Lacrosse game lengths vary depending on the level of play and whether it is men's or women's lacrosse, but here are the typical durations:
- High School Lacrosse: Games consist of four quarters, each 15 minutes long, totaling 60 minutes of play with a start-stop clock. Breaks include 2 minutes between quarters and a 10-minute halftime
- College Lacrosse: Similar to high school, college games have four 15-minute quarters, totaling 60 minutes of game time with a start-stop clock. Halftime is usually 10-15 minutes, with short breaks between quarters
- Professional Lacrosse: Outdoor professional games (PLL) have four 12-minute running quarters (clock does not stop), totaling 48 minutes. Indoor professional games (NLL) use four 15-minute quarters with a start-stop clock, totaling 60 minutes
- Youth Lacrosse: Game length varies widely by age group but generally features shorter quarters. Common formats include two 20-minute running halves or four 8 to 15-minute running quarters, totaling roughly 32 to 40 minutes
- Women’s Lacrosse: As of 2023, women's lacrosse games are four 15-minute quarters with a start-stop clock, totaling 60 minutes of play
- Middle School Girls Lacrosse: Games often have four 12-minute quarters or two halves of 20-25 minutes, with short halftime breaks. Tournament games may use two 20-minute halves to fit multiple games in a time slot
In summary, most lacrosse games last about 60 minutes of actual playtime, divided into four quarters, but youth and some middle school games are shorter to accommodate younger players. The clock rules (running vs. start-stop) and breaks can affect the total elapsed time, often making the full event last between 60 to 90 minutes including halftime and stoppages
