A standard athletics track is 400 metres in circumference, measured on Lane 1 approximately 30 centimetres from the inner kerb. The World Athletics (formerly IAAF) Track and Field Facilities Manual specifies a minimum of 8 lanes, each 1.22 metres wide. The track consists of two straight sections (each approximately 84.39 metres) and two semi-circular bends, with a bend radius of around 36.80 metres. These proportions are designed to give runners consistent conditions across all events from 100m to the 10,000m.

The stagger system is fundamental to multi-lane races. Because outer lanes travel further when running around bends, each lane's start position is moved forward (staggered) to equalise the total distance to 400 metres. Lane 1 starts at the reference line; Lane 2 is staggered approximately 7.67 metres ahead; Lane 8 is staggered approximately 53.67 metres. For 200m races the stagger is the same because runners run one semi-circular bend and one straight. For 100m and 1500m, athletes run in a straight line or break for lanes, so no stagger is needed.

The inner field enclosed by the track measures approximately 84.39 metres long and 73 metres wide — enough to accommodate field events including the long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, and pole vault simultaneously. At major championships, the inner field layout is carefully planned to prevent conflicts between simultaneous events. The track surface is almost universally polyurethane (rubber granule compound) at professional level, providing precise traction and energy return.