Futsal’s unique blend of speed, skill, and tactical play is shaped by its distinct court dimensions. Whether you’re a facility manager, coach, or player, understanding the official futsal court sizes and markings is essential for a true futsal experience. Here’s everything you need to know.
Official Futsal Court Dimensions
Futsal courts are rectangular, with the length (touchline) always greater than the width (goal line). The standard dimensions vary depending on the level of play:
| Match Level | Length (meters) | Width (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| International Matches | 38 – 42 | 20 – 25 |
| Non-International | 25 – 42 | 16 – 25 |
- Standard for top-level play: 40m x 20m is widely considered the ideal size, matching a handball court.
- Ceiling height: Minimum 4 meters (13 feet) is recommended for all courts to ensure unobstructed play.
Court Markings and Features
All lines are 8 cm wide and are part of the area they enclose. Key markings include:
- Halfway Line: Divides the court into two halves.
- Center Circle: 3m radius, used for kick-offs.
- Penalty Area: Quarter circles with a 6m radius drawn from each goalpost, joined by a 3.16m line parallel to the goal line.
- Penalty Marks:
- First Penalty Mark: 6m from the midpoint between the goalposts.
- Second Penalty Mark: 10m from the midpoint between the goalposts.
- Substitution Zones: 5m long, marked in front of each team’s bench.
Futsal Goals
- Width: 3m (9.8 feet) between posts.
- Height: 2m (6.5 feet) from ground to crossbar.
- Depth: At least 80cm at the top and 100cm at the bottom.
Run-off and Safety Zones
- Run-off area: For international and premier matches, a 3m run-off is required around the court. This can be reduced to 2m for club or community levels if space is limited.
- No walls or rebound boards: Futsal is played with clear boundaries, not off walls, to encourage technical play.
Surface and Materials
- Surface: Smooth, flat, and non-abrasive—commonly wood, synthetic, or rubber.
- Markings: Must be clear, precise, and durable for visibility and safety.
Comparison with Other Courts
| Court Type | Standard Size (m) |
|---|---|
| Futsal (International) | 40 x 20 |
| Basketball (NBA) | 28.7 x 15.2 |
| Handball | 40 x 20 |
- Futsal courts are significantly larger than basketball courts, which is why basketball courts are sometimes used for informal futsal but do not meet official standards.
Why Court Size Matters
- Game Dynamics: Larger courts favor tactical team play and combination passing; smaller courts encourage more individual dribbling and frequent shots on goal.
- Player Development: Proper-sized courts promote the technical and tactical skills that define futsal at the highest levels.
- Physical Demands: Larger courts increase player workload, running distance, and space per player, affecting both fitness and strategy.
Summary Table: Futsal Court Dimensions
| Level | Length (m) | Width (m) | Ceiling Height (m) | Goal Size (m) | Run-off (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | 38–42 | 20–25 | ≥4 | 3 x 2 | 3 |
| National/Club | 25–42 | 16–25 | ≥4 | 3 x 2 | 2–3 |
| Community/Recreational | 25–31 | 15–16 | ≥4 | 3 x 2 | 1–2 |
Key Takeaways
- Official futsal courts are 38–42m long and 20–25m wide for international play, with a standard of 40x20m being most common.
- All courts must have clear markings, proper run-off zones, and goals measuring 3×2 meters.
- Court size impacts the style and quality of play—adhering to official dimensions ensures an authentic futsal experience.
Whether you’re building a new facility or marking out a temporary court, following these guidelines will help create the perfect environment for fast, technical, and exciting futsal
