A regulation pickleball net is 22 feet wide from post to post.
If you’ve ever asked how wide is a pickleball net, you’re already on the right track. I’ve helped run community courts and teach new players, and I can tell you this: knowing the exact size unlocks better setup, better play, and fair matches. In this guide, we’ll break down how wide is a pickleball net, why it matters, how to measure it, and what to buy so your court meets official standards.
Official pickleball net dimensions you should know
How wide is a pickleball net? The official width is 22 feet from the inside of one net post to the inside of the other. That aligns with a 20-foot-wide court, with posts set about 12 inches outside each sideline. This creates safe clearance and proper net tension.
Height matters too. The net must be 36 inches high at each sideline and 34 inches high at the center. A center strap helps keep that center height accurate and stops the net from popping up during play.
For portable nets, the mesh length is often at least 21 feet 9 inches. That lets you tension the net across the 22-foot span without gaps. The top is covered by a white tape binding with a cord or cable inside. The mesh should be tight enough that a ball cannot pass through.
These measurements come from the official rulebook used at tournaments. If you want true game conditions at home, match these numbers. It answers the core question, how wide is a pickleball net, and sets a baseline for everything else.
Why the net is 22 feet wide
Players often ask, how wide is a pickleball net and why that number? The 22-foot width fits a 20-foot court perfectly, with the posts just outside the sidelines. This keeps the ball in play, keeps posts out of the way, and supports even net tension across the middle.
That width also balances singles and doubles play. There is enough space to angle shots, yet not so much that rallies become a chase. The 22-foot span, plus the 34-inch center height, creates a nice arc for dinks, drives, and lobs. It is like a sweet spot designed for long rallies and quick hands.
How to measure and set the correct width
If you want a court that feels right, start by asking how wide is a pickleball net and how do I set it. Use these steps.
- Mark the court width. Measure 20 feet between the sidelines.
- Place posts. Set each post roughly 12 inches outside each sideline. That gives you 22 feet from inside post to inside post.
- Hang the net. Attach the mesh so it meets the posts with light tension.
- Set height. Adjust to 36 inches at both sidelines, then use a center strap to set 34 inches in the middle.
- Check tension. The net should not sag too much or bow. It should have a slight dip at center only.
- Re-check width. Confirm you still have 22 feet between the posts after tensioning.
Common mistakes include setting posts on the sidelines, which narrows the span. That throws off play and can cause let calls. When someone asks how wide is a pickleball net during setup, pull a tape and prove it.
Portable vs permanent nets: what changes with width
You may wonder how wide is a pickleball net when using a portable kit. The answer is still 22 feet between posts. But portable frames can shift on windy days or on slick surfaces. Check the span and height before each session.
Permanent nets hold tension better and stay on spec. Portable nets travel well and are great for parks, gyms, and driveways. I keep a small steel-frame kit in my trunk for pop-up play. I always verify the center height and ask myself again, how wide is a pickleball net today, after setup.
When shopping, look for:
- A center strap or a clear way to set 34 inches at center
- A rigid base or weighted feet to resist movement
- Mesh length around 21 feet 9 inches for clean tension
- Clear instructions for reaching the 22-foot span
How width affects play, strategy, and drills
Learning how wide is a pickleball net helps you read angles. A 22-foot span lets you attack the sidelines in doubles while keeping room to defend middle shots. You can aim a third shot drop just inside the sideline and trust the net arc will help it land soft.
For drills, I mark two small targets near each sideline to practice dinks and resets. That trains touch that matches the true width. When the net is too narrow, shots feel easy but false. When it is correct, you build control you can use in any match. That is why I keep asking students, do you know how wide is a pickleball net, and can you feel it?
Pickleball vs tennis vs badminton: the size comparison
Many players come from tennis or badminton and ask how wide is a pickleball net relative to those sports. Tennis nets span 42 feet across a full court, with a center height of 36 inches. Badminton nets are about 20 feet wide, but much taller, around 5 feet high at the center.
Pickleball sits between them. The 22-foot width with a 34-inch center creates fast exchanges and low volleys. It keeps play quick and close to the kitchen, while still allowing sharp angles and crafty lobs. Knowing how wide is a pickleball net helps you adjust if you are switching from other sports.
Troubleshooting and common width mistakes
Here are issues I see often, along with fixes. They tie back to the same question: how wide is a pickleball net on your court today?
- Posts on the sidelines. Move posts 12 inches outside each sideline to reach 22 feet.
- Over-sagging center. Add a center strap and set it to 34 inches.
- Narrow frames on portable kits. Use a net designed for 22 feet. Do not stretch a short net.
- Wind causing drift. Add weights or sandbags to the base. Re-check span and height.
- Uneven surfaces. Shim or adjust feet so the base sits flat and stable.
If your rallies feel off, check width first. Accuracy here fixes many play problems. I learned this the hard way after a windy league night when the net crept inward. Everyone asked, how wide is a pickleball net, and our tape proved we had lost an inch on one side.
Quick reference and specs checklist
Keep this list handy. It answers how wide is a pickleball net and more.
- Net width between inside faces of posts: 22 feet
- Court width between sidelines: 20 feet
- Post placement: roughly 12 inches outside each sideline
- Net height at sidelines: 36 inches
- Net height at center: 34 inches
- Mesh length for portable nets: about 21 feet 9 inches or more
- Top binding: white tape with cord or cable
- Tension: firm, with a slight center dip only
Use this before every match. A 60-second check avoids a lot of debate about how wide is a pickleball net and whether your setup is fair.
Frequently Asked Questions of how wide is a pickleball net
Is the pickleball net always 22 feet wide?
Yes. The official width is 22 feet from post to post. This aligns with a 20-foot-wide court and keeps posts outside the sidelines.
How high is a pickleball net at the center?
The net is 34 inches high at the center. It should be 36 inches high at each sideline.
Do portable nets follow the same width?
They should. Portable nets must still span 22 feet to meet standards. Always check the width and retighten as needed.
Why do some nets look narrower?
Posts may be set on the sidelines or the frame may have shifted. Measure the span and reset to 22 feet to fix it.
What mesh length should I buy for a portable net?
Look for at least 21 feet 9 inches of mesh. That length allows proper tension across a 22-foot span without gaps.
Can I play casually if my net is not 22 feet wide?
You can, but play will feel different and less accurate. For real practice and fair matches, use the full 22-foot width.
Conclusion
You came here asking how wide is a pickleball net, and now you know the exact number and why it matters. The 22-foot span shapes the game, supports fair play, and keeps strategy honest. It pairs with a 34-inch center height for the best rallies.
Take a minute before your next session to check width and height. Small fixes lead to better games and better skills. Want more tips? Subscribe for weekly guides, gear advice, and simple drills you can use today.