A standard pickleball court is 20 feet by 44 feet with a 34-inch center net.
If you came here asking what size is a pickleball court, you’re in the right place. I’ve built, striped, and coached on dozens of courts, and I’ll walk you through every measurement, why it matters, and how to lay out a court that feels great to play on. Keep reading for a practical, expert guide that answers what size is a pickleball court and how to set one up the right way.
The official pickleball court size, lines, and layout
If you search what size is a pickleball court, here is the clear, official answer. A regulation court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
Key parts of the layout:
- Non-volley zone, often called the kitchen, is 7 feet deep on each side of the net.
- Service areas are 15 feet deep from the kitchen line to the baseline and 10 feet wide on each side of the centerline.
- All lines are 2 inches wide, and the lines count as in.
- The non-volley line is part of the non-volley zone.
Recommended total play area:
- Minimum recommended play area per court: 30 feet by 60 feet.
- Preferred play area for comfort and safety: 34 feet by 64 feet.
Pro tip from the court installs I’ve done: use high-contrast line paint. White lines on light green look crisp, but bright yellow lines can pop even more for older players. That small detail reduces foot faults and arguments on close calls.
Singles vs. doubles court size
A common confusion in what size is a pickleball court is whether singles is smaller. It is not. Singles and doubles use the exact same 20-by-44-foot court. The only change is the number of players and your shot choices.
If you like fast rallies, doubles will feel lively on that compact size. For fitness and footwork, singles makes the same space feel bigger.
Indoor vs. outdoor courts and safety clearances
Asking what size is a pickleball court is only half the story. The space around the court matters for safe play.
Indoor guidelines I use:
- Overhead clearance: at least 18 feet; 20 feet or more is ideal.
- Lighting: 30 to 50 foot-candles with even coverage and minimal glare.
- Wall padding or safe setbacks on baselines and sidelines.
Outdoor guidelines:
- Fencing: 8 to 10 feet high with windscreens reduces ball chase and wind.
- Preferred play area: 34 by 64 feet per court to allow safe runouts.
- Surface slope: about 1 percent for drainage, sloped away from the court center.
From my experience, anything less than a 30-by-60-foot play area leads to awkward stops near fences. If you plan events, aim for the 34-by-64-foot shell. Your players will thank you.
How to build or mark a pickleball court step by step
If you came here asking what size is a pickleball court because you want to build one, this simple plan works on asphalt, concrete, or a gym floor.
What you need:
- Tape measure (at least 100 feet), chalk line, painter’s tape, and a square.
- Two or four colors of outdoor court paint or gym tape.
- A portable or permanent pickleball net.
Steps I use in clinics and installs:
- Mark the outer rectangle: 20 by 44 feet. Check diagonals match to ensure it’s square.
- Set the net posts 22 feet apart, centered on the 20-foot width, so each post sits 12 inches outside the sidelines.
- Snap the kitchen line 7 feet from the net on each side. Mark it edge to edge.
- Stripe the centerline from kitchen line to baseline. This splits the service boxes into two 10-foot-wide areas.
- Paint or tape 2-inch-wide lines. Let paint cure based on product directions.
If you only have gym tape, it still plays great. Tape lines are fine for temporary setups and local events.
Converting a tennis court into pickleball
Another reason people search what size is a pickleball court is to fit more play into a tennis space. A standard tennis court is 36 feet by 78 feet within lines and about 60 by 120 feet including runouts.
Popular layouts:
- Four pickleball courts per one tennis court in a 2-by-2 grid.
- Two pickleball courts per one tennis court if you want more buffer space.
- Use portable dividers or nets to cut down on ball interference.
Tips from my first conversion:
- Tape first, paint later. Let players test run the layout.
- Add a simple ball barrier between adjacent courts. Even a low net helps.
- Shift courts a few feet from fences to create safer runouts near baselines.
