How big is a sumo ring?

B · Beginner · The bout · 2 of 3

Checked 15 October 2026

The dohyo is a clay platform about 6.7 m square and 60 cm high, with straw bales marking a circle a little over 4.55 m across. Rikishi wear only the mawashi, a silk belt about 9 m long wound round the waist, and many winning techniques use a grip on it.

How it works

Platform: about 6.7 m square.
Height: about 60 cm.
Circle: a little over 4.55 m.
Edge: straw bales.
Mawashi: silk, about 9 m.
Grip: on the belt.
Front strings: ornamental.
Topknot: by rank.

The glossary has the dohyo, the mawashi, the chonmage, the rikishi, the heya and the shikona.

Tricky cases

A toe touches the straw bale. Out?

Yes.

The front strings fall off. Result?

Nothing; they are ornamental.

Can a rikishi grab the front of the belt in IFS sumo?

No. It is prohibited.

Is the ring rebuilt?

Partly, for every tournament.

Why the rule exists

The belt gives a fixed grip, so throws come from technique rather than grabbing loose cloth.

Where it differs

Where	What changes	Source
Bales	Out	I 9
Front pouch	Banned (IFS)	I 15
Strings	Ornamental	J p7

From the rule book

Japan Sumo Association, Sumo (introduction booklet), pages 3, 4 and 7, with International Sumo Federation, Regulations on Refereeing (in force 6 September 2024), Articles 9 and 15. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: JSA Sumo booklet and IFS Regulations on Refereeing 2024.