What Are The Dimensions of a Softball Field? (All Dimensions Included)

Most schools, municipalities, and townships build softball fields for their citizens and students for recreation. Students can stay active in school while learning about teamwork. 

However, when constructing softball fields, no two fields are the same because the grass could be greener on one field than on the other. However, one area where accuracy is stressed is the dimensions of the softball field. 

Softball and baseball fields are almost similar and must follow specific field measurements set by the official rules and softball federation. Now, some fans may enjoy watching the game but, in a real sense, are curious to know how big the field is.

Therefore, we take it upon ourselves to cover the dimensions of a softball field to help you learn more about the game.

Softball Field Dimensions

Baseline

Softball baselines are 60 feet (18 m), measured from the back of the home plate to the first base corner. The distance from the first base back white corner to the second base middle. The third baseline is measured from the second base’s center to the third base’s back corner.

Bases

You get the home plate with bases on the remaining corners on one corner of the diamond. The numbering of the bases is done clockwise from 1st base, 2nd base, and 3rd base.

These bases are secured into the ground. Each base is 1.25 feet (36.5 cm) wide, considering they are squares. Considering the first base is a double base, it is 2.5 feet (76 cm) long on one side and 1.25 feet (36.5 cm) on the other.

Home Plate

The home plate is between the two batting boxes and the catching box. It has five sides with dimensions as follows; two sides are 0.7 feet (21.6 cm) long, the other two sides are 1 foot (30.5 cm) long, and the base is 1.4 feet (43.2 cm).

Batters and Catcher’s Box

There are two rectangular batter boxes beside the home plate. The catcher’s box is behind the home plate. The batter boxes are 7.5 feet (2.31m) long and 2.9 feet (0.91cm) wide, and the hitter must be within this box when it is their turn at the bat.

The catcher’s box is 8.4 feet (2.57m) long and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide. The opposing team must be within this box to catch the ball, providing enough space for running around.

Coaches Box

The coaches’ box is found in the foul territory outside the baselines. This box is 8 feet (2.4 m) long and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide. It is placed 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) from the foul line.

Pitcher’s circle

The pitcher’s circle circles the pitching rubber. The perfect size pitcher’s circle has a radius of 8 feet (2.4 m) from the center of the pitching rubber. The diameter of a right-size pitching circle is 16 feet (4.8 m). The total surface area of the pitching circle is 201 ft2 (18, 67 m2).

Pitching Rubber

The pitching rubber, also known as the pitcher’s plate, is 24 inches (60 cm) by 6 inches (15 cm). It is made of whitened rubber and is placed 10 inches (25.4 cm) above the home plate’s level and 60 feet (18 m) away from the home plate’s back point.

Outfield Dimensions of a Softball Field

High school softball and female fast-pitch softball fields have an outfield fencing distance between 185-235 feet (56-71.6 m) from the home plate. Female slow-pitch softball is somewhat longer, from 250-275 feet (76-83 m) away from the home plate to the outfield fencing.

When fencing out college softball fields, the right and left distances should be from 190 feet (58 m) to 235 feet (71.6 m). The center field distance is 220-235 feet.

Softball Field Diamond Dimensions

Most of the softball game is played inside the diamond. Therefore, these spaces must be accurately measured when designing the field. This field part is called the diamond because the lines between the home plate and the three bases create a diamond shape.

The four plates combined create four corners of a square. With the home plate being the bottom point, it looks like a diamond from a bird’s eye view.

The bottom tip of the home plate is always the starting point when measuring the diamond dimensions. Here is a breakdown of the dimensions.

Home plate to first base

The distance between the home plate and the first base is 60 feet (18 m). It starts from the home plate back tip to the right corner of first base.

First base to second

The distance from the right corner of the first base to the center of the second base is 60 feet (18 m).

Second base to third

The distance from the center of the second base to the left corner of the third base is 60 feet (18 m).

Third base to home

The distance from the left corner of the third base to the bottom tip of the home plate is 60 feet (18 m). These four lines combine to create a global diamond shape like the one in baseball and softball fields.

Home plate to second base

The distance from the bottom tip of the home plate to the center of the second base is 84 ’10¼” (25.8 m).

Home plate to the front of the pitching rubber

The distance from the bottom tip of the home plate to the front of the pitching rubber is 46 feet (14 m). This is the distance for pitching softball between the batter and the pitcher. On college softball fields, this distance is 43 feet (13 m).

Infield arc

The infield arc separates the packed dirt of the infield from the grassed outfield area. The distance between the pitcher’s circles to the outfield is 60 feet (18 m). This is the same distance for creating the infield’s arc, which is created using a 60-foot (18 m) radius from the center of the pitcher’s mound.

Softball Field Perimeter Dimensions

Creating a perfect softball field means getting the right dimensions when setting up the perimeter. The perimeter is any softball field area that is not within the diamond, infield, or outfield. When a batter hits a ball into these areas, it becomes a foul ball.

The opposing team should also be capable of catching the ball before it touches the ground for an out. This means the perimeter should be wide enough for this to happen. Here are the dimensions of a softball field perimeter.

Backstop to Home Plate

The distance from the backstop to the bottom tip of the home plate should be 25 feet (7.6 m) for high school and college fields.

This distance allows sufficient space for catchers to make a play when the ball strays. In addition, they can catch a ball from a player and have enough room to maneuver.

Foul Lines

Foul lines separate the zones of fair plays and foul plays from a batter. These lines run from the bottom tip of the home plate below the left and right baselines. The further stretch into the field ends at the intersection with the outfield fencing where the foul poles are.

Depending on the playing conditions, this distance can be between 25 (7.6 m) and 30 feet (9.1 m).

Foul Lines to Nearest Obstruction

Softball players need enough room to move adequately on foul balls. Therefore, there should be a distance between 25 (7.6 m) and 30 feet (9 m) between foul lines and surrounding obstructions. The obstructions could be fencing, walls, and supporters’ stands. These areas are used for catching fly balls to remove the opposing team.

That is all you need to know about softball fields. The dimensions are closely equal for both college and adult softball. Having read through the guide, you must understand that this is a general guide. Therefore, it cannot be taken as professional advice for designing or marking softball fields. The dimensions given here are averages to help you understand more about field markings and elements.