Canadian Football Field Goals: How Many Points Per Kick?
Field goal in Canadian football is worth 3 points. A successful kick through the uprights and over the crossbar gives the scoring team three points, which is the same value used in American football and confirmed by Canadian football rule summaries.
How scoring works
In Canadian football, a field goal is scored on a place kick or, more rarely, a drop kick when the ball travels through the opponent's goalposts without touching the ground again. The basic scoring value is straightforward: three points.
That makes field goals one of the most important scoring plays in the game, especially when an offense drives deep into the red zone but cannot reach the end zone. Teams often use them to turn a stalled drive into guaranteed points instead of leaving empty-handed.
Why the value matters
A field goal is worth less than a touchdown, but it can still swing momentum in a close game. Because touchdowns are worth 6 points and field goals are worth 3, coaches constantly weigh whether to kick or go for a first down on third down in Canadian rules.
That calculation is part strategy and part field position. If an offense is close enough for a reliable kick, the three points can be a high-percentage way to add to the scoreboard.
Scoring at a glance
| Play | Points | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Field goal | 3 | Ball is kicked through the uprights and over the crossbar. |
| Touchdown | 6 | Team carries or catches the ball into the end zone. |
| Convert kick | 1 | Extra kick after a touchdown is good. |
| Two-point convert | 2 | Successful run or pass after a touchdown. |
| Rouge | 1 | Single point on certain kicked balls that are not returned from the end zone. |
When teams attempt one
Most teams try a field goal on third down when they are inside kicking range but not close enough to feel confident about scoring a touchdown. That is especially common late in halves or in tight games, when three points may be more valuable than the risk of turning the ball over on downs.
Weather, wind, and field position matter too. In Canadian football, the larger field and wider spacing can create different kicking angles and game situations than many fans expect.
Common confusion
Some people confuse the field goal with the rouge, which is unique to Canadian football. The rouge is only worth 1 point, while a field goal is a full 3-point score.
Another common mix-up is thinking the kick must come only from a place kick. In fact, Canadian football also recognizes the rare drop kick as a valid way to score a field goal.
How it compares
The Canadian football field goal is not special in its point value, but it sits inside a rule set that produces more strategic kicking decisions than many casual viewers expect. Because third down is the key possession down in Canadian football, field goals often become a central part of game management.
That makes the three-point kick one of the most practical ways to score, especially when an offense wants to leave the defense with fewer chances to answer.
"A field goal in Canadian football is worth 3 points."
Frequent questions
Practical takeaway
If you are watching Canadian football and wonder what a successful kick is worth, the answer is simple: three points. That basic fact drives much of the game's strategy, especially on third down and near scoring range.
Scoring example
If a team trails 17-14 and kicks a field goal, the score becomes 17-17. That single kick can force a tie, change the pace of the game, and alter late-game decision-making for both teams.
Key concerns and solutions for Canadian Football Field Goals How Many Points Per Kick
How many points is a field goal in Canadian football?
A field goal is worth 3 points in Canadian football.
Is a field goal the same as a convert?
No. A field goal is worth 3 points, while a convert after a touchdown is worth 1 point for a kick or 2 points for a run or pass.
Can a field goal be scored by a drop kick?
Yes. Canadian football rules allow a field goal to be scored by a drop kick or a place kick, although the drop kick is rare in modern play.
Why do teams kick field goals so often?
Teams kick field goals because they are a reliable way to turn a drive into points, especially when reaching the end zone looks difficult. In close games, three points can be the difference between leading and trailing.