A standard pickleball court is 20 by 44 feet, with 30×60 feet preferred total space.
If you’re asking how big are pickleball courts, you’re in the right place. I’ve laid out and measured many courts for gyms, HOAs, and backyards. Below, you’ll find clear sizes, diagrams in words, and real tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly how big are pickleball courts, what space you really need, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. That is 6.10 meters by 13.41 meters. Singles and doubles use the same size. Lines are 2 inches wide, or about 5 cm, in a high-contrast color.
The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Posts are set so the net spans about 22 feet from inside to inside. These sizes match the official rules from national and international pickleball bodies.
To answer how big are pickleball courts in total space, the court itself is 20×44 feet. But play feels best when you include safe run-off around it. More on that next.
The Playing Zones Explained
It helps to picture the court in three simple zones.
- Non-volley zone, also called the kitchen. It is 7 feet from the net on each side, so 14 feet total across the middle.
- Service areas. From the kitchen line to the baseline is 15 feet. Each service box is 10 feet wide, split by the centerline.
- Baselines and sidelines. These are the outer edges of the 20×44 rectangle.
If you are learning how big are pickleball courts, remember this: the kitchen is always 7 feet deep per side. The service boxes are always 10×15 feet. Keep these fixed anchors in mind when you mark lines.
Space Beyond the Lines
For safe play, you need room beyond the 20×44 playing lines. The minimum recommended total playing area is 30×60 feet. That gives 5 feet on each side and 8 feet behind each baseline. The preferred size is 34×64 feet, which gives 7 feet on each side and 10 feet behind each baseline.
Indoors, aim for a clear ceiling height of at least 18 to 20 feet. For multi-court layouts, plan walkways and safe buffers. If your group asks how big are pickleball courts in the real world, this buffer space is what makes a big difference in comfort and safety.
Indoor vs Outdoor Court Sizes
The official court size is the same indoors and outdoors. What changes is the surface, bounce, lighting, and wind.
- Outdoor courts often use acrylic over asphalt or concrete. They play a little faster.
- Indoor courts may be wood, vinyl, or sport tile. The ball can skid more.
- Outdoor lighting should be even, about 30–50 foot-candles. Try to orient courts north–south to reduce glare.
So, how big are pickleball courts for both settings? The lines are always 20×44 feet. Your big wins come from good run-off, level surfaces, and fair lighting.
How Many Pickleball Courts Fit on a Tennis Court?
A standard tennis court area is about 60×120 feet. You can fit four pickleball courts in that space with smart planning. Many parks do this with portable nets and taped or painted lines.
If fences or gates limit space, two courts may fit more cleanly. Use contrasting colors to reduce confusion. If someone asks how big are pickleball courts compared to a tennis court, think four-to-one in most setups.
Building or Lining Your Own Court: Practical Tips
I’ve helped line school gyms, church lots, and driveways. The trick is to measure twice and mark once.
- Confirm the container size first. For a single court, target 30×60 feet minimum or 34×64 feet preferred.
- Snap chalk lines for the 20×44 rectangle. Check diagonals. If both diagonals match, the court is square.
- Mark the 7-foot kitchen from the net. Then mark the 15 feet to the baseline. Add the centerline to split the service boxes.
- Set the net to 34 inches in the middle, 36 inches at the sides. Recheck after tensioning.
- Use 2-inch lines in a high-contrast color. Avoid colors that match your ball, shoes, or floor.
When a neighbor asks how big are pickleball courts, show them your tape marks. Seeing the 7-foot kitchen and 10×15 boxes makes it click.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
I see the same errors pop up. They are easy to fix if you know them.
- Forgetting the kitchen depth. The non-volley zone is 7 feet per side, not 6 or 8.
- Not enough run-off. Squeezing into 28×56 feels tight. Try for at least 30×60.
- Wrong net height. Always 34 inches at center, 36 at posts. Recheck after play.
- Crooked or bowed sidelines. Use string lines, not eyeballing. Check diagonals for square.
- Slippery paint or tape. Choose textured coatings or anti-slip tape.
These details shape how big are pickleball courts feel during real play. Small fixes lead to big safety and fun.
Quick Reference: Measurements at a Glance
Here is the fast list you can save.
- Court size. 20×44 feet (6.10×13.41 meters). Singles and doubles are the same.
- Kitchen. 7 feet deep on each side of the net (2.13 meters).
- Service boxes. 10×15 feet each (3.05×4.57 meters).
- Lines. 2 inches wide (5 cm), contrasting color.
- Net height. 36 inches at sidelines, 34 inches at center (0.91 m and 0.86 m).
- Minimum play area. 30×60 feet (9.14×18.29 meters).
- Preferred play area. 34×64 feet (10.36×19.51 meters).
If someone presses you on how big are pickleball courts, this list nails the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions of how big are pickleball courts
Do singles and doubles use the same court size?
Yes. Singles and doubles both use 20×44 feet. That is why how big are pickleball courts is a simple, fixed answer.
What is the minimum space I need in my backyard?
Aim for 30×60 feet for safer play. If you go smaller, expect more let balls and more caution.
How high should the pickleball net be?
Set 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Check with a tape or a simple net gauge.
Can I fit a court in a driveway?
If your driveway is close to 30×60 feet, yes. Mark the 20×44 and watch for slopes, cars, and lighting.
How many courts fit on one tennis court?
Usually four with smart layout and portable nets. It is a common conversion at parks and schools.
Are indoor and outdoor court sizes different?
No. The court is always 20×44 feet. Surface, lighting, and wind are the real differences.
What color should I use for lines?
Pick a color that contrasts with the surface and ball. White on dark surfaces is common and easy to see.
Conclusion
Now you can answer how big are pickleball courts with confidence. The playing lines are 20×44 feet, the kitchen is 7 feet, and the best total space is 34×64. These numbers are simple, but they shape safety, pace, and fun.
Ready to measure your space? Grab a tape, mark the kitchen, and square your court. If this helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more guides, or drop a question in the comments.