The penalty area — commonly called the "18-yard box" — is one of football's most consequential zones. Per FIFA's Laws of the Game, it extends 16.5 metres (18 yards) from the goal line and spans 40.32 metres (44 yards) wide, drawn symmetrically around the goal. Any foul by a defending player against an attacker inside this area results in a penalty kick, and it is the only zone where the goalkeeper may handle the ball.

Inside the penalty area sits the smaller goal area, traditionally known as the "6-yard box" — 5.5 metres (6 yards) deep and 18.32 metres (20 yards) wide. This area marks where goal kicks are taken from and historically defined where goalkeepers had extra protection, though modern laws apply goalkeeper protections throughout the penalty area.

The penalty spot sits 11 metres (12 yards) from the midpoint of the goal line, used for penalty kicks. Around it, the penalty arc — with a 9.15-metre (10-yard) radius from the spot — marks the minimum distance all other players (except the kicker and opposing goalkeeper) must stay from the ball during a penalty kick. Both the penalty area boundary and the arc must be marked with lines no wider than 12cm.