Comparison Guide: Soccer Field vs Football Field

In terms of pure spectacle, there’s nothing quite like a football game. The players are huge, the action is non-stop and the stakes are high.

But when it comes to which sport is better: football or soccer, the answer isn’t so clear. Both have their merits, depending on your perspective.

Though both sports share some similarities, there are also major differences between the two. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the key aspects of each sport’s playing field, and see how they compare.

From dimensions, markings, and goal post size we cover it all!

So, in order to help you decide which one is right for you, here’s a comprehensive guide to comparing a soccer field vs football field.

Shape of Soccer Field vs Football Field

A football field is, not surprisingly, shaped like a rectangle. The long sides of the rectangle are called the end zones and are where the teams score points by getting the ball into them.

At each end of the field, there are goal posts, which players can attempt to kick the ball through for an extra point.

The total length of a football field from end zone to end zone is 100 yards (91.4 meters), while the width is 53.3 yards (48.6 meters).

There are also yard line markings every 10 yards (9.1 meters) on the field, which help players and officials keep track of distance and position.

A soccer field, on the other hand, is closer to being a large rectangle than a perfect one. The long sides of the soccer field are called touchlines, while the shorter sides are known as goal lines.

Materials of Soccer Field vs Football Field

The playing surface of a football field is almost always grass, though there are some artificial turf fields in use as well. 

The grass is kept short so that it doesn’t interfere with play, and is often a different type of grass from what you’d find in your backyard.

There are also painted lines on the field which delineate the different areas, as well as yard line markings every 10 yards.

A soccer field is usually grass, though artificial turf is becoming more and more common. This is because grass fields can get worn down quickly from all the running and kicking, and also because artificial turf allows for a consistent playing surface regardless of weather conditions.

Dimensions of Soccer Field vs Football Field

Football field

• Length: The length of a football field from end zone to end zone is 100 yards (91.4 meters).
• Width: The width of a football field is 53.3 yards (48.6 meters).
• Area: The total area of a football field is 5,349 square yards (48,000 square meters).

Soccer field

• Length: A soccer field must be between 100 and 130 yards (91.4 and 119 meters) long.
• Width: A soccer field must be between 50 and 100 yards (45.7 and 91.4 meters) wide.
• Area: The total area of a soccer field varies depending on its dimensions but is typically around 7,000 square yards (72,000 square meters).

In terms of size, then, a soccer field is quite a bit larger than a football field. This is because there is more running and chasing involved in soccer, so the players need more space to move around.

Markings on Soccer Field vs Football Field

As we mentioned before, both soccer fields and football fields have lines painted on them that delineate the different areas of play. These lines help players and officials keep track of position and distance, and they also help to create boundaries for the different areas of play.

In football, there are yard line markings every 10 yards (9.1 meters) on the field. 

These lines indicate how far the offensive team needs to go in order to get a first down, which is when they are awarded another set of four downs to try and advance the ball 10 yards.

In addition, the end zone is marked with a line 10 yards (9.1 meters) from the back of the end zone, which is where the offensive team needs to be in order to score a touchdown.

There are also other markings on the field, such as the hash marks, which help to determine where the ball should be placed after certain plays.

A soccer field has similar markings to a football field, though they are not exactly the same. For instance, instead of yard line markings, a soccer field has touchlines and goal line-markings. 

These lines indicate the boundaries of the playing area, and help players and officials keep track of positions.

In addition, there are also corner flags placed at the four corners of the field, which help to identify where the corners are.

Each goal area or “goalkeepers box” is also marked with a line, which helps to delineate this area and keep track of where the goalkeeper can and cannot go.

Within the “box” there is also a spot market for penalty kicks, which is 12 yards (10.9 meters) from the goal line.

There are also halfway lines on a soccer field, which divide the field in half.

Finally, there is a center circle with a radius of 10 yards (9.1 meters), which is used for the kickoff at the beginning of each half and after each goal is scored.

As you can see, there are some similarities and some differences between soccer fields and football fields in terms of their markings. The main difference is that football fields have yard line markings every 10 yards, while soccer fields have touchlines and goal line-markings.

Goalposts of Soccer Field vs Football Field

Another key difference between soccer fields and football fields is the goalposts.

In football, there are two uprights at the back of each end zone, connected by a crossbar. These posts are 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall, and the crossbar is 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.

The idea is that the ball must go through the uprights in order for a field goal or an extra point to be scored.

Goalposts Size

A soccer field has a different kind of goal, which consists of two posts that are connected by a crossbar, just like in football.

However, these posts are much taller than in football, and they are placed on the ground rather than being elevated.

The crossbar is 8 feet (2.4 meters) above the ground, and the width from post to post is just over 7.3 meters.

This higher goal is necessary because players need to be able to kick the ball over (or under!) the head of the goalkeeper and into the net.

Can the Fields Be Used Interchangeably?

Now that we’ve looked at some of the key differences between soccer fields and football fields, you might be wondering if they can be used interchangeably.

The answer is: it depends.

In some cases, it might be possible to use a football field for a soccer game, or vice versa. However, there are also some key differences that would need to be taken into account.

For instance, the markings on the field are not always going to be in the same place, which could lead to confusion for players. In addition, the goals are also different sizes and placed in different locations, which could make it difficult for players to score.

Ultimately, it is up to the organizers of the game to decide whether a soccer field or a football field is more suitable.

Both soccer fields and football fields have their own unique features, and it is important to choose the right one for the sport that you are playing.

Although both sports may be primarily played on grass and have goal posts and line-markings, it is unlikely that you will see a football game played on a soccer field, or vice versa – without having to make some adaptations each time you want to play!

Comparison Breakdown Between Soccer Field & Football Field

Differences

• Football field: Yard line-markings every 10 yards
• Soccer field: Touchlines and goal lines
• Goalposts in football are elevated, while those in soccer are on the ground
• The crossbar in a football goal is 10 feet above the ground, while in soccer it is 8 feet
• A football field is 100 yards long, while a soccer field is between 100-130 yards

Similarities

• Both have halfway lines that divide the field in half
• Both have goalposts at each end of the field
• Both are primarily played on grass
• Both use line markings to delineate the playing area
• In both sports, the ball must go through the goalposts in order for a point or goal to be scored

Soccer Field vs Football Field FAQs

How Wide Is an NFL Football Field?

The width of an NFL football field is 53.3 yards (160 feet). This is slightly wider than a standard soccer field, which is 74 yards wide.

Which Is a Bigger NFL Football Field or an Official FIFA Soccer Field?

An NFL football field is 100 yards long, while an official FIFA soccer field is between 100-130 yards. This means that a soccer field is slightly bigger than a standard football field.

Why Is a Soccer Field Called a Pitch?

The word “pitch” comes from the Old English word for “level ground.” In other words, it is a flat surface on which to play the game.

Conclusion

Although soccer and football are both played on grass with goal posts at each end of the field, there are some key differences between the two.

Football fields are a little smaller than soccer fields, and they have yard line markings every 10 yards.

Soccer fields have touchlines and goal lines, and the crossbar in a soccer goal is 8 feet above the ground.

The size of the field has an impact on the game, as it allows for more running in football, and more passing in soccer.

Which do you prefer playing on, a football field or a soccer field?