Football Field Dimensions report
American football is a popular competitive sport derived from rugby in the United States. Because players often have violent physical collisions with opponents in ball games, they need protective gear and helmets. Have you ever watched any pro football games?
The 32-team National Football League (NFL) is the most popular and currently the only major professional American football league in the United States and the most commercially valuable sports league globally. The Super Bowl's championship game has a TV viewership in more than half of American households.
Whether you are a rookie who is learning American football or a professional player, the first thing you need to know before you get on the court is the rules and dimensions of the playing field. The following post introduces the dimensions from the high school football field to the NCAA and the NFL.
Football Field Size Guide
American Football fields are rectangular playing fields with a required length of 120 yards (360' / 109.75 m) and a width of 53.3 yards (160' / 48.8 m). The last 10 yards of length on either end of the field are considered "end zones" in which a player scores. These dimensions are consistent for football at the high school, college, and professional (NFL) levels.
- White markings designate each yard on the field and are separated by full-field lines every ten yards. The central hash marks are located 20 yards (60' / 18.25 m) inwards from each team's sideline.
- Team areas are centered at the 50-yard line and extend 25 yards (75' / 22.8 m) in both directions.
- American football fields are made of either natural grass or artificial turf.
Hash Marks
The primary difference among different levels of play is the space between the two sets of hash marks. Hash marks are used to measure the yardage on every down. The hash marks are different based on the level.
- High school football field: 53'4"
- College football field: 40'
- NFL field: 18'6"
| Level | Hash Marks Dimension (Yard) | Hash Marks Dimension(Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Youth/High School | 17.8 Yards From The Sideline | 53'4" |
| College | 20 Yards From The Sideline | 40' |
| NFL | 23.6 Yards From The Sideline | 18'6" |
Goal Dimensions
The football goal crossbar is 10 feet high, and the posts are an additional 20 feet high, for a total height of 30 feet. NFL and NCAA goal posts are 18'6" wide. High school goal posts are 23'4" wide.
| Level | Total Height | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Youth/High School | 30' | 23'4" |
| College | 30' | 18'6" |
| NFL | 30' | 18'6" |
The End Zones
The end zones in football are 10 yards long and 53.3 yards wide. To score a successful touchdown, teams must cross the goal line or anywhere within the 10 yards.
Summary
Football fields are unique in that they’re one of the largest playing surfaces for any sport. The dimensions of a football field are essential to all football players and coaches. Each dimension, regardless of magnitude, has been part of the sport’s continual effort to enhance player safety, improve the game and maximize the fan experience.
