A standard football field goal post is 30 feet (9.14 meters) tall from the ground to the top of the uprights.
The field goal post consists of two vertical uprights extending 20 feet above the 10-foot high crossbar. This makes the total height 30 feet. The width between the uprights is 18 feet 6 inches in the NFL and NCAA, and 23 feet 4 inches in high school football.
Field Goal Post Dimensions by Level
| Level | Crossbar Height | Upright Height Above Crossbar | Total Height | Width Between Uprights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL | 10 ft (3.05 m) | 20 ft (6.10 m) | 30 ft (9.14 m) | 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m) |
| NCAA | 10 ft (3.05 m) | 20 ft (6.10 m) | 30 ft (9.14 m) | 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m) |
| High School | 10 ft (3.05 m) | 20 ft (6.10 m) | 30 ft (9.14 m) | 23 ft 4 in (7.11 m) |
Field Goal Post Construction
Modern field goal posts are typically made of aluminum or steel. The posts are designed to withstand significant force while remaining flexible enough to prevent injuries. Many stadiums use breakaway posts that bend upon impact to enhance safety.
Historical Changes
The height of field goal posts has remained consistent since the early 1900s, though the width between uprights has changed over time. The NFL narrowed the width in 1991 to make scoring more challenging and to reduce the number of successful long-distance field goals.