<P> The penalty area or 18 - yard box (also known less formally as "the penalty box" or simply "the box") is an area of an association football pitch . It is rectangular and extends 16.5 m (18 yd) to each side of the goal and 16.5 m (18 yd) in front of it . Within the penalty area is the penalty spot (or penalty mark), which is 11 metres (36 ft) or 12 yards from the goal line, directly in - line with the centre of the goal . A penalty arc adjoins the penalty area, and encloses the area within 9.15 m (10 yd) from the penalty spot; it does not form part of the penalty area and is only of relevance during the taking of a penalty kick . </P> <P> Previously, penalty areas extended the width of the field, but were reduced to their current dimensions in 1901 . </P> <P> Fouls punishable by a direct free kick (i.e. handling the ball and most physical fouls), committed by the defensive team within the penalty area, may be penalised by a penalty kick . A penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot . The penalty spot is located 12 yards (10.97 m) away from the goal line . </P>

15 ft is the same as how many yards