Pickleball Size of Court: Small Enough to Miss, Big Enough to Sweat
So, you’ve discovered pickleball and you’re ready to dominate—but you need to know where you’ll be showing off those killer serves. A pickleball court measures exactly 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, so you won’t need to run a marathon every time you play—unless you’re just really into cardio. These measurements keep pickleball courts fast, fun, and (usually) friendly.
Honestly, the size of the court is part of the magic. It’s smaller than a tennis court, which means you can stop worrying about chasing balls into the next neighborhood.
If you’re detail-obsessed, check out the official breakdown of pickleball court dimensions and maybe impress your friends at your next match.
Thinking about building your own backyard court? Or maybe you just want to make sure the one in your neighborhood isn’t a tennis court in disguise?
Either way, you’re in the right place. You might even become the go-to pickleball expert on your block.
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
When you step onto a pickleball court, you’ll notice it’s not basketball-court sized, but it works. These courts stick to very specific dimensions so everyone gets a fair shake, whether you’re playing with friends or going for gold in a tournament.
Standard Length and Width
The official pickleball court dimensions are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. That’s 880 inches, if you’re counting.
Every court—indoors or outdoors—uses the same size. It’s basically the same as a doubles badminton court, so don’t plan on sneaking onto your neighbor’s tennis court!
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Area | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Court Width | 20 feet (6.10 m) |
| Court Length | 44 feet (13.41 m) |
| Non-Volley Zone | 7 feet from net |
| Total Playing Area Recommended | 30 x 60 feet |
Each court has a non-volley zone—aka the “kitchen”—that runs 7 feet from the net on both sides. Staying out of the kitchen is probably the only time your mom will ever cheer you on for it.
If you want to geek out on the details, here’s more on pickleball court dimensions.
Measurements for Singles and Doubles Play
Pickleball keeps things simple. The court size stays the same for singles and doubles play.
No redrawing lines or buying extra markers. One court, two ways to play.
You always use the full 20-foot width and 44-foot length, no matter how many players. The only thing that changes is how many people you’ll accidentally bump into or, let’s be honest, whack with your paddle.
So, round up your friends or rivals—every game uses the same court layout. The rules have your back. If you’re a stickler for details, check out this official pickleball courts and construction guide for all the nitty-gritty.
Key Areas of a Pickleball Court
Every pickleball court has zones that really matter. If you know each area’s purpose, you’ll avoid stepping where you shouldn’t, win more points, and maybe make a few fewer enemies.
The Non-Volley Zone
People call the non-volley zone the “kitchen,” but don’t expect snacks. It’s a 7-foot rectangle that hugs the net on both sides, marked by a line.
If your feet touch the kitchen while you volley, you lose the point. Simple as that.
So, in the kitchen, keep your feet out—unless the ball bounces first.
Here’s a quick table to keep you out of trouble:
| Non-Volley Zone | Size | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 7 feet from net on both sides | |
| Rule | Don’t volley here, please | |
| Fun Fact | Nickname: The Kitchen |
Mastering the kitchen means learning to step back, leap forward, and sometimes do a weird shuffle. It might not look pretty, but hey, it’s legal.
Service Areas
The service areas are your home base for starting a point. They’re split in half behind the non-volley line, creating left and right rectangles.
Each side has a left and right service area. When you serve, you stand behind the baseline and aim diagonally into your opponent’s matching box.
If your serve lands anywhere else, you just handed your opponent a free point.
The lines count as in. So, if the ball smacks the line, you’re good. If someone serves into the kitchen, call it out—it keeps things honest.
Baselines and Sidelines
Baselines are the back lines, 22 feet from the net. Sidelines run down each side and stretch 20 feet across.
Don’t step on or past the baseline when you serve, or you’ll lose the point. Sidelines keep the game neat and stop it from turning into tennis.
The corners where baselines and sidelines meet are where balls love to land just out, driving everyone nuts. If you can’t tell, just do what the pros do—shrug and act like you saw it clearly. For more on dimensions and layouts, check out these guides.
