Dimensions of a Football Field

The dimensions of a football field vary slightly depending on the level that the game of football is being played at. When we speak of football here we are naturally referring to American Football, and different professional levels make use of different dimensions for the fields. It would be unfair on players at every level to play on one standard size, and this is the reason for these differences. Then again, the differences are minor and do not change the shape or the functionality of the field in any way.

American Football Field

Before we delve into the various football field dimensions, let us first see what the field itself looks like. The field is rectangular in shape, and the longer sides are known as the sidelines, whereas the short sides are known as the end lines. In the center of each end line are the goal posts, and the line on which these lie are known as the goal line. The distance between a goal line and an end line is 10 yards, and this area is known as the end zone.

Parallel to the goal line, there is a line every 5 yards, and these are numbered for every 10 yards till they reach the opposition goal line. The numbering goes as follows: -10, -20, -30, -40, 50, -40, -30, -20 and -10 again. There are two lines in the middle of the pitch, and these are parallel to the sidelines and perpendicular to the end lines. These 4 lines (including the 2 sidelines) divide the pitch into 3 equal parts. This football field diagram will also prove handy.

What are the Dimensions of a Football Field

Designated Area	Dimensions of a Football Field in Yards	Dimensions of a Football Field in Meters
Length	120 yards	109.7 meters
Width	53 1/2 yards	49 meters
End Zone Depth	10 yards	9.14 meters
Goal Posts Height	3.33 yards (10 feet)	3.04 meters
Goal Posts Width	7.8 yards (23.4 feet) for High School and 6.2 yards (18.6 feet) for College, NFL and CFL	7.13 meters for High School and 5.67 meters for College, NFL and CFL
Distance Between Opposite Goal Posts	100 yards	91.4 meters

Dimensions of a High School football field will vary from dimensions of a College football field, and these will both also vary from NFL football field dimensions. The dimensions for an NFL (National Football Field) will be the toughest, because this is the highest level at which a professional football player can play his trade. Even the age group of the players makes a difference. Many levels of youth football football also employ differing football field dimensions, depending on the average age of the players in the level.

People who play the game professionally on a day-to-day basis will know more details about additional dimensions like the restraining line, the hash lines and other measurements. But for someone who does not know so much about the technical side of things, these basic dimensions of a football field should provide enough information about the field. When you are surrounded by football fans you will appreciate the fact that you are aware of these dimensions. Along with this, you must also be aware of the basics of football, offensive football positions and defensive football positions as well.

At one time there can be no more than 11 players of each side on the pitch, and there are many more rules of American Football that you should familiarize yourself with as well. People who genuinely love the game, or are beginning to love it, should know all of these things and should be able to recite the dimensions of a football field off the back of their hands as and when the moment arises.