An American football field is 120 yards (360 feet) long, including two 10-yard end zones, and 53⅓ yards (160 feet) wide. The field of play between the goal lines is 100 yards. Yard lines cross the field every 5 yards and are numbered every 10 yards up to the 50-yard line at midfield. The main differences between levels are the distance between the hash marks, which are narrowest in the NFL and widest in high school, and the width of the goalposts, which is 18 feet 6 inches in the NFL and college but wider in high school. In total, a field covers about 1.32 acres including the end zones.
Main measurements
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Total length | 120 yards (360 feet) |
| Field of play | 100 yards between goal lines |
| End zones | 10 yards deep each |
| Width | 53⅓ yards (160 feet) |
| Yard lines | Every 5 yards, numbered every 10 |
| Area | About 57,600 square feet, or roughly 1.32 acres |
The parts of the field
Field of play. The 100 yards between the two goal lines, where most of the game takes place.
Goal lines. The lines at each end of the field of play. The goal line itself is part of the end zone, so a ball that breaks the plane of the goal line while in possession of a player counts as a touchdown.
End zones. The 10-yard areas at each end where touchdowns are scored. Orange pylons mark the corners of each end zone.
End lines. The lines at the back of each end zone. The goalposts are positioned at or above these lines.
Sidelines. The lines running the length of the field along each side. The sidelines and end lines themselves are out of bounds.
Yard lines. Lines across the field every 5 yards, with numbers every 10 yards counting up from each goal line to the 50-yard line. Short marks between the lines show each single yard.
Hash marks. Two rows of short lines near the middle of the field. If a play ends outside the hash marks or out of bounds, the ball is moved to the nearest hash mark for the next play.
Team areas. Marked zones behind the sidelines where players and coaches stand during the game, separated from the field by a restraining line.
Hash marks by level
| Level | Distance between hashes | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | 18 feet 6 inches, the same as the goalpost width | Ball starts near the middle, so offenses can attack both sides |
| College | 40 feet | Creates a wider short side and a wider field side |
| High school | 53 feet 4 inches, splitting the field into thirds | Very pronounced short side and wide side |
The hash mark width affects strategy. With wide high school hashes, a ball placed on one hash leaves a short side of the field with little room, so offenses often run plays toward the wide side. NFL hashes are narrow, placing the ball closer to the center and giving offenses more balanced options. Narrow hashes also make field goals easier from any spot, since the kicker’s angle to the goalposts changes little.
Goalposts
| Level | Upright width | Crossbar height |
|---|---|---|
| NFL and college | 18 feet 6 inches | 10 feet |
| High school | 23 feet 4 inches | 10 feet |
Goalposts are positioned at the back of each end zone, typically in a single-post or slingshot design with padding at the base for safety. The uprights extend well above the crossbar, and a kick must pass between the uprights and over the crossbar to count. The wider high school uprights make kicks easier for younger players. Because the goalposts sit on the end line, a field goal from the opponent’s 20-yard line is actually about a 37-yard kick: 20 yards to the goal line, 10 yards of end zone and roughly 7 yards for the snap and hold.
Other important markings
- Try lines. After a touchdown, teams attempt the extra point or two-point conversion from a set spot. In the NFL, extra-point kicks are snapped from the 15-yard line and two-point tries from the 2-yard line, while college and high school rules use the 3-yard line.
- Numbers. Large yard-line numbers are painted on both sides of the field to help players, officials and fans see field position.
- Midfield logo and end zone designs. Many teams decorate the center of the field and the end zones, within rules on placement and size.
- Border. A white border outlines the playing area, and additional space beyond the sidelines keeps players safely away from walls and seating.
Playing surfaces
Football fields use either natural grass or artificial turf. Natural grass is softer, stays cooler in hot weather and is preferred by many players, but it requires significant maintenance and can wear out or become muddy with heavy use. Artificial turf, typically made of synthetic fibers with a rubber or other infill, holds up better to frequent use, performs consistently in wet weather and is common at high schools and in many stadiums. Some venues use hybrid systems that combine natural grass with synthetic fibers. The surface affects traction, speed and comfort, and players often choose different cleats for each. Research and debate continue about how different surfaces relate to certain injuries, and many leagues set standards for surface testing and maintenance.
Why the field is 53⅓ yards wide
The unusual width comes from the game’s history. Early fields were larger, and in the late 1800s, college rules set the field at 110 yards by 53⅓ yards (160 feet). Later changes, including the addition of end zones as the forward pass became legal, produced the 120-yard total length used today. The 160-foot width stayed the same, which is why modern fields still measure 53⅓ yards across.
How American fields compare with other codes
Canadian football uses a larger field: 110 yards between goal lines, 65 yards wide and with 20-yard end zones. Arena and indoor football use much smaller fields, often around 50 yards long. Rugby and soccer fields have different dimensions entirely, although they are often similar in total area. These differences shape strategy, with the wider Canadian field favoring passing and motion.
Step by step: measuring and lining a field
- Check your league’s rulebook for exact dimensions and markings.
- Establish a baseline along one sideline and square the corners using the 3-4-5 triangle method.
- Mark the goal lines and end lines 100 and 120 yards apart.
- Measure yard lines every 5 yards and add single-yard ticks.
- Place hash marks at the correct width for your level.
- Add numbers, pylons and team areas, then check all measurements again.
Common mistakes
- Assuming high school and NFL hash marks are the same width.
- Forgetting that the goal line is part of the end zone.
- Confusing goal lines with end lines.
- Calculating field goal distance without adding the end zone and snap distance.
- Using incorrect goalpost widths for youth or high school fields.
Rulebook note: field dimensions and markings are defined in the NFL Rulebook, NCAA Football Rules and NFHS Football Rules. Check the current version for your level, as specifications for markings and equipment can change.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a football field in acres?
About 1.32 acres including the end zones, since the field measures 360 by 160 feet.
Why are NFL hash marks narrower?
Narrow hashes place the ball closer to the middle of the field, giving offenses more room on both sides and making field goal angles more consistent.
How long is a football field without end zones?
The field of play between the goal lines is 100 yards long.
