A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long (6.10 m by 13.41 m), the same size for both singles and doubles. The net stands 36 inches (91.4 cm) high at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in the centre. These measurements are the same indoors and outdoors, so any court you play on follows the same layout.
The full playing area, including the run-off space around the lines, is usually 30 feet by 60 feet.
Standard pickleball court measurements
|
Feature |
Feet / inches |
Metres / cm |
|
Court length |
44 ft |
13.41 m |
|
Court width |
20 ft |
6.10 m |
|
Net height (sidelines) |
36 in |
91.4 cm |
|
Net height (centre) |
34 in |
86.4 cm |
|
Non-volley zone (kitchen) depth |
7 ft |
2.13 m |
|
Service area (each side of centre line) |
10 ft by 15 ft |
3.05 m by 4.57 m |
|
Recommended total area |
30 ft by 60 ft |
9.14 m by 18.29 m |
The key zones of a pickleball court
- The kitchen (non-volley zone). A 7-foot strip on each side of the net where you cannot hit the ball out of the air. It runs the full 20-foot width.
- Service areas. The two boxes behind the kitchen on each side, split by the centre line. You serve diagonally into the opposite box.
- Baseline. The back line, 22 feet from the net, where you stand to serve.
- Sidelines and centre line. Mark the width and split the service areas.
All lines are 2 inches (5 cm) wide and are part of the court, except the kitchen line, which counts as part of the kitchen.
How much space do you really need?
The court itself is 20 by 44 feet, but you need clear space around it to move and swing safely. A total area of 30 by 60 feet is the recommended minimum for comfortable play. For a backyard or garage court, you can play on the 20 by 44 court alone, but expect balls to run off the edges.
Court size compared
|
Sport |
Court size |
|
Pickleball |
20 ft × 44 ft |
|
Badminton (doubles) |
20 ft × 44 ft (same footprint) |
|
Tennis |
36 ft × 78 ft |
Because pickleball and a doubles badminton court share the same footprint, many venues convert badminton courts for pickleball.
Whether you play indoors or out, court time is easier in gear that moves with you and wicks sweat. See the women’s pickleball collection for outfits built for quick lateral movement, or browse new arrivals.
Frequently asked questions
Are singles and doubles pickleball courts the same size?
Yes. Unlike tennis, pickleball uses the same 20 by 44 foot court for both singles and doubles. Only the strategy changes, not the court.
How high is a pickleball net?
It is 36 inches (91.4 cm) at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in the middle. The slight dip in the centre is intentional.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net. You cannot hit a volley while standing inside it, which stops players from smashing at the net.
Can I fit a pickleball court in my backyard?
You need at least 20 by 44 feet for the court, and 30 by 60 feet is ideal for safe movement. Measure your space before marking lines.
