How to Calculate Field Goal Distance

Field goals are important in American professional football and can be the difference in a game, yet calculating their distance can be confusing. For example, the ball may be placed on the 20 yard line, yet the announcer will call it a 37-yard field-goal attempt. This is because the depth of the end zone and the distance behind the 20 yard line from where the ball is kicked are added when calculating the length of the kick.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how far away the ball is from the goal line.

    • 2

      Add ten yards to the back of the end zone, where the goalposts are located.

    • 3

      Add approximately seven more yards for the spot of the ball. The official measurement is taken from where the holder places the ball for the kicker, which is roughly seven yards behind the line of scrimmage.

    • 4

      Calculate the sum of all three measurements, which is the official distance of the field goal.