Football Pitch Length in Metres: Exact Size

Why the Length Range Exists

Football pitch dimensions are not fixed to a single number. The Laws of the Game, written by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), allow a range so clubs can fit pitches into available land. For senior (adult) matches, the length must be between 90 and 120 metres. The width must be between 45 and 90 metres.

In practice, most professional stadiums use the same size: 105 metres long and 68 metres wide. This is the dimension UEFA and FIFA recommend for international matches, and it is what you see at the World Cup, Champions League, and most top domestic leagues. Amateur and local pitches may be smaller, but they still fall inside the IFAB limits.

How the Length Is Measured

The length of a pitch is measured from the inside of one goal line to the inside of the other goal line. The goal lines are the two shorter sides of the rectangle, and the touchlines are the two longer sides. So when someone asks “how long is a football pitch in metres?”, they are asking for the distance along the touchline, not the diagonal.

The measurement is taken at ground level, following the curve of the field if it is not perfectly flat. Pitch markings are considered part of the field, so the lines themselves count as inside the playing area. This matters because a ball that rolls onto the line is still in play.

Comparisons to Help You Visualise

If you have never stood on a full-size pitch, 105 metres can be hard to picture. Here are some everyday comparisons:

Buses: A standard double-decker bus is about 12 metres long. A 105-metre pitch is roughly nine buses parked end to end.
Swimming pools: An Olympic swimming pool is 50 metres. A full-size pitch is just over two Olympic pools long.
Football (soccer) goals: A goal is 7.32 metres wide, so the pitch length is about 14 goal widths.
City blocks: In many US cities, a typical block is about 100 metres. A pitch is slightly longer than that.
Running track: The straight section of a standard 400-metre track is about 84 metres, so the pitch is longer than that straight.
House lots: A typical suburban plot is 30–40 metres deep; a pitch is about three of those deep.

Common Misconceptions

Many people think a pitch is exactly 100 metres, but that is not correct for most professional grounds. The 105-metre standard is the most common, but it is not the only legal size. A pitch can be as short as 90 metres or as long as 120 metres, and both are fully legal for senior play.

Another misconception is that the length is measured from the centre spot to a goal. It is not. The centre spot is exactly halfway along the length, so the distance from the centre spot to each goal line is half the pitch length (52.5 metres on a 105-metre pitch).

Finally, some people confuse the pitch length with the total area including the run-off space around it. The playing area is only the marked rectangle. The extra grass or track outside the touchlines and goal lines is not part of the pitch length.

Why the Standard Is 105 by 68

The 105×68-metre size became the de facto standard because it offers a good balance between width for attacking play and length for running. It is not a rule that every club must use, but it is the size that FIFA and UEFA specify for international matches. When a new stadium is built, the architect usually designs the pitch to these exact dimensions so that it can host any competition without adjustment.

The IFAB rules also specify the size for other age groups. For example, youth matches use smaller pitches, often around 90 metres long for under-13s and shorter for younger children. The length range for under-13 and under-14 is 70–80 metres, and for under-9 to under-12 it is 50–70 metres. These smaller sizes help children develop skills without being overwhelmed by a full-size field.

How to Check the Length of a Specific Pitch

If you need to know the exact length of a particular pitch, you can measure it yourself or look up the club’s official stadium data. Most professional clubs list their pitch dimensions on their website or in their media guide. For amateur pitches, you can use a measuring wheel or a GPS device, but the simplest way is to check the ground’s planning documents or the league’s registration forms.

When measuring, remember to measure from goal line to goal line, not from the back of the goal netting or from the corner flags. The corner flags are placed just outside the pitch, so they do not count as part of the length.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a football pitch always 105 metres long?

No. The Laws of the Game allow a range of 90 to 120 metres for senior matches. The 105-metre length is the standard for international and most professional matches, but smaller or larger pitches are legal if they fall within the range.

How wide is a football pitch?

The width must be between 45 and 90 metres for senior matches. The standard professional width is 68 metres. The width is measured from the inside of one touchline to the inside of the other.

What is the distance from the centre spot to the goal line?

On a standard 105-metre pitch, the centre spot is exactly 52.5 metres from each goal line. On a pitch of any legal length, the centre spot is always at the midpoint, so the distance is half the total length.

How long is a football pitch in yards?

A 105-metre pitch is about 115 yards long. The IFAB rules also give the range in yards: 100 to 130 yards. The standard width of 68 metres is about 74 yards, and the legal width range is 50 to 100 yards.

Do all professional leagues use the same pitch size?

Most top leagues use 105×68 metres, but it is not mandatory. The Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga all use that size for their stadiums, but a club could legally use a different size as long as it meets IFAB rules. In practice, almost all top clubs choose the standard.

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