A standard cornhole bag measures 6 inches by 6 inches and weighs roughly 16 ounces, though exact specifications vary slightly by governing body.
For the full breakdown, see our best Cornhole Bags guide.
If you’re shopping for cornhole bags, checking a board’s dimensions, or settling a dispute before a backyard tournament, the answer to what size is a cornhole bag comes down to which rule set you play by. The most widely cited figure is 6″ x 6″ weighing about one pound, but the American Cornhole League, American Cornhole Association, and American Cornhole Organization each publish slightly different tolerances.
Here’s what each major governing body actually requires, what the differences mean for casual play, and what to check before you buy.
Official Cornhole Bag Dimensions by Governing Body
Every sanctioning body sets its own specifications, and the differences matter if you’re competing in a sanctioned event. For backyard games, almost any bag close to 6″ x 6″ weighing around a pound will play fine.
| Governing Body | Size Requirement | Weight Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| American Cornhole League (ACL) | 6″ x 6″ flat; tolerance 5.75″–6.25″; diagonal minimum 7.3″–7.5″ | 16 oz; tolerance 15.5–16.5 oz |
| American Cornhole Association (ACA) | 6″ x 6″ finished; made from 6¼” squares with ¼” seams | 14–16.25 oz |
| American Cornhole Organization (ACO) | Narrowest flat measurement at least 5.75″; thickness 1.125″–1.5″ | 15.75–16.25 oz |
| PlayCornhole.org (general rules) | 6″ x 6″ | Approximately 16 oz (1 lb) |
Why Bag Specifications Differ Between Leagues
Each organization designed its rules around what its tournament players preferred, and the differences are small but real.
These tolerances exist because fabric stretches, fill compresses, and manufacturing varies. A bag that passes one league’s inspection might not pass another’s, which is why tournament players buy bags specifically approved for the league they compete in. The ACL, for example, maintains an Approved Bag Manufacturer List, and players must bring their own approved bags to ACL-sanctioned events.
What Cornhole Bags Are Filled With
Fill type is another specification that varies by rule set.
Common Size Mistakes to Avoid
Three mix-ups trip up new players more than anything else. First, confusing bag size with board size: cornhole boards measure 2 feet by 4 feet, and the hole is 6 inches in diameter, while bags are a separate 6″ x 6″ spec. Second, quoting one exact weight without naming the governing body — official ranges run from 14 to 16.5 ounces depending on whose rules you follow. Third, assuming all fills are interchangeable across rule sets; some leagues restrict fill type, and using the wrong one could disqualify your bags at a sanctioned event.
References & Sources
- PlayCornhole.org. “Official Cornhole Rules.” Specifies 6″ x 6″ bags weighing approximately one pound with corn feed or plastic pellet fill.
- American Cornhole League. “ACL Official Rules.” Details bag size, weight, thickness, and diagonal tolerances for sanctioned play.
- Wikipedia. “Cornhole.” Provides general background on bag size standards, board dimensions, and game history.