High school and college softball teams traditionally play a regulation game consisting of seven innings. This seven-inning format is standard across most levels, including high school varsity softball and NCAA college softball, as well as professional softball

. In each inning, both teams have a turn at bat and in the field, divided into the top and bottom halves of the inning. The visiting team bats first (top half), followed by the home team (bottom half). The inning ends when the defensive team records three outs against the offensive team

. Games can end earlier than seven innings if a mercy rule is applied, such as when one team leads by a large margin after a certain number of innings (e.g., an eight-run lead after five innings in college softball)

. Additionally, if the score is tied after seven innings, extra innings are played until a winner is determined

. In summary:

• High school softball: Typically 7 innings per game

• College softball: Standard 7 innings per game, with extra innings if tied

This consistent seven-inning structure ensures fairness and maintains the pace of the game across these competitive levels.