A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet by 44 feet with a 7-foot kitchen.
If you came here wondering what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?, you are in the right place. I have laid out dozens of courts, from driveway builds to club installs. This guide breaks down each line, zone, and measurement so you can build, measure, or order the right court with zero guesswork. Keep reading to master what are the dimensions of a pickleball court? and how they impact real play.
What are the dimensions of a pickleball court? Official specs
If you want the short, verified answer to what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?, here it is. The playing court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for singles and doubles. The non-volley zone, also called the kitchen, is 7 feet deep on each side of the net. Net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
For planning space, the recommended minimum total court area is 30 feet by 60 feet. The preferred total area is 34 feet by 64 feet for safer run-offs and better play. Lines are 2 inches wide and count as part of the court. Metric conversions help too: 6.10 meters by 13.41 meters court size, 2.13 meters kitchen depth, 0.914 meters at posts and 0.864 meters at center for net height.
A practical detail that many miss is net length. A standard net spans about 21 feet 9 inches between posts, with the posts set just outside the 20-foot court width. When people ask what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?, they often forget space outside the lines. Do not. That extra space is where safety lives.
Court lines and zones explained
Understanding the layout makes the numbers come alive. Here is what each line means on a regulation court.
- Baselines run along the back of the court. Serves must land past the kitchen line and within the opposite service box.
- Sidelines define the 20-foot width. Shots landing on the line are in.
- Non-volley zone lines are 7 feet from the net on both sides. These lines are part of the kitchen.
- The centerline splits the service boxes into left and right. Each box is 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep.
- All lines are 2 inches wide. Use a bright color that contrasts your surface.
If a friend asks you what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?, show them the zones too. Dimensions make sense when you see how play fits on the map.
Singles vs doubles, indoor vs outdoor
Good news. Singles and doubles use the exact same 20 by 44 foot court. There is no special singles line. That makes setup simple.
For indoor courts, allow enough ceiling clearance for lobs. Aim for at least 18 feet to lights or ceiling features. For outdoor courts, plan wind screens and orientation to minimize glare. The preferred 34 by 64 foot total area helps both play types.
I often get a version of what are the dimensions of a pickleball court? that asks about gym conversions. The answer is still 20 by 44 feet. The difference is in spacing around the court and ceiling height.
How to measure and mark a pickleball court
You can lay out a regulation court in an afternoon. Here is my step-by-step method.
- Gather tools: 100-foot tape measure, chalk line, masking tape or painter’s tape, string line, stakes, and a level. A measuring wheel is a plus.
- Create a rectangle: Mark two baseline points 20 feet apart. Measure 44 feet for each sideline. Square the corners by checking diagonals. The diagonal should be about 48 feet 4 inches.
- Snap chalk lines: Baselines and sidelines first. Keep lines straight and true with string guides.
- Mark the net line: It sits at the center of the 44-foot length. Add kitchen lines 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- Add centerlines: From the kitchen line to the baseline at the midpoint of each side, splitting the service boxes.
- Tape or paint: Lines should be 2 inches wide. Use a crisp tape edge for clean paint.
- Install the net: Set post height for 36 inches at sidelines and 34 inches at center. Use a center strap if you have one.
If anyone on your crew asks what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?, post a small sketch on site. It prevents mistakes and saves time.
Space planning, safety clearances, and layout tips
Safe run-off room is not a luxury. It changes how bold players are on lobs, sprints, and dives.
- Minimum playing area: 30 feet by 60 feet. That is 5 feet of space on each side and about 8 feet behind each baseline.
- Preferred playing area: 34 feet by 64 feet. That gives roughly 7 feet on the sides and 10 feet at the ends.
- Doors and walls: Keep doors opening away from active courts. Pad hard edges near baselines.
- Lighting: Even light with less glare. Outdoor orientation that avoids facing the setting sun helps a lot.
- Drainage and slope: A gentle slope, about 1 percent, moves water off the court without changing bounce.
If you are pitching a project and someone asks what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?, include these space buffers in your answer. The court is 20 by 44 feet, but the play area is larger.
Common mistakes and my on-court lessons
I have made many of these so you do not have to.
- Crooked rectangles: If diagonals are not equal, the court is skewed. Re-square before you paint. Trust your tape more than your eyes.
- Wrong net height: A saggy center changes play. Use a center strap to get 34 inches.
- Skinny lines: Lines must be 2 inches wide. Thin lines mess with calls and look off.
- Slippery paint: Use a textured acrylic with silica sand. Smooth paint is a fall waiting to happen.
- Tight run-offs: Players chase lobs. Give them room so they do not hit fences.
People often repeat what are the dimensions of a pickleball court? while fixing mistakes. The answer is constant. Your process needs to match it every time.
Quick conversions and equipment specs
If you switch between feet and meters or shop for gear, keep these numbers handy.
- Court size: 20 by 44 feet equals 6.10 by 13.41 meters.
- Kitchen depth: 7 feet equals 2.13 meters.
- Net height: 36 inches at sidelines equals 0.914 meters. 34 inches at center equals 0.864 meters.
- Line width: 2 inches equals 5.08 centimeters.
- Total area: Minimum 30 by 60 feet equals 9.14 by 18.29 meters. Preferred 34 by 64 feet equals 10.36 by 19.51 meters.
- Net length: About 21 feet 9 inches between posts. Posts sit just outside the 20-foot width.
If a buyer asks what are the dimensions of a pickleball court? before ordering a net system, share both the court size and the post spacing.
Frequently Asked Questions of what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?
What are the dimensions of a pickleball court in feet and meters?
A regulation court is 20 by 44 feet, which is 6.10 by 13.41 meters. Singles and doubles use the same size.
Is the kitchen included when asking what are the dimensions of a pickleball court?
Yes. The non-volley zone is part of the layout and is 7 feet deep on each side. The kitchen lines are in.
Do singles courts use different dimensions?
No. Singles and doubles share the same 20 by 44 foot court. Only strategy changes.
How high is the pickleball net?
It is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. That slight dip is by design.
What total space do I need around the court?
Aim for at least 30 by 60 feet for the whole area. If you can, 34 by 64 feet plays much safer.
Why do my diagonals matter during layout?
Equal diagonals prove your rectangle is square. For a 20 by 44 foot court, it is about 48 feet 4 inches.
Can I paint lines on a driveway and still be official?
Yes, if you follow the sizes and use 2-inch lines. Use a textured paint for grip and lasting color.
Conclusion
Now you can answer what are the dimensions of a pickleball court? with total confidence. The court is 20 by 44 feet, the kitchen is 7 feet, and smart space planning makes play safe and fun. With the right lines, net height, and layout, every rally feels better.
Take this guide to your driveway, school, or club and mark a perfect court. If you found this helpful, share it with your crew, subscribe for more practical guides, or drop your layout questions in the comments.