A full-size soccer field is 90 to 120 meters long and 45 to 90 meters wide under Law 1 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, and the touchline must always be longer than the goal line. For international matches the range narrows to 100 to 110 meters long by 64 to 75 meters wide, and most top professional stadiums use about 105 by 68 meters. Key markings are fixed regardless of pitch size: the goal is 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high, the penalty area extends 16.5 meters from each goalpost and into the field, the goal area extends 5.5 meters, the penalty mark is 11 meters from the goal line, and the center circle has a 9.15-meter radius. Youth fields are smaller and vary by age and national association.
Rulebook note: Measurements follow Law 1 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. Competitions may set stricter requirements within the permitted ranges, and youth formats use reduced fields and goals set by national associations and leagues. Always check your league’s regulations.
Key field measurements
| Marking | Size |
|---|---|
| Field length (touchline) | 90 to 120 m (100 to 130 yd); international 100 to 110 m |
| Field width (goal line) | 45 to 90 m (50 to 100 yd); international 64 to 75 m |
| Goal | 7.32 m wide x 2.44 m high (8 yd x 8 ft) |
| Penalty area | 16.5 m from each post and 16.5 m into the field (18-yard box) |
| Goal area | 5.5 m from each post and 5.5 m into the field (6-yard box) |
| Penalty mark | 11 m (12 yd) from the goal line |
| Center circle and penalty arc | 9.15 m (10 yd) radius |
| Corner arc | 1 m radius |
| Line width | Maximum 12 cm, the same for all lines |
The field of play
The field must be rectangular and marked with continuous lines that are not dangerous. The two longer boundary lines are the touchlines, and the two shorter lines are the goal lines. The halfway line divides the field into two halves, with the center mark at its midpoint. Lines belong to the areas they bound, so a ball on the line is still in play and a foul on the line of the penalty area is inside the penalty area. The playing surface can be natural or, where competition rules allow, artificial; artificial surfaces must be green and are generally expected to meet recognized quality standards.
The penalty area and goal area
The penalty area, often called the 18-yard box, is marked by lines drawn at right angles to the goal line 16.5 meters from the inside of each goalpost, extending 16.5 meters into the field and joined by a line parallel to the goal line. Inside it, the goalkeeper may handle the ball, and fouls by defenders that would give a direct free kick result in a penalty kick. The penalty mark is 11 meters from the midpoint between the goalposts. The penalty arc, drawn with a 9.15-meter radius from the penalty mark outside the area, keeps players the required distance from the ball during a penalty kick.
The goal area, or six-yard box, is marked by lines 5.5 meters from the inside of each goalpost, extending 5.5 meters into the field. Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere within it, and indirect free kicks awarded to the attacking team inside it are moved to the goal area line.
Goals
Goals are placed on the center of each goal line. The distance between the inside of the posts is 7.32 meters, and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44 meters. Posts and crossbar must be white, of the same width and depth, not more than 12 centimeters, and be securely anchored to the ground. Nets may be attached as long as they do not interfere with the goalkeeper. Portable goals must be anchored securely for safety, since unsecured goals can tip over and cause serious injuries.
Center circle, corner arcs and flags
The center circle has a radius of 9.15 meters. At kick-offs, opponents of the team taking the kick must stay outside it until the ball is in play. A corner arc with a 1-meter radius is drawn at each corner, and the ball must be placed inside it for a corner kick. Flagposts at least 1.5 meters high, with a non-pointed top and a flag, are placed at each corner. Optional marks may be drawn off the field, 9.15 meters from the corner arc, to help referees enforce the distance at corner kicks. Flags at the halfway line are optional and, if used, must be at least 1 meter outside the touchline.
Technical areas and the surrounding space
Many stadiums mark a technical area in front of each team’s bench, where the coach and team officials stand during the match. Its size depends on the stadium, but it usually extends about 1 meter on either side of the seated area and forward to within 1 meter of the touchline. Only one official at a time may usually give tactical instructions from it. Competitions also often require a run-off area of grass or artificial surface around the field, giving players space to slow down safely and assistant referees room to move along the touchline. Advertising boards, fences and benches must be set back from the lines to avoid injuries.
Typical youth field sizes
Youth soccer uses smaller fields and goals so children get more touches and can cover the space. Approximate examples used by many associations include:
- Under 6 to U7 (3v3 or 4v4): about 25 to 30 m long by 15 to 25 m wide.
- U8 to U9 (7v7): about 45 to 55 m long by 30 to 40 m wide.
- U10 to U12 (9v9): about 64 to 73 m long by 41 to 50 m wide.
- U13 and older: full-size 11v11 fields.
Goal sizes, penalty area dimensions and whether goalkeepers are used also vary, so always check your league’s regulations.
How to mark a soccer field
- Check your league’s size requirements for the age group.
- Mark the corners and use the 3-4-5 triangle method or a measuring tape to create right angles.
- Lay out the touchlines and goal lines, checking the diagonals are equal.
- Mark the halfway line and center circle using a string from the center mark.
- Measure the penalty and goal areas from the inside of each goalpost.
- Mark the penalty mark and penalty arc.
- Add corner arcs and flags, then secure the goals.
Why field size matters
Field dimensions affect how matches are played. Wide fields give wingers and full-backs more space and suit possession-based teams, while narrow fields favor compact defending and direct play. Some clubs have adjusted their pitch dimensions within the permitted range to suit their style. For youth players, smaller fields increase the number of touches and decisions each child makes, supporting skill development.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the penalty area from the outside of the goalposts instead of the inside.
- Uneven corners, resulting in a field that is not rectangular.
- Lines wider than 12 centimeters.
- Unsecured portable goals, which are a serious safety risk.
- Using adult dimensions for young age groups.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a professional soccer field?
Most top stadiums use about 105 by 68 meters, within the international range of 100 to 110 by 64 to 75 meters.
How big is a soccer goal?
7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high, or 8 yards by 8 feet.
How far is the penalty spot from the goal?
11 meters, or 12 yards.
