A professional boxing ring measures 6.1 metres × 6.1 metres (20ft × 20ft) inside the ropes, with the full canvas platform extending to 7.3m × 7.3m to include the apron around the ring. This is the standard used by all four major sanctioning bodies — WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO — for world championship fights. The ring is elevated on a platform typically 91–122cm above the floor, surrounded by four ropes at heights of 0.46m, 0.71m, 0.97m, and 1.27m from the canvas.

Olympic and AIBA amateur boxing uses a slightly different specification — the ring can range from 4.9m × 4.9m (minimum) to 6.1m × 6.1m (maximum) inside the ropes. Olympic bouts are held on the larger end of this range. The four corner posts are padded and colour-coded: the two active corners are red (boxer's right as they face the ring) and blue (boxer's left), with the two remaining corners being neutral (white). Boxers return to their respective coloured corners between rounds.

The canvas surface must provide adequate cushioning — typically consisting of felt or rubber padding beneath the canvas covering. The canvas itself must be white or a light colour approved by the sanctioning body. Ring size directly affects fighting style: smaller rings (16ft) favour aggressive pressure fighters and reduce the ability to box at range, while larger rings (20ft+) reward movement and counter-punching.