When you watch a game of football it may seem that the fields are massive. However, when you play the game it doesn’t feel so big. Remember, football is a game of stop and start. With all of that being said, let’s answer the question, how big is a football field? Let’s take a look.
An NFL football field is 100 yards from post to post. Each end zone beyond the post is 10 yards long. So, that gives you a total of 120 yards in length. In terms of width, a football field is 53 and ⅓ yards wide. Most fields adhere to these specifications and it is rare for a stadium to be built differently.
I also understand that for some, watching a football game can seem quite complicated. We are going to try and not only explain the size of a football field, but, we are also going to try and help you understand why these football fields are certain sizes. So, for everything you need to know, keep reading.
How Big Is A College Football Field?
We have already established the size of an NFL field. Now, let’s talk about college football fields. When you talk about the length of a football field you need to realize that it is usually broken down into two sections. The main field is 100 yards long. That is just the distance between the two poles.
You then have the endzone on each side of the field. This is where a player scores a touchdown by running into the end zone or catching the ball in the end zone. Each end zone is 10 yards long.
Then you have the width of the football field. The field is marked with lines that act as a border that encloses the playing area. This playing area is 53 and 1/3 yards wide.
So, the total size of a college football field including the endzones is 120 yards long and 53 ⅓ yards wide.
How Big Are High School Football Fields?
This is where most people think that the size of the field will change. We have already determined that a professional NFL field is the same size as a college field but is a high school football field the same size?
Yes, American high school football fields are the same specifications as college and NFL fields.
It does not matter what league you are in, all football fields should be the same size unless the football field is not built according to association specifications but rather their own. With all of that said, there is one field that differs in size.
How Big Are Little League Football Fields?
This is where the size of the field gets a little bit different. A Little League football field is only 80 yards between each post. Then you have the end zones which are 8 yards each.
The width of a little league football field is also different from the rest. Instead of being just over 53 yards, it now becomes 23.3 yards.
So, the total length of a youth football field is 96 yards in length and the width is 23.3 yards.
Why are football fields the same size?
It has to do with the rules and regulations of football and the way in which a football game gets played.
Every marking on a football pitch means something. Some of the most notable markings are the 50-yard line, each end line, and the hash lines.
We will explain these lines in as much detail as possible. However, it is for these reasons that a football field is the size that it is. If they were not, it would make a game of football completely different.
What Is The 50 Yard Line In Football?
The 50-yard line acts as the halfway mark between each team’s post. All it means is that each post is 50 yards away from the line. If you had to include the end zones, it would be 60 yards away from the end of the field in each direction.
What Are Hash Lines?
Hash lines also play a big role in the size of a football field. Well, at least it plays a role in the distance between each end line. Each end line is spaced 10 yards apart. You get the 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. Then between that, you have the 5-yard lines.
Between those lines, you get the hash marks. These are spaced 1 yard apart. It just acts as a marking to make what is happening in the game more understandable to the viewers, referees, and the players.
How Thick Are The Lines On A Football Field?
This is something that a lot of people overlook and in fact, the lines play quite a significant role especially when you get to professional leagues such as the NFL.
All of the lines on a football field whether it is professional or amateur leagues have to be 4 millimeters wide.
At the same time, the paint used to mark these lines has to be non-toxic or players could get sick because when playing football, it will be hard to avoid touching those lines.
A Football Field Is Always Longer Than It Is Wide
You might find some cases where a football field does not correspond to regulations and they might not be exactly 100 yards long. At least this is true when it comes to non-professional leagues.
However, because of the way a game of football is played, the field must always be longer than it is wide. If it is not as such, the game will not play the same and it will feel weird to the players and look weird to the people watching the game.
Why Are Football Fields Used A Units Of Measurement?
So, we have all heard this saying especially if you have ever been around anyone who does construction or engineering. They will say something along the lines of, “it is a football field long” or “it is a football field away”. Sometimes you might hear something like “the distance from point A to point B is 7 football fields away”.
This is because it is understood that a football field is 100 yards long. So when someone says something is a football field away, they just mean it is a hundred yards away. If they say it is seven football fields away, it is 700 yards away.
I know, it is pretty simple but you will find that a lot of people especially those who didn’t grow up in America might not understand this saying.
Are Football Fields Bigger Than Soccer Fields?
To understand the answer to this question you need to realize that you get different levels of soccer. You get those in the professional leagues, amateur, and then youth leagues. Not all soccer fields are the same. This is especially true when it comes to Sunday league soccer which is an unprofessional setting.
If you compare professional soccer fields to regulation football fields then you will find that a soccer field is slightly longer at around 110 yards. It is also a lot wider. This is according to FIFA’s recommendations and guidelines.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have answered all of your questions in this article. Now, whether you are doing a school project or just trying to find answers to some of your most burning questions, it is important to remember that the size of a sports field will often be determined by the association behind the league in which that field is being used for.