Backyard and driveway options when space is tight
What size is a pickleball court for home use? If you cannot fit a full 20 by 44 feet, try smart practice setups.
Ideas that work well:
- Skinny singles: Half-width court at 10 by 44 feet sharpens accuracy.
- Short court drills: Use 20 by 30 feet with a mini net for dinks and volleys.
- Chalk lines on a driveway with a 10- to 12-foot net for kids and beginners.
I’ve helped families use a 12-by-30-foot space for junior play. Keep it fun, focus on control, and save the full game for the park.
Net systems, height, and post spacing
When dialing in what size is a pickleball court, do not forget the net. The feel of play depends on correct height and tension.
Standards to hit:
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
- Net length: 22 feet from post to post.
- Posts sit 12 inches outside each sideline. Use a center strap to lock the 34-inch height.
Portable nets are great for shared spaces. Look for sturdy center support, solid feet, and a quick cinch strap. A loose net makes lobs drift long and drops die in the tape.
Common mistakes and pro tips from the field
As you figure out what size is a pickleball court for your space, avoid these pitfalls I see again and again.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Kitchen too small. Measure 7 feet from the net, not from the center stripe.
- Lines too thin. Use full 2-inch lines or calls get messy.
- No runout. Bare minimum is 30 by 60 feet of play area per court.
Pro tips:
- Use textured acrylic for outdoor surfaces to cut slips after rain.
- Pick ball-friendly colors. Mid-tone courts with light lines boost visibility.
- Add shade and seating. Comfort matters for league nights and clinics.
How pickleball court size compares to other sports
It helps to see what size is a pickleball court next to other common courts:
- Tennis court: Much bigger at 36 by 78 feet within lines.
- Badminton court: Same 20-by-44-foot footprint, but a higher net and different rules.
- Volleyball half-court area: Wider and longer; not ideal for lines or bounce.
This compact scale is why rallies feel quick and social. Less running, more shot-making, and a lower barrier to entry.
Quick measurement checklist you can take to the court
If you need a handy answer to what size is a pickleball court while you’re on-site, use this checklist:
- Court rectangle: 20 by 44 feet.
- Net: 34 inches at center, 36 inches at sidelines, 22 feet post to post.
- Non-volley zone: 7 feet from the net on both sides.
- Service boxes: 10 feet wide, 15 feet deep.
- Lines: 2 inches wide, high contrast.
- Play area: 30 by 60 feet minimum; 34 by 64 feet preferred.
Print it, screenshot it, or save it to your notes for fast setup days.
Frequently Asked Questions of what size is a pickleball court
Is a pickleball court the same size for singles and doubles?
Yes. Singles and doubles both use a 20-by-44-foot court. Only the number of players changes, not the dimensions.
How high is a pickleball net supposed to be?
It is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Use a center strap to keep it consistent.
What is the size of the non-volley zone (kitchen)?
The non-volley zone is 7 feet from the net on each side. The line itself counts as part of the non-volley zone.
How much space do I need around a pickleball court?
Aim for at least 30 by 60 feet of total play area. If possible, go for 34 by 64 feet for safer runouts.
Can I set up a court in my driveway?
Yes, if the surface is flat and safe. Use tape or chalk for lines and a portable net, even if you run a half-court.
How many pickleball courts fit on one tennis court?
Often four fit within a standard tennis court area. Some facilities choose two for more buffer space and fewer ball interruptions.
Are the lines in or out in pickleball?
The lines are in, including the baseline, sidelines, and centerline. The kitchen line is part of the non-volley zone.
Conclusion
Now you can answer what size is a pickleball court with confidence: 20 by 44 feet, a 34-inch center net, and smart buffer space for safety. Use the specs and tips above to mark a court that plays true and feels good underfoot.
Whether you’re painting a community court, taping a gym, or chalking a driveway, start small and get the lines right. Want more guides like this? Subscribe for fresh how-tos, printable checklists, and gear tips, and feel free to drop your questions in the comments.