Comparing Pickleball and Tennis Courts
Pickleball and tennis courts are as different as a chihuahua and a Great Dane. Their sizes and setups really change how you play—and how much your feet hurt after.
Size Differences
Try running a marathon on a pickleball court and you’ll run out of space before you break a sweat. Here’s why:
| Court Type | Length (feet) | Width (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball | 44 | 20 |
| Tennis | 120 | 60 |
You could fit four pickleball courts inside one tennis court and still have room for snacks. The pickleball net is different too. It’s 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches in the middle, while tennis nets are a steady 36 inches all the way across.
Playing pickleball feels less like running laps and more like quick, zippy bursts. It’s a lot less intimidating for your cousin who hasn’t exercised since the ‘90s. If you’re curious, here’s a pickleball court size guide with more details.
Overlapping Uses and Conversions
Here’s something cool: tennis courts don’t just sit empty while pickleball takes over. Lots of places convert tennis courts for pickleball.
People use plastic lines, portable nets, and a bit of tape to turn one tennis court into several pickleball courts in less time than it takes to eat lunch.
You can actually fit up to four pickleball courts on a single tennis court. It’s perfect for a group that’s twice as loud as a regular tennis match.
This setup is popular in parks and clubs that want to welcome both tennis fans and pickleballers—no need to build new courts.
Want to see how it’s done? This conversion guide shows how to set up pickleball lines and get the most out of a tennis space. No bulldozers needed.
Markings and Layout Requirements
If you get the markings and layout right, you’ll keep the game fair and avoid endless arguments with your neighbor Dave. A well-marked court helps everyone know where to stand, serve, and maybe even look like they know what they’re doing.
Lines and Marking Standards
You can’t just play pickleball on any rectangle and call it official. The court needs specific lines: baselines, sidelines, a centerline, and the famous non-volley zone (the kitchen).
Each line should be 2 inches wide—easy to see, but not so wide the ball gets lost. The court itself measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, lines included.
Here’s a quick chart as a cheat sheet:
| Line | Width | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Baseline | 2 in | Back boundary |
| Sideline | 2 in | Side boundary |
| Centerline | 2 in | Divides service boxes |
| Non-volley Zone | 2 in | Marks the kitchen border |
You can use tape, chalk, or paint for marking. If you go with sidewalk chalk, better hope it doesn’t rain or you’ll be chasing lines all afternoon. For more on official dimensions, see the complete Pickleball court layout.
Recommended Surface Materials
Your court’s surface can make or break your game. Most pickleball courts use asphalt or concrete. Both give you a firm, smooth surface that won’t send the ball on a wild adventure.
Concrete lasts longer but can be tough on your knees—maybe save the diving for a gym mat.
If you want a better bounce (and to keep your paddle from rattling your teeth), people often add special acrylic coatings. This paint gives you good traction, less slipping, and helps those lines pop.
Outside courts need good drainage, so you’re not paddling through puddles. Indoors, look for surfaces with some cushion—your joints will thank you after three games in a row. If you want to get into the weeds, there’s a full pickleball court construction guide with all the steps.
Equipment and Its Relationship to Court Size
You can’t play pickleball with just good intentions and sneakers. The size of the court actually determines what equipment you need and how you use it.
Let’s get into the gear you can’t ignore—mainly nets and all the court hardware.
Nets
Let’s be real—you can’t just toss any rope across the court and call it a net. For pickleball, the official net stretches the full 20-foot width, acting as the line in the sand between you and your opponents’ best attempts to zing a wiffle ball your way.
The net stands 36 inches high at the sidelines and dips down to 34 inches in the center. That little drop? It’s not just for show—it actually encourages longer rallies and those sneaky drop shots.
If you want to avoid getting called out for cheating, you’ll want your net setup to match these exact court measurements.
Here’s a quick table for reference:
| Net Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Width | 20 feet |
| Height (Sideline) | 36 inches |
| Height (Center) | 34 inches |
If your net sags in the middle or ends up too high, people will definitely notice—and probably complain. You might even find yourself accidentally playing volleyball.
