions within that range. For international matches, the limits are tighter: 100–110m by 64–75m. So “official size” is really any size in those bounds.

Q: What is the standard size of a soccer field in meters?
A: The de facto standard used in pro soccer is 105m × 68m. FIFA explicitly recommends this size. Nearly all World Cup and major club pitches use 105×68m, which lies conveniently in the middle of the allowed range.

Q: Are all football fields the same size?
A: No. Fields can vary as long as they stay within the legal limits. Most leagues fix one size (often 105×68m) for consistency. However, some older or smaller stadiums have different sizes. For example, Stamford Bridge is 103×67m and Anfield is 101×68m – both still legal. As long as it’s within the IFAB range, it’s allowed. (Youth or recreational fields often use smaller dimensions under separate guidelines.)

Q: How large are the penalty and goal areas?
A: The goal area (goal box) is 5.5m from each goalpost into the field and 5.5m along the goal line. The penalty area (penalty box) is 16.5m from each post into the field and 16.5m along the goal line. The penalty spot itself is 11m from the goal line.

Q: What are the goal dimensions in meters?
A: Each goal is 7.32m wide (between the posts) and 2.44m tall (to the bottom of the crossbar). These were set as 8×24 feet in 1863 and remain unchanged.

Q: How big is the center circle?
A: The center circle has a radius of 9.15 meters. All players except the kicker and referee must remain outside this circle during kick-offs.

Q: What is the area of a standard football field?
A: A typical 105×68m field covers about 7,140 m². That’s roughly 1.77 acres, or about 12 times the surface area of an Olympic swimming pool (50×25m).

Q: How does a soccer pitch compare to an American football field?
A: An American football field is 91.44m long by 48.8m wide (plus 9.14m end zones making 109.7m total length). Even including end zones, a soccer pitch (with only 105×68m) is longer and far wider. In fact, soccer fields can have up to twice the width, giving much more playing area.

Q: Why are field dimensions given in meters?
A: Since 1999, FIFA’s Laws of the Game use metric units by default. Official measurements are in meters, though older references might list yards in parentheses for legacy. (Example: 100 yards = 91.44m.) We use meters here because that’s the modern standard.

Q: Can fields be smaller for youth games?
A: Yes. The IFAB Law 1 dimensions apply to adult 11v11 matches. Youth or small-sided games often use reduced sizes (e.g. U-12 fields might be ~60×40m). These are governed by youth football associations, not Law 1. For official adult matches, the 90×45 minimum stands.

Q: Why must the field be longer than it is wide?
A: The Laws explicitly require the touchlines (length) to be longer than the goal lines (width). This ensures the pitch is rectangular. A “square” 100×100m field would violate this rule. Always orient the longer dimension along the touchlines.

Q: What if a field doesn’t meet these dimensions?
A: If a field falls outside the legal range, it cannot be used for an official match. Before important games, officials will measure the pitch. If it’s not up to spec, the match may have to be moved or postponed. That’s why top clubs invest in precise field construction.

Q: How thick can the lines be?
A: Lines may be up to 12 cm (about 5 inches) wide. In practice, most fields use about 10 cm. The thickness is included in the pitch dimensions.

Q: How tall are corner flags and where do they go?
A: Corner flags are on poles at least 1.5 m tall. They are placed exactly at the four corner points of the field (where the goal lines and touchlines meet).

Q: How are the technical areas defined?
A: Law 1 only mentions that a technical area exists. Competitions often specify its size (commonly 1m from the touchline and a few meters along the sideline). It is not part of the pitch dimensions per se, but players/coaches must not step onto the field beyond this area.

Q: Who sets and checks the field size?
A: The home team or stadium operator is responsible for marking the field to regulation. Referees or league officials then check with a tape measure before matches. Professional venues may even certify their pitch dimensions annually.

Q: What if a soccer field is used for other sports?
A: In multi-use venues (e.g. also used for athletics or American football), temporary marking is done. Always ensure that the final football (soccer) markings align with the FIFA specs. The presence of a running track, for instance, won’t affect the football dimensions as long as the field area is correctly painted.

Conclusion

Understanding the football field size in meters is crucial for players, coaches, referees, and venue planners. By law, a legal soccer pitch measures 90–120 meters long and 45–90 meters wide, with international matches using 100–110 × 64–75m. In practice, nearly all high-level games are held on a 105×68m field. We’ve reviewed how these dimensions are defined, how to lay out and paint a field, and what each area’s size is.