Football Field Length in Meters: Exact Size

Why the Length Varies by Football Code

The word “football” means different sports in different countries. In most of the world, football is soccer, governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). In the United States and Canada, football usually means gridiron football. Each code has its own field dimensions, so the answer to “how long is a football field in meters” depends on which sport you mean.

For soccer, IFAB Laws of the Game state that a pitch must be between 90 and 120 meters long for international matches, with a recommended length of 105 meters. For American football, the National Football League (NFL) and NCAA specify a field of 120 yards (109.7 meters) including the end zones, with the playing area between goal lines being 100 yards (91.4 meters).

The Exact Measurement for Soccer (Association Football)

The IFAB Laws of the Game set clear boundaries. For international matches, the touchline (length) must be between 100 and 110 meters, and the goal line (width) between 64 and 75 meters. The recommended size, used in most professional stadiums, is 105 meters by 68 meters.

Minimum length: 100 meters (110 yards)
Maximum length: 110 meters (120 yards)
Recommended length: 105 meters (115 yards)
Recommended width: 68 meters (74 yards)

These measurements are for the playing surface only, not including any runoff area outside the lines. The lines themselves are part of the field and are typically no more than 12 centimeters wide.

The Exact Measurement for American Football

American football fields are measured in yards, not meters. The playing field is 100 yards (91.44 meters) long between goal lines, with two end zones each 10 yards (9.14 meters) deep. That gives a total length of 120 yards, which converts to 109.728 meters (usually rounded to 109.7 meters).

The width of an American football field is 53.33 yards (48.8 meters). Hash marks are placed 1 yard from each sideline in the NFL, but the overall field dimensions are consistent across professional and college levels.

How the Measurement Is Taken

For soccer, the measurement is taken from the inside of one touchline to the inside of the opposite touchline. The touchlines are the longer sides of the pitch. The goal lines are the shorter sides, where the goals are placed. The field is measured in a straight line, not along the curve of any corner arcs.

For American football, the measurement is from the inside of one end line to the inside of the opposite end line. The goal lines are 100 yards apart, and the end lines are 10 yards beyond each goal line. The field is marked with yard lines every 5 yards and hash marks every 1 yard.

Common Misconceptions About Field Length

One frequent error is confusing the length of the field with the distance between goals. In soccer, the goals are placed on the goal lines, so the distance between the goal posts is the same as the width of the field, not the length. Another misconception is that all professional soccer fields are exactly 105 meters; in reality, the IFAB allows a range, and some clubs use slightly different dimensions due to stadium constraints.

For American football, people often say the field is “100 yards long,” forgetting the end zones. The total length including end zones is 120 yards. Also, the hash marks in college football are wider apart than in the NFL, but the field itself is the same size.

Comparisons for Visualizing 105 Meters

To get a feel for 105 meters, consider these everyday references:

Olympic swimming pool: An Olympic pool is 50 meters long, so a soccer field is just over two pool lengths.
City bus: A typical city bus is about 12 meters long, so a soccer field is roughly nine buses lined up end to end.
Tennis court: A tennis court is 23.77 meters long, so a soccer field is about four and a half tennis courts.
Basketball court: An NBA court is 28.65 meters long, so a soccer field is about three and a half basketball courts.
Running track: A standard outdoor track is 400 meters around, so a soccer field length is about a quarter of a lap.

For American football, 109.7 meters is roughly the length of a soccer field plus about 5 meters, or about nine and a half city buses.

Why Field Size Matters in Play

The length of a football field affects tactics and player fitness. A longer soccer pitch gives wingers more space to run into and can stretch the opposition, while a shorter pitch favors a compact defensive block. Similarly, in American football, the field length is fixed, but the width can influence passing lanes and running gaps.

For youth or amateur soccer, the IFAB allows smaller fields, but the recommended dimensions for adults are the same as the professional standard. When building a new field, the governing body (e.g., FIFA or a national association) must approve the dimensions for official matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many meters is a football field from goal to goal?

For soccer, the distance between the two goals is the length of the field, which is typically 105 meters (but can be between 100 and 110 meters). For American football, the distance between the two goal lines is 91.44 meters (100 yards), and the total field length including end zones is 109.7 meters.

Is a football field 100 meters long?

Not exactly. A soccer field can be 100 meters long as the minimum, but the recommended length is 105 meters. An American football field is 91.44 meters between goal lines, or 109.7 meters including end zones.

How long is a football field in yards?

A soccer field is typically 115 yards long (105 meters), but can range from 110 to 120 yards. An American football field is 120 yards long including end zones, or 100 yards between goal lines.

Why is a football field not exactly 100 meters?

For soccer, the IFAB rules allow a range of lengths to accommodate different stadium designs and playing styles. For American football, the field is based on the imperial system, so it is measured in yards, not meters. The 100-yard distance converts to 91.44 meters, which is not a round number in metric.

How long is a high school football field in meters?

High school American football fields use the same dimensions as college and NFL fields: 120 yards (109.7 meters) total length, with a 100-yard (91.44 meters) playing field. For soccer, high school fields often use the same 105-meter standard, but some may be smaller depending on local regulations.

What is the width of a football field in meters?

For soccer, the recommended width is 68 meters (range 64–75 meters). For American football, the width is 48.8 meters (53.33 yards).

Sources: The IFAB Laws of the Game. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.