West Bromwich Albion won the competition for the fourth time, beating Preston North End 3–2 in the final at Wembley.
Matches were scheduled to be played at the stadium of the team named first on the date specified for each round, which was always a Saturday.
Some matches, however, might be rescheduled for other days if there were clashes with games for other competitions or the weather was inclement.
If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played, a replay would take place at the stadium of the second-named team later the same week.
Hastings defeated Shoreham, Horsham, Eastbourne, Ashford Town (Kent), Hounslow Town, Guildford City and Swindon Town before losing to Norwich City in the third round; while Headington defeated Aylesbury United, Maidenhead United, Chesham United, Wealdstone, Harwich & Parkeston, Millwall and Stockport County before losing to Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round.
The final two non-league sides in the draw, Harwich & Parkeston and Walthamstow Avenue, were given byes to this round.
Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion won their ties to meet in the final at Wembley.
The 1954 FA Cup final was contested by West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End at Wembley.