Portable and Permanent Court Equipment
Some people swear by permanent courts, with posts set in concrete. Others just want to play wherever there’s a flat spot, so they rely on portable setups.
Both types need to fit the standard court size, or you’ll end up chasing balls into the street or your neighbor’s petunias.
Permanent posts sit just outside the sidelines. They stand exactly 22 feet apart—yep, that’s wider than two jump ropes end to end. These posts keep your net tight, so balls don’t sneak under for an unplanned escape.
Portable nets are all about flexibility and quick setup. You can throw one up in a driveway, park, or even a mysterious gym, and still get a regulation-sized court. As long as you hit that 20-by-44-foot mark, you’re good to go.
Whether your net lives in your trunk or stays put all year, you’ve got to match the official court size for the real deal. If your net lands in your neighbor’s yard or your posts are blocking the driveway, something’s definitely off.
Design Tips for Pickleball Players
A well-designed pickleball court keeps everyone moving—and less likely to argue about lines. If you want to play your best game and avoid those embarrassing wipeouts, you really need to think about space and safety.
Space for Movement
When you’re shuffling, jumping, or awkwardly backpedaling, you need more room than just the 20 by 44-foot court. Ask anyone who’s crashed into a fence chasing a wild lob—extra space is gold.
You’ll want at least 10 feet behind each baseline and 5 feet along the sidelines for breathing room. This space makes serves and returns smoother, so you’re not turning into a gymnast trying to avoid smacking your paddle on a wall.
A total play area of 30 by 60 feet is the usual recommendation. It’s roomy enough for wild rallies, and you can wave to spectators without tripping over them.
If your court sits close to your garage, heads up—pickleballs have a way of finding every little gap, and you’ll probably end up crawling under the car more than you want.
Safety Considerations
You want to play pickleball, not risk face-planting. Keeping the play area safe lets everyone walk away with a smile—and maybe a little pride.
Pick a surface that’s flat and not too slippery. Textured concrete or asphalt works well—nobody’s looking for a surprise slip-and-slide.
Mark your lines clearly, because “IN or OUT?” debates can get heated. Good visibility means less arguing.
Lighting matters, especially if you’re playing in the evening. LED court lights help you see sneaky shots and, honestly, help you avoid tripping over someone’s foot at dusk.
Keep the area clear of hazards like shoes, water bottles, or that one rogue paddle. If you add a fence, soft mesh beats chain link every time—your elbows will appreciate it.
Adaptations and Variations in Pickleball Court Size
Not everyone has a huge backyard or access to a pro gym. Sometimes you just have to get creative. Different places—or even different countries—might use slightly different setups.
Backyard and Recreational Setups
Thinking about putting a pickleball court next to your grill? You’re not alone. Backyard and driveway courts often squeeze into whatever space you’ve got, so you might have to fudge the official numbers a bit.
A regulation court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, but most yards didn’t get the memo.
Here are a few tips:
- Use painter’s tape or chalk if you don’t want to commit to permanent lines.
- Try a shorter or narrower court if you’re tight on space—it’s better than not playing at all.
- Don’t worry too much if your net’s a little off. Sometimes a rope (with some encouragement) does the trick.
Your neighbors might even thank you for the gentler learning curve—and the quieter smashes—on a smaller court. Want more details? Check out this pickleball court dimension guide.
International Differences
Pickleball isn’t just an American backyard thing. When you play in other countries, you’ll probably notice some quirks in court size or net height.
Some places stick to centimeters and meters instead of feet and inches. For instance, they’ll measure the net at 91 cm (about 36 inches) on the sidelines and 86 cm (about 34 inches) in the center. Nobody wants a saggy net, even if you’re playing halfway across the world.
Public parks and community gyms everywhere try to squeeze in as many courts as they can, so you might see courts with slightly unusual dimensions. The point isn’t perfection—it’s just about having a good time, really.
Curious about the nitty-gritty details? Here’s a handy international court measurements breakdown.
