A men’s field lacrosse field is 110 yards long and 60 yards wide, with each goal placed 15 yards in front of the end line, leaving room to play behind the net. The goal is 6 feet by 6 feet and sits inside a circular crease with a 9-foot radius. Restraining lines run across the field 20 yards from the midfield line on each side, and wing lines near midfield mark where the wing players start on faceoffs. Women’s fields are similar in size but are often larger, up to about 120 by 70 yards at some levels, and use different markings, including an 8-meter arc and a 12-meter fan in front of each goal. Both games use the same 6-by-6-foot goal. Exact dimensions and markings vary by governing body, so always check the rulebook for your level.
Why field dimensions matter
Lacrosse field markings are more than paint. They control how many players can be in certain areas, where faceoffs and draws happen, where free positions are taken and where the goalie is protected. Understanding the lines helps players avoid offside violations, position themselves correctly and understand why officials blow the whistle. For coaches, groundskeepers and parents setting up a field, knowing the measurements ensures games are played on a legal, safe surface.
Men’s field lacrosse dimensions
| Feature | Typical measurement |
|---|---|
| Field size | 110 yards long x 60 yards wide |
| Goal | 6 feet wide x 6 feet tall |
| Goal location | 15 yards in front of the end line |
| Crease | Circle with a 9-foot radius around the goal |
| Restraining lines | 20 yards from the midfield line (35 yards from each end line) |
| Wing lines | 20 yards from the center of the field, used for faceoffs |
| Center faceoff X | At the center of the midfield line |
| Substitution area | Marked on the sideline in front of the team benches |
Key lines on a men’s field
The midfield line divides the field in half. The restraining lines, 20 yards on each side of midfield, together with the end lines and sidelines, create the attack and defensive areas often called the box. Offside rules require teams to keep a certain number of players on each side of the midfield line, typically at least four players, including the goalie, in the defensive half and at least three in the offensive half. The wing lines on each side of the center faceoff spot mark where the wing midfielders stand during faceoffs. The crease protects the goalie, and offensive players may not step into it.
Women’s field lacrosse dimensions
| Feature | Typical measurement |
|---|---|
| Field size | About 110 to 120 yards long x 60 to 70 yards wide |
| Goal | 6 feet wide x 6 feet tall |
| Crease | Circle with an 8.5-foot radius |
| 8-meter arc | Arc in front of the goal used for major foul free positions |
| 12-meter fan | Larger semicircle used for minor foul free positions |
| Center circle | Circle around the center line where the draw takes place |
| Restraining lines | Limit how many players can be in the attacking area |
Key markings on a women’s field
Women’s lacrosse uses several markings that the men’s game does not. The 8-meter arc and 12-meter fan in front of each goal are critical for fouls. When a defender commits a major foul inside the 8-meter arc, the attacking player is usually awarded a free position on the arc. Minor fouls inside the 12-meter fan often lead to free positions from the fan. Defenders also have rules about how long they may stand in the 8-meter arc without closely guarding an opponent. The center circle is where the draw starts each half and after goals. Restraining lines limit how many players from each team can be in the attacking area at one time.
Box lacrosse and sixes
Not all lacrosse is played on a large outdoor field. Box lacrosse is played indoors, usually on a hockey rink with the ice covered by turf, and it uses smaller goals and a much smaller playing area enclosed by boards. Sixes is a newer, faster format developed by World Lacrosse with six players per side, a smaller field and a smaller goal. Sixes is the format planned for lacrosse’s return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Each format has its own dimension rules set by its governing body.
Youth field sizes
Younger players often play on smaller fields so they get more touches and are not overwhelmed by a full-size field. Youth programs may shorten the field, narrow it or use fewer players per side, and some leagues play small-sided games across half a field. Goal sizes may also be reduced for the youngest age groups. USA Lacrosse publishes youth guidelines that recommend field sizes and formats by age, and local leagues may adapt them to the space they have. If you are organizing youth games, check your league’s guidelines rather than assuming full-size dimensions.
Surface and safety considerations
Lacrosse is played on both natural grass and artificial turf. The surface should be level and free of holes, rocks and debris that could cause ankle injuries. Lines should be clearly visible and made with approved field paint. Goals should be secured so they do not tip over, and nets should be checked for holes that could let the ball pass through. A clear area around the field allows players to run out of bounds safely and keeps spectators and team benches at a safe distance from play.
How to set up a lacrosse field step by step
- Check the rules. Confirm the required dimensions for your level and gender.
- Mark the boundaries. Lay out the sidelines and end lines, using a 3-4-5 triangle method to square the corners.
- Mark the midfield line and center. Measure halfway between the end lines.
- Place the goals. Measure the correct distance from each end line and center the goals between the sidelines.
- Paint the creases. Measure the radius from the center of the goal line.
- Add restraining and wing lines for men’s fields, or the arc, fan and center circle for women’s fields.
- Mark the substitution area and team bench areas.
- Check safety. Keep a clear buffer zone around the field free of obstacles.
Rulebook note
Field dimensions and markings vary between men’s and women’s lacrosse and between governing bodies such as World Lacrosse, the NCAA, USA Lacrosse and the NFHS for high school play. Youth programs may use smaller fields. Always check the current rulebook for your level before setting up a field or planning play.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Placing the goals on the end line instead of in front of it.
- Using men’s markings for a women’s game or the reverse.
- Incorrect crease size.
- Uneven or crooked lines from not squaring the field.
- Ignoring offside rules tied to the midfield and restraining lines.
- No safety buffer around the sidelines and end lines.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a lacrosse field?
A men’s field lacrosse field is 110 yards by 60 yards. Women’s fields are similar but can be up to about 120 yards by 70 yards depending on the level.
How big is a lacrosse goal?
In men’s and women’s field lacrosse, the goal is 6 feet wide and 6 feet tall. Box lacrosse and sixes use smaller goals.
Why is there space behind the lacrosse goal?
Goals are placed about 15 yards in front of the end line in men’s lacrosse so players can play behind the net, which creates attacking options such as feeds and dodges from behind the goal.
