Ice Hockey Rink
Courts & Fields · 10 specs
Direct Answer
Official ice hockey rinks are standardized by the NHL (200 × 85 ft / 60.96 × 25.91 m) and the IIHF (60.0 × 30.0 m / 196.85 × 98.43 ft). The playing surface is enclosed by 40–48 in dasher boards and tempered safety glass. Goal nets measure 6.0 ft (1.83 m) wide by 4.0 ft (1.22 m) high by 40 in deep, centered on goal lines 11.0 ft (3.35 m) from the end boards.
Source: NHL Official Rules Rule 1: The Rink / IIHF Official Rule Book Section 1: The Rink · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| NHL Rink Dimensions | 60.96 × 25.91 m (200.0 × 85.0 ft North American standard) |
| IIHF International Dimensions | 60.00 × 30.00 m (196.85 × 98.43 ft European standard) |
| Corner Radius | 8.53 m (28.0 ft curved corners) |
| Dasher Board Height | 1.02–1.22 m (40.0–48.0 in above ice surface) |
| Goal Net Width (Post to Post) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft / 72.0 in inner opening) |
| Goal Net Height (Crossbar) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft / 48.0 in inner opening) |
| Goal Line to End Boards | 3.35 m (11.0 ft behind goal net) |
| Blue Line Distance (from Goal Line) | 19.51 m (64.0 ft in the NHL) |
| Face-Off Circle Radius | 4.57 m (15.0 ft radius / 30 ft diameter) |
| Ice Thickness Standard | 1.90–2.54 cm (0.75–1.00 in layered frozen ice at -5 °C) |
NHL vs. IIHF Rink Widths & The Goaltender Trapezoid
- 85-Foot vs. 98.4-Foot Width: The North American NHL rink is 13.4 feet (4.09 m) narrower than the traditional European IIHF Olympic sheet, compressing neutral zone transition space and promoting heavier physical board play.
- The Trapezoid Restricted Zone: In the NHL, a trapezoid area behind the goal line bounded by lines 28 feet apart at the goal line and 18 feet apart at the end boards restricts where the goaltender is legally permitted to play the puck.