A pickleball court measures 20 by 44 feet, including boundary lines.
If you’ve wondered how big is pickleball court, you’re in the right place. I set up courts for clubs and teach new players. In this guide, I break down exact sizes, safe spacing, lines, and net height. You will learn how to mark a court, avoid mistakes, and play by the rules.
How big is pickleball court: official dimensions
The short answer to how big is pickleball court is simple: the playing area is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for singles and doubles. All boundary lines are part of the court.
Key numbers you need:
- Court size 20 feet by 44 feet. Metric is 6.10 m by 13.41 m.
- Non-volley zone (the kitchen) 7 feet from the net on each side.
- Service boxes 10 feet by 15 feet each.
- Line width 2 inches. Lines count as in.
- Net height 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
A helpful note from my own layouts: measure from the outside edge of each 2-inch line to keep the 20 by 44 feet true. This keeps service boxes and the kitchen spot on.
Total space you need around the lines
How big is pickleball court is not just the 20 by 44 feet. You also need room to move. For safe play, plan a minimum court area of 30 by 60 feet. The preferred size is 34 by 64 feet.
Use these clearances:
- Baselines 8 to 10 feet of space behind each end.
- Sidelines 5 to 10 feet of space on each side.
- Indoors aim for 18 to 20 feet of ceiling height.
If you are hosting events, use the larger 34 by 64 footprint. In my league, we found fewer wall bumps and cleaner swings with the wider space.
Court lines and zones explained
If you ask how big is pickleball court, you also need to know where the lines go. The layout shapes how you serve, volley, and score.
Core lines and zones:
- Baselines the back lines of the court.
- Sidelines the outer left and right lines.
- Non-volley zone the kitchen is 7 feet deep from the net on both sides.
- Non-volley line the line that marks the kitchen.
- Centerline splits each side into left and right service boxes.
- Service courts each box is 10 by 15 feet.
Tip from the field: place the centerline after you confirm the court is square. A crooked centerline causes foot faults and messy serves.
Net setup and measurements
Another part of how big is pickleball court is the net setup. A correct net changes how the ball plays and how rallies feel.
What to measure:
- Net height 36 inches at sidelines and 34 inches at center.
- Posts 22 feet apart, center to center.
- Net length at least 21 feet 9 inches so it reaches both posts.
- A center strap helps maintain the 34-inch height.
Portable nets can sag. I keep a small tape handy and recheck center height every hour during open play.
How big is pickleball court vs. tennis and other courts
It helps to compare when people ask how big is pickleball court. A tennis doubles court is 36 by 78 feet, so it is much larger. Four pickleball courts can fit on one tennis court with the right spacing.
Useful comparisons:
- Pickleball 20 by 44 feet.
- Badminton doubles 20 by 44 feet, the same footprint.
- Tennis singles 27 by 78 feet. Tennis doubles 36 by 78 feet.
If you convert a tennis court, use a chalk line to grid the space and mark four 30 by 60 areas. This keeps walkways clear and keeps nets aligned.
Step-by-step: mark a regulation court anywhere
When friends ask me how big is pickleball court and how to build one, I share this simple plan. You can mark a court in a driveway, gym, or on a tennis court.
What you need:
- Tape measure, chalk line, painter’s tape, or court paint.
- Two straight edges or string lines.
- A level and a long tape for diagonals.
Steps:
- Pick your spot. Aim for 30 by 60 feet if you can.
- Snap a straight baseline. Measure 20 feet across for the width.
- Use the 3-4-5 triangle method to square the corners.
- Measure 44 feet to set the far baseline. Check both diagonals match.
- Add sidelines, then the non-volley zone lines at 7 feet from the net.
- Mark the centerline on each side to split service boxes.
- Place the net so center is at 34 inches and sides at 36 inches.
- Walk the court. Fix any waves or gaps in lines before play.
Pro tip: on slick floors, choose removable court tape with grit. It helps with traction and peels off clean.
Common mistakes and easy fixes
People often ask how big is pickleball court and then jump into play with small errors. These fixes keep your court fair and fun.
Watch for:
- Too little space around the court. Fix by using at least 30 by 60 feet.
- Wrong net height. Recheck 34 inches at center, 36 at sides.
- Kitchen too short or too long. Measure 7 feet from the net from the net plane, not the post.
- Crooked lines. Confirm squareness by matching diagonal lengths.
- Slippery paint. Use grit-additive or textured tape.
A small mistake can change how the ball bounces or how safe it feels near the net. A few minutes of checks save a day of rework.
Quick measurement cheat sheet
If you forget how big is pickleball court, use this quick list.
- Court size 20 by 44 feet, lines included.
- Kitchen 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- Service boxes 10 by 15 feet each.
- Net 34 inches center, 36 inches sidelines.
- Posts 22 feet apart, net length at least 21 feet 9 inches.
- Space to play 30 by 60 feet minimum, 34 by 64 feet preferred.
Print this and stick it in your gear bag. It saves time at setup.
Frequently Asked Questions of how big is pickleball court
Is a pickleball court the same size for singles and doubles?
Yes, the court is the same 20 by 44 feet for both. Only the strategy and coverage change, not the size.
How high is the pickleball net supposed to be?
It is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Check it often because portable nets can sag.
How big is pickleball court compared to badminton?
They share the same footprint at 20 by 44 feet. The lines and zones differ because pickleball has a non-volley zone.
Can four pickleball courts fit on one tennis court?
Yes, with smart spacing you can fit four. Use about 30 by 60 feet per court and keep walkways clear.
What is the non-volley zone and how deep is it?
The non-volley zone, or kitchen, is 7 feet from the net on each side. You cannot volley while standing in it or touching its line.
What is the minimum total space needed to play safely?
Aim for at least 30 by 60 feet. If you host matches, 34 by 64 feet is better for safety and comfort.
How big is pickleball court in meters?
It is 6.10 meters by 13.41 meters. The non-volley zone is about 2.13 meters from the net.
Conclusion
You now know how big is pickleball court and why each number matters. The 20 by 44 feet layout, the 7-foot kitchen, and a net at 34 and 36 inches shape every rally. Give yourself 30 by 60 feet of space, and you will play safer and with more confidence.
Grab a tape measure, mark the lines, and invite a friend for a test game. Want more tips on gear, drills, and rules? Subscribe for fresh guides and share your court photos in the comments.