A standard pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.
If you want real clarity on how long is a pickleball court, you’re in the right place. I’ve helped new players mark courts in driveways and guided clubs building full complexes. In this guide, we will cover exact sizes, layout details, setup tips, and common errors to avoid. By the end, you will know how long is a pickleball court, how wide it is, and how to measure it like a pro.
Official pickleball court dimensions
If you ask how long is a pickleball court, the official answer is 44 feet from baseline to baseline. The width is 20 feet from sideline to sideline. These numbers are the same for singles and doubles.
Here are the basics most players need:
- Court length: 44 feet
- Court width: 20 feet
- Non-volley zone, also called the kitchen: 7 feet from the net on each side
- Service boxes: 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep on each side
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center
- Line width: 2 inches, and lines are part of the court
For planning space, most facilities use a larger footprint than the lines. The minimum recommended playing area is 30 feet by 60 feet. A more comfortable layout is 34 feet by 64 feet to allow safe movement.
If someone asks how long is a pickleball court in meters, it is about 13.41 meters by 6.10 meters. The rest of the specs scale the same.
Court layout explained
Knowing how long is a pickleball court is step one. Next, learn what each line means.
The net sits across the center. The kitchen line is 7 feet from the net on both sides. You cannot volley while touching the kitchen or its line.
From the kitchen line to the baseline is 15 feet. A centerline splits each half into two service boxes. Each box is 10 by 15 feet.
During serve, the ball must land in the box across and diagonal. Serves must clear the kitchen line. This is why clean lines matter.
Singles vs doubles, youth, and adaptive play
A lot of people ask how long is a pickleball court for singles versus doubles. The size does not change. Singles and doubles both use 44 by 20 feet.
Youth and beginner programs may use mini-court games for drills. But official play uses the same court size. Most junior nets match standard height unless set for fun practice.
Adaptive pickleball also uses the same court lines. Rule tweaks support wheelchair play, such as a second bounce. The court length and width stay the same.
Indoor vs outdoor courts and extra space
The official lines do not change by location. So how long is a pickleball court indoors or outdoors? It is still 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.
What can change is the buffer space. Indoors, aim for at least 30 by 60 feet total. If you can, go to 34 by 64 feet. More is better for safety.
Think about ceiling height indoors. A clear height of 18 to 20 feet feels good for lobs. Outdoors, watch for fences, wind, and sun angles.
How to mark a temporary court
I have marked many temporary courts in gyms and driveways. Here is the simple way to get it right when you wonder how long is a pickleball court and how to set it up fast.
Tools you need:
- Two tape measures of 50 feet or more
- Chalk, painter’s tape, or removable court tape
- A string line or straightedge
- A helper to hold the tape
Steps to lay it out:
- Snap or draw a straight baseline of 20 feet.
- From each corner of the baseline, measure 44 feet up the court to set the far baseline.
- Connect the far baseline to make a 44 by 20 rectangle. Check diagonals match at 48 feet 4 inches to confirm it is square.
- Mark the net line across the center at 22 feet from either baseline.
- Mark the kitchen lines 7 feet from the net on each side.
- Add a centerline from the kitchen line to the baseline to split the service boxes.
Pro tip from the field: tape sticks better on clean, dry floors. On asphalt, chalk is fast and easy to remove.
Space, safety, and surface tips
How long is a pickleball court is one part of planning. Safe space around it matters just as much.
What to consider:
- Perimeter space: at least 10 feet behind baselines and 5 feet beyond sidelines is ideal.
- Lighting: aim for even light, at about 30 to 50 foot-candles for casual play.
- Surface: acrylic over asphalt or concrete feels great and is common outside.
- Lines: 2 inches wide, high contrast with the surface, and non-slip when wet.
- Net system: center strap helps keep 34 inches at mid-court.
If your area is tight, pick a soft ball or a lower net for casual games. Keep ladders, benches, and bags off the runout area to avoid trips.
Common mistakes to avoid and expert tips
I have seen many DIY courts go off by small amounts. That small miss can change serves and rallies. Knowing how long is a pickleball court is simple. Keeping it square is the hard part.
Watch for these mistakes:
- Measuring only one side and “eyeballing” the rest
- Forgetting the kitchen is 7 feet, not “about a paddle length”
- Skipping the diagonal check to confirm square corners
- Using slippery tape that peels mid-game
- Setting the net at 36 inches in the center instead of 34
Quick fixes and tips:
- Always measure both diagonals to confirm the rectangle.
- Use a center strap to keep the net at 34 inches.
- Re-roll tape lines with a firm pressure to improve adhesion.
- Repaint or retrace faded kitchens first since they affect most calls.
Frequently Asked Questions of how long is a pickleball court
How long is a pickleball court and how wide is it?
A pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. These numbers are the same for singles and doubles.
How high is the pickleball net?
The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center. A center strap helps keep that lower center spot accurate.
What is the size of the non-volley zone?
The kitchen is 7 feet from the net on each side. That makes a 14-foot band across the middle of the court.
What is the total space I need for one court?
The minimum recommended area is 30 by 60 feet. For comfort and safety, 34 by 64 feet is better.
Are the lines part of the court in pickleball?
Yes, lines are 2 inches wide and count as in, except for the kitchen line on a serve. On the serve, the ball must land past the kitchen line.
Can I play singles on a doubles court?
Yes. The court size does not change for singles. You use the same 44 by 20 foot layout.
Why do my measurements feel off by an inch or two?
Small errors come from skewed corners or stretchy tape. Check both diagonals and re-square before you mark lines.
Conclusion
When you hear someone ask how long is a pickleball court, you now know the full picture. It is 44 feet long, 20 feet wide, with a 7-foot kitchen on each side and a net at 34 inches in the center. With the right space and smart layout, your games will feel fair, fast, and fun.
Take this guide, grab a tape, and mark a clean court this week. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more court guides, gear tips, and training drills. Have a question about your space? Drop it in the comments and I will help you dial it in.