A regulation pickleball court is 20 by 44 feet, with a 34-inch center net.
If you came here asking how large is a pickleball court, you’re in the right place. I’ve lined, taped, and measured many courts for parks and community events. In this friendly guide, I’ll break down the exact sizes, the run-off you need, and real tips for home setups. Stick around to master how large is a pickleball court, why it matters, and how to get it right the first time.
Official pickleball court dimensions
A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. That size is the same for singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches at the center.
If you’re still wondering how large is a pickleball court for events, the play area you see is only part of the story. You also need space around it so players can move safely. The recommended total play area is 30 by 60 feet as a minimum. Many venues prefer 34 by 64 feet for more room.
Key numbers to remember:
- Court size: 20 by 44 feet
- Net height: 36 inches at posts, 34 inches at center
- Minimum total play area: 30 by 60 feet
- Preferred total play area: 34 by 64 feet
Court lines and zones explained
When people ask how large is a pickleball court, they often mean the lines too. The lines are part of the court and are usually 2 inches wide. The lines define zones that shape how the game plays.
Here is the layout in simple terms:
- Baselines: Run along the back on both ends of the court.
- Sidelines: Run the full 44-foot length on both sides.
- Non-volley zone (kitchen): 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- Service areas: Right and left service boxes are each 10 feet wide and 15 feet deep.
- Centerline: Splits the service boxes and stops at the kitchen line.
A quick way to visualize: from the net to the baseline is 22 feet. Seven of those feet are the kitchen. The remaining 15 feet is the service area. That is why a deep serve that lands near the baseline is so effective.
Clear space, run-off, and layout planning
How large is a pickleball court when you add safe space? Plan for at least 30 by 60 feet, which gives about 5 feet on each side and 8 feet behind each baseline. That keeps players from crashing into fences or walls.
For tournaments or busy parks, 34 by 64 feet feels more comfortable. It gives a bit more space for hard angles and deep lobs. If you can, add even more space behind the baselines, especially outdoors where the ball sails.
Practical planning tips:
- Keep 8 to 10 feet clear behind each baseline.
- Keep 5 to 7 feet clear on each sideline.
- Avoid slopes, drains, or raised edges near the lines.
- Face the net north-south when outdoors to reduce sun glare.
Singles vs doubles and recreational variations
Here is a neat fact that surprises many new players: the court size does not change. Singles and doubles both use 20 by 44 feet. That is true in gyms, on tennis overlays, and in pro events.
If you coach kids or host casual nights, you can adjust the run-off. You can also chalk a half-court for practice drills. But if anyone asks how large is a pickleball court for real play, it is always 20 by 44 feet with the standard zones.
Indoor vs outdoor, surface, and net specs
Indoor or outdoor, the court size is the same. What changes is the ball, the bounce, and the glare. Outdoors, textured asphalt or concrete is common. Indoors, wood or sport tile works well.
Net details matter too:
- Net length: about 22 feet spans the posts, reaching just past the sidelines
- Net height: 36 inches at posts, 34 inches at center
- Edge tape: should be secure and not curl
If you want to explain how large is a pickleball court to a facility manager, give them the full numbers: 20 by 44 feet for the court, plus at least 30 by 60 feet total area. Then talk about surface texture and lighting.
How to mark and build a court at home
I have set up courts in driveways, cul-de-sacs, and old tennis courts. The trick is careful measuring and good tape. If you need to show a neighbor how large is a pickleball court, lay out the rectangle first, then add the lines.
What you need:
- Measuring tape (at least 100 feet)
- Chalk line or painter’s tape
- Straight edge and a pencil
- A net system or a portable net
Steps to mark a court:
- Measure and mark a 20 by 44-foot rectangle. Check diagonals match to ensure it is square.
- Snap baselines and sidelines. Keep lines 2 inches wide.
- Find the net line across the center of the 44-foot length.
- From the net line, measure 7 feet back on each side. Snap the kitchen lines.
- From each kitchen line, measure 15 feet to the baseline. Snap the service area lines.
- Mark the centerline from the kitchen line to the baseline on both sides.
Home setup tips:
- Use outdoor painter’s tape on smooth surfaces. It peels clean.
- On rough concrete, chalk plus clear sealer spray lasts longer.
- If the space is tight, still keep the 20 by 44 feet. Cut run-off, not the court.
Common sizing mistakes and pro tips
I have seen many DIY courts with one common mistake: short courts. People shrink the length to fit a driveway. Do not do that. If someone asks how large is a pickleball court, make sure it is 20 by 44 feet. Protect the play, not the parking.
Avoid these errors:
- Narrow courts under 20 feet wide
- Kitchen lines set at 6 feet instead of 7 feet
- No centerline in the service box
- Net set to 36 inches at the center instead of 34
Pro tips that help:
- Use two tapes: one for measurements, one for lines
- Check diagonal measurements to confirm it is square
- Use a level for the net posts on uneven ground
- Mark corners with small nail-in anchors for re-taping later
How a pickleball court compares to tennis and badminton sizes
Explaining how large is a pickleball court often helps when you compare it. A tennis doubles court is 36 feet wide and 78 feet long. That is much larger than pickleball.
A badminton court is 20 by 44 feet for doubles. That matches pickleball in size, but the sport needs much more overhead space. Many schools convert badminton lines for pickleball by adding the kitchen and a lower net.
Helpful conversions:
- 1 tennis court can fit 2 to 4 pickleball courts, based on layout
- Badminton doubles size equals pickleball size, but with different lines
- Volleyball courts can host two pickleball courts side by side in many gyms
Metric conversions and quick reference
If you coach global groups, you will be asked how large is a pickleball court in meters. Here are the standard conversions.
Quick metric guide:
- Court: 6.10 meters by 13.41 meters
- Net height: 0.91 meters at posts, 0.86 meters at center
- Minimum play area: 9.14 meters by 18.29 meters
- Preferred play area: 10.36 meters by 19.51 meters
- Kitchen depth: 2.13 meters
I keep these numbers on a card in my gear bag. They save time when setting up new sites.
Frequently Asked Questions of how large is a pickleball court
How large is a pickleball court?
A regulation court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The net is 34 inches at the center and 36 inches at the posts.
Do singles and doubles use the same court size?
Yes. Singles and doubles both play on the same 20 by 44-foot court, with no changes to the lines.
How much space do I need around the court?
Plan for at least 30 by 60 feet total area. Many facilities prefer 34 by 64 feet for better safety and movement.
What is the size of the kitchen?
The non-volley zone is 7 feet from the net on each side. That makes a 14-foot band across the center.
Can I fit a court in my driveway?
Measure first. You need 20 by 44 feet for the court plus as much run-off as possible for safe play.
How tall should the net be?
Set the net to 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center. Use a center strap or tape to check the height.
Are indoor and outdoor courts different sizes?
No, the size is the same. The surface, ball choice, and lighting change, but the dimensions do not.
Conclusion
Now you can answer the big question—how large is a pickleball court—without guesswork. It is 20 by 44 feet, with a 34-inch center net, a 7-foot kitchen on both sides, and a minimum 30 by 60-foot total area for safe play.
Use the steps and tips above to mark a clean, square court at home or at the park. If this helped, share it with your crew, subscribe for more court guides, or drop your setup questions in the comments.