Jersey name and number size guide (cm and inches)

How tall the number and name should be on the back, front and shorts, and how far below the collar they go. With the international federation requirements for six sports, and sizes for kids.

The figures show approximate proportions for an adult size M jersey. The club crest sits on the left chest, with the front number on the opposite side or centred.

Requirements by sport (adult)

These requirements apply to international events and top leagues. Grassroots and youth sport is often more relaxed, but the number must be easy for the referee to read. Always check the rules of your own federation and league, as they may set their own sizes.

The name: height, position and width

• Height: 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) for adults, 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in) for kids. Capital letters read best from a distance.
• Position: Top edge 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 in) below the back collar seam, centred. The name sits above the number with 2–4 cm (1–1.5 in) of space.
• Maximum width: Around 28–30 cm (11–12 in) for adults, narrower on kids' jerseys. Decide it before you start, so every name stays within it.
• Long names: Use a smaller letter height for names that do not fit, ideally just one step down so the team still looks consistent. If a name still does not fit, the lettering can be made slightly narrower. Avoid narrowing it by more than 10–15 %, or it becomes hard to read.
• Straight or arched: A straight line is easiest to print and suits most jerseys. Arched names are common on basketball and hockey jerseys.

The number: height and legibility

• Back: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) for adults. Top edge about 2–4 cm (1–1.5 in) below the name, or 8–12 cm (3–5 in) below the collar when there is no name.
• Front: 10–15 cm (4–6 in). Centred on the chest, or on the opposite side from the club crest.
• Shorts: 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in football, on the front of one leg. Smaller in other sports.
• Stroke width: At least 2 cm (0.75 in) on a back number. Thin fonts disappear at a distance.
• Contrast: White on dark jerseys and black or dark on light ones. Stripes and patterns behind the number make it harder to read, so consider an outline.

Kids and youth

Use 70–80 % of the adult sizes: back number 15–20 cm (6–8 in), front 8–10 cm (3–4 in) and name 4–5 cm (1.5–2 in). The top of the name sits 5–7 cm (2–2.75 in) below the collar. If a team has jerseys from youth sizes to adult XL, two print sizes are common: one for youth sizes and one for adults. That way the number is neither too big on the smallest nor too small on the largest.

Font and colour

Choose a narrow, bold block font. It leaves room for long names and stays legible at a distance. Avoid thin and script fonts. Use the same font for name and number, and the same colour for the whole team. Give the print shop a Pantone code, so the colour matches from order to order.

Checklist before you order

1. The roster is checked: correct spelling, no duplicate numbers, correct size for each player.
2. Name and number sizes are set in cm, including for youth sizes.
3. Long names are checked against the maximum width.
4. The league's number rules are checked.
5. The club has approved a mockup of the jersey with names and numbers.

In MOCC you paste the roster, set the sizes in cm and see every jersey with its name and number before it is printed. Long names get smaller lettering automatically and are flagged, and the club approves the list with one link. More about names and numbers in MOCC. Place the logo using the logo placement guide.

Questions and answers

Sources

UEFA Equipment Regulations, Article 10 (football). IHF Rules of the Game and tournament regulations (handball). FIBA Official Basketball Rules, Article 4.3. FIVB uniform guidelines for the 2024 Olympic Games (volleyball). IIHF Official Rule Book, Rule 9 (ice hockey). IFF Rules of the Game, Rule 401 (floorball). Requirements change, so check the latest edition with your federation.