A football pitch is between 90 and 120 metres long and between 45 and 90 metres wide, and the goal is 7.32 metres wide by 2.44 high. There is no single size: the Laws of the Game set a range, which narrows for international matches (100 to 110 metres by 64 to 75). These are all the official measurements, and the ones used as a reference for small-sided football.
Official dimensions of a football pitch
| Element | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length (touchline) | 90 to 120 m |
| Width (goal line) | 45 to 90 m |
| Length in international matches | 100 to 110 m |
| Width in international matches | 64 to 75 m |
| Goal: width between the posts | 7.32 m |
| Goal: height to the crossbar | 2.44 m |
| Penalty area: depth | 16.5 m |
| Penalty area: total width | 40.32 m |
| Goal area: depth | 5.5 m |
| Goal area: total width | 18.32 m |
| Penalty mark: distance from goal | 11 m |
| Centre circle: radius | 9.15 m |
| Corner arc: radius | 1 m |
| Maximum width of the lines | 12 cm |
The figures are those of Law 1 of the IFAB, the body that sets the laws of football. The only requirement on shape is that the pitch be rectangular: the touchline must always be longer than the goal line.
The total widths of the areas come from adding up: the penalty area is marked 16.5 metres from each post, and with the 7.32 metres of the goal that gives 40.32. The goal area, 5.5 metres from each post, gives 18.32.
Why not all pitches are the same size
Because the rules allow it. Very different pitches fit within the general range: the smallest possible has 4,050 square metres (90 by 45) and the largest 10,800 (120 by 90). In professional football that difference hardly exists: the most common size in big stadiums is 105 by 68 metres, which equals 7,140 square metres, a little under three quarters of a hectare.
How big is a football goal
7.32 metres between the posts and 2.44 metres from the ground to the lower edge of the crossbar. The figures look arbitrary because they come from the imperial system: 8 yards wide and 8 feet high. The posts and crossbar cannot be more than 12 centimetres thick, the same maximum as the lines of the pitch.
Dimensions for small-sided football
Here there is no single answer. Small-sided football, known in Chile as futbolito, has no common official rulebook: rental pitches are built for five, six or seven players a side depending on the space available. What does exist are two regulated formats that serve as a reference: 7-a-side football and futsal.
| Format | Length | Width | Goal (width × height) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-a-side football (IFAB) | 90 to 120 m | 45 to 90 m | 7.32 × 2.44 m |
| 11-a-side, international matches | 100 to 110 m | 64 to 75 m | 7.32 × 2.44 m |
| 7-a-side football (Spanish federation rules) | 50 to 65 m | 30 to 45 m | 6 × 2 m |
| Futsal (FIFA) | 25 to 42 m | 16 to 25 m | 3 × 2 m |
| Futsal, international matches | 38 to 42 m | 20 to 25 m | 3 × 2 m |
A 7-a-side pitch is between 50 and 65 metres long and between 30 and 45 wide, according to the rules of the Spanish federation, one of those that regulates the format; two of them fit, crosswise, on an 11-a-side pitch. Futsal, which does have FIFA laws, is played on a surface of 25 to 42 metres by 16 to 25.
How big is a small-sided goal
It depends on the format: 6 metres wide by 2 high in 7-a-side football, and 3 by 2 metres in futsal, which is also the usual size in indoor five-a-side. If you are going to buy or build goals, the first step is to decide how many players the pitch is for.
How to read these measurements
- Measurements are taken to the outside edge of the lines. The lines are part of the area they enclose.
- Each competition can narrow the range. A league or tournament may require a fixed size within what the rules allow.
- In small-sided football the venue rules. With no common rulebook, the real size is that of the pitch you play on.
To round things off, see how long a football match and other sports last and the list of Ballon d'Or winners.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a football pitch?
Between 90 and 120 metres long and between 45 and 90 wide. In international matches, between 100 and 110 by 64 to 75. The most common size in big stadiums is 105 by 68.
How big is a football goal?
7.32 metres wide by 2.44 high.
How big is a 7-a-side or futsal goal?
6 by 2 metres in 7-a-side football and 3 by 2 metres in futsal.
How far is the penalty mark?
11 metres from the goal line, in front of the centre of the goal.
