Pickleball court dimensions and net height
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long (6.10 by 13.41 metres), exactly a badminton court, and the same size for singles and doubles. The net is 34 inches at the centre. Below are all the measurements in feet and metres, a drawing, and how to mark a court out with tape or chalk in the garden or on a driveway.
All the measurements
| Part | Feet / inches | Metres |
|---|---|---|
| Court (width × length) | 20 × 44 ft | 6.10 × 13.41 m |
| Kitchen (non-volley zone), each side | 7 ft deep | 2.13 m |
| Service box (width × depth) | 10 × 15 ft | 3.05 × 4.57 m |
| Net height at the posts | 36 in | 0.91 m |
| Net height at the centre | 34 in | 0.86 m |
| Net width (post to post) | 22 ft | 6.71 m |
| Line width | 2 in | 5 cm |
| Recommended playing area incl. run-off | 30 × 60 ft | 9.14 × 18.29 m |
The court drawn out
The net
The net is 22 feet wide and 36 inches at the posts; because of the sag it is 34 inches at the centre. On a tennis court the net is 36 inches at the centre, 2 inches too high. For a social game that hardly matters; for a proper match put up a portable pickleball net. On a badminton court the net is far too high (5 feet) and you always need your own net.
Can you mark one out in the garden or on the drive?
Yes, if you have a flat, hard surface of about 30 by 60 feet: a driveway, a car park, a playground, an unused tennis court. On grass the ball does not bounce, so that will not work. Here is how:
- Place the net (or a line at 34 inches) in the middle, 22 feet wide.
- Measure 7 feet from the net to each side and draw the kitchen lines across the full 20-foot width.
- From the kitchen line measure another 15 feet back for the baseline; 22 feet from the net on each side in total.
- Draw the sidelines from baseline to baseline and the centre line from kitchen line to baseline.
- Check the diagonals: corner to corner should be 48 ft 4 in (14.73 m); if both diagonals match, the court is square.
Tape holds on a driveway or sports-hall floor; chalk on tarmac. With two paddles, a few balls and a portable net you are ready.
Frequently asked questions about the court
Is the court smaller for singles?
No. Unlike tennis and badminton, the pickleball court is the same size for singles and doubles: 20 by 44 feet (6.10 by 13.41 metres). There are no separate singles lines.
How high is a pickleball net?
36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the centre (91 and 86 centimetres). A tennis net is 36 inches at the centre; if you play on a tennis court, lower the net slightly or accept the 2-inch difference.
Does a pickleball court fit on a tennis court?
Yes, four of them. A tennis court is 78 by 36 feet; two pickleball courts fit side by side across each half, each with its own portable net, provided there is run-off around the tennis court. Many tennis clubs mark the lines in a different colour.
How much space do you need at home?
The court itself is 20 by 44 feet. Allow at least 30 by 60 feet (9 by 18 metres) including run-off; an average driveway or back garden is too tight, a car park, playground or sports hall is not.
Court ready? Next, the rules, or first read what pickleball actually is.
