Soccer field (FIFA standard)

A standard soccer (football) pitch is 105 x 68 metres, or about 115 x 74 yards (344 x 223 ft). That is the size FIFA and UEFA require for international matches, but the Laws of the Game allow a wide range for other play.

This guide covers the exact pitch dimensions, the permitted range, every marked area and its size, and how the field compares to an American football field and a running track.

Quick Answer: How Big Is a Soccer Field?

A FIFA-standard pitch is 105 m long and 68 m wide, an area of about 7,140 m2 (1.76 acres). The Laws of the Game permit 90 – 120 m long by 45 – 90 m wide for domestic matches, so pitch sizes genuinely vary from club to club.

Soccer Field Dimensions at a Glance

• International standard: 105 x 68 m
• Laws of the Game range: 90 – 120 m long, 45 – 90 m wide (length must always exceed width)
• Penalty spot: 11 m (12 yd) from the goal line
• Penalty arc: 9.15 m radius from the penalty spot
• Corner arc: 1 m radius

What Does a Soccer Field Look Like in Size?

A full pitch is a little longer than an American football field including both end zones and noticeably wider. Its 7,140 m2 is about 1.3 NFL fields of playing area, or roughly the footprint of a large supermarket with its car park.

6 Everyday Comparisons for a Soccer Field

1. An American football field (including end zones, 109.7 x 48.8 m) is 4.7 m shorter and 19.2 m narrower than a standard soccer pitch.
2. A 400 m running track encloses a standard soccer pitch inside its inner lane, with room to spare on the width.
3. An NBA basketball court (28.65 x 15.24 m) would fit about 16 times inside a soccer pitch.
4. A tennis court (23.77 x 10.97 m) fits about 27 times over.
5. An Olympic swimming pool (50 x 25 m) is less than half the length and about a third of the width.
6. A hectare (100 x 100 m) is a bit smaller in length and much narrower than a full pitch.

Soccer Field Size in Different Units

Why Pitch Sizes Vary So Much

Unlike most sports, football never fixed a single field size. The Laws of the Game set only a range (90 – 120 m by 45 – 90 m), so older stadiums built on tight city plots have smaller pitches and newer ones tend toward the 105 x 68 m international standard. FIFA and confederation competitions now require 105 x 68 m, which is why top clubs have standardised, but a Sunday-league pitch can be considerably smaller.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Soccer Field Dimensions

1. Calling any single number “the size.” The standard is 105 x 68 m, but the legal range is broad.
2. Assuming a soccer and an American football field are interchangeable. A soccer pitch is wider and slightly longer than a gridiron with end zones.
3. Confusing the penalty area and the goal area. The penalty area (the “18-yard box”) is 40.3 x 16.5 m; the goal area (the “6-yard box”) is 18.3 x 5.5 m.
4. Forgetting the length-must-exceed-width rule. A square pitch is not legal.
5. Ignoring the touchline run-off. Stadiums keep a margin of a few metres beyond the lines for safety and advertising boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a soccer field?

The international standard is 105 x 68 m (about 115 x 74 yards).

What is the smallest legal soccer pitch?

90 m long by 45 m wide under the Laws of the Game for domestic play.

How big is the penalty box?

40.3 x 16.5 m (44 x 18 yards).

How far is the penalty spot from the goal?

11 m (12 yards).

Is a soccer field bigger than an American football field?

Yes. A standard pitch is wider and a little longer than a gridiron including both end zones.

How many acres is a soccer field?

A standard 105 x 68 m pitch is about 1.76 acres.

Final Takeaway

A standard soccer field is 105 x 68 m (115 x 74 yd), about 1.76 acres, though the Laws of the Game allow anywhere from 90 – 120 m long by 45 – 90 m wide. It is wider and slightly longer than an American football field with its end zones, and FIFA now requires the 105 x 68 m size for international matches.