Cricket pitch, ball and bat sizes
Cricket measurements are set by the MCC Laws of Cricket. The main ones are listed below, in both imperial and metric units.
The key numbers
- The pitch is 22 yards (20.12 m) long and 10 feet (3.05 m) wide.
- The stumps are 28 inches (71.1 cm) high, and the wicket is 9 inches (22.86 cm) wide.
- A men's ball weighs 5.5 to 5.75 ounces (155.9 to 163 g).
- A bat can be at most 38 inches (96.52 cm) long and 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) wide.
Cricket pitch dimensions
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch length, stumps to stumps | 22 yards | 20.12 m |
| Pitch width | 10 feet | 3.05 m |
| Popping crease, in front of the stumps | 4 feet | 1.22 m |
| Return creases, each side of middle stump | 4 feet 4 inches | 1.32 m |
The creases
- Bowling crease: the line the stumps stand on.
- Popping crease: the line 4 feet in front. Batters are safe behind it, and the bowler's front foot must land partly behind it.
- Return creases: the side lines. The bowler's back foot must land inside them.
Breaking the crease rules gives a no-ball.
Stumps and bails
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Stump height above the ground | 28 inches | 71.1 cm |
| Width of the three stumps together | 9 inches | 22.86 cm |
| Number of bails | Two on each set of stumps | |
Cricket ball size and weight
| Ball | Weight | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Men's | 5.5 to 5.75 oz (155.9 to 163 g) | 8.81 to 9 in (22.4 to 22.9 cm) |
| Women's | 4.94 to 5.31 oz (140 to 151 g) | 8.25 to 8.88 in (21 to 22.5 cm) |
| Junior (under 13) | 4.69 to 5.06 oz (133 to 144 g) | 8.06 to 8.69 in (20.5 to 22 cm) |
Balls are made of cork and rubber wrapped in string, with a leather cover stitched together along a raised seam. Test cricket uses a red ball, day-night Tests a pink ball, and limited-overs cricket a white ball.
Cricket bat size rules
| Limit | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 38 inches | 96.52 cm |
| Maximum width | 4.25 inches | 10.8 cm |
| Maximum depth | 2.64 inches | 6.7 cm |
| Maximum edge thickness | 1.56 inches | 4.0 cm |
The blade must be made of wood, usually willow. Umpires can check bats with a gauge. The edge and depth limits were added in 2017 to stop bats getting ever thicker.
Boundary size
For international matches, the boundary must be no more than 90 yards (82.3 m) from the centre of the pitch. It must also be at least 65 yards (59.4 m) away. Grounds differ a lot within these limits, which is why some venues are known for high scores.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a cricket pitch in metres?
A cricket pitch is 20.12 metres long between the stumps, which is 22 yards.
How heavy is a cricket ball?
A men's cricket ball weighs between 155.9 and 163 grams, or 5.5 to 5.75 ounces.
How tall are cricket stumps?
Stumps stand 28 inches, or 71.1 cm, above the ground.
What is the maximum size of a cricket bat?
A bat can be at most 38 inches long, 4.25 inches wide and 2.64 inches deep, with edges no thicker than 1.56 inches.