You can fit two to four pickleball courts on one tennis court.
If you wonder how many pickleball courts in a tennis court, you are in the right place. I have planned and painted dozens of layouts at parks, schools, and clubs. In this guide, I break down exactly how many pickleball courts in a tennis court, what layouts work best, and how to set them up safely. Let’s make your space work hard and play easy.
Court sizes at a glance
A standard tennis court footprint is 60 by 120 feet. That includes the clear space beyond the playing lines. The tennis playing lines are smaller at 36 by 78 feet for doubles.
A standard pickleball court is 20 by 44 feet. For comfort and safety, most pros plan about 30 by 60 feet per court. That space includes room to move behind baselines and along the sides.
Do the math and you will see why many ask how many pickleball courts in a tennis court. Four pickleball courts fit well in a 60 by 120 foot tennis court with recommended buffers. Two courts fit if you want extra room and fewer lines.
The best layout options that work
You have a few smart ways to convert. Your choice depends on play volume, budget, and safety needs. Here are the most common plans I use.
Four-court layout
This is the top choice for parks and clubs. It uses the full 60 by 120 foot area. Each pickleball court gets about 30 by 60 feet.
Benefits:
- Fits the most players per hour
- Clear, even spacing for safe play
- Easy to fence or divide with nets
Tips:
- Run courts north to south if you can
- Use divider nets to stop balls and cut waits
Three-court layout
This is a good balance for shared spaces. It gives a central walkway or a teaching lane.
Benefits:
- More room for coaches and drills
- Less ball bleed between courts
- Lower noise per side for neighbors
Tips:
- Place one court on one side and two on the other
- Keep at least 8 to 10 feet behind baselines
Two-court layout
This is the simplest setup. It is great for private homes or schools.
Benefits:
- Big safety margins on all sides
- Fewer lines and less visual clutter
- Lower chance of run-ins and trips
Tips:
- Center both courts within the tennis footprint
- Use the tennis net posts only as anchors, not as the net
One-court layout
This is best for a trial run or small budget. It is also perfect for youth play days.
Benefits:
- Fast to set up and remove
- Minimal marks on the tennis surface
Tips:
- Use removable tape or chalk
- Store the portable net indoors after use
If you want a quick rule for how many pickleball courts in a tennis court, aim for four in busy parks, three for lessons, and two for premium space. I help clients choose by testing each layout with chalk first.
Safety and spacing best practices
Safety comes before squeezing in one more court. That choice pays off in fewer injuries and better play.
Key buffers I use on every job:
- Baseline clearance: 8 to 10 feet if possible
- Sideline clearance: 5 to 8 feet if space allows
- Walkways between courts: 4 to 8 feet for traffic
- Fence clearance: at least 3 feet, more is better
Make colors clear. Use a bright, matte paint for pickleball lines and a softer color for tennis lines. Keep glare low so players see the kitchen line fast.
The pickleball net should be 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at center. Keep the non volley zone at 7 feet on each side of the net. If you ask how many pickleball courts in a tennis court, remember that safety margins decide the final count.
Step by step: Convert a tennis court to pickleball
Use this quick plan for a clean, square, and safe setup. It works for both temporary and permanent lines.
- Measure and plan. Sketch the 60 by 120 foot space. Choose a 4, 3, or 2 court plan.
- Snap baselines. Use chalk lines to mark each 44 foot length.
- Snap sidelines. Mark each 20 foot width. Check they are square.
- Check diagonals. The corner to corner diagonal should be about 48.33 feet.
- Mark the net line. Set the center of the court at 22 feet from each baseline.
- Mark the kitchen. Draw the 7 foot non volley zone from the net on both sides.
- Add service lines. Split each half into even service boxes with a center line.
- Set nets. Place portable nets at 34 inches in the center. Use sandbags, not anchors, on soft surfacing.
- Tape or paint lines. Use removable tape for tests. Use textured acrylic for long term use.
- Test play. Rally for a few minutes. Watch for blind sun spots or tight corners.
If you still wonder how many pickleball courts in a tennis court, test the four court layout first. If it feels tight for your group, scale down to three.
Gear, costs, and maintenance
You can start simple and upgrade later. Here is what I buy and why.
Essentials:
- Portable pickleball nets: Most are 22 feet wide. Mid range sets cost about 150 to 250 dollars.
- Removable court tape or chalk: Good for events and trials.
- Court paint and rollers: Textured acrylic lasts longer and grips well.
- Measuring tools: A long tape, chalk line, and square.
- Divider nets or barriers: They cut ball chase time and boost safety.
Nice to have:
- Windscreens: Reduce wind and noise pop.
- Court number signs: Helps with booking and league play.
- Ball holders and benches: Keep clutter off the court.
Budget note: A basic two court setup with tape and two nets can cost under 600 dollars. A four court painted setup with divider nets can run a few thousand. When people ask how many pickleball courts in a tennis court, I also ask about budget and use. The right count is the one you can maintain well.
Real world tips and mistakes to avoid
From my own projects, a few lessons stand out. These small choices make play better and safer.
What worked well:
- Chalk the full layout first. Players give fast feedback.
- Use light colors for pickleball lines and keep them thin.
- Add a ball barrier on the ends. Saves time and energy.
Mistakes I learned from:
- Painting before pressure washing. The paint peeled fast.
- Placing courts too close to light poles. We had blind spots at sunset.
- Using tennis net posts for pickleball nets. The height was wrong and play felt odd.
At a school project, we tried to fit four courts, but a walkway cut the space. We moved to three courts and play improved at once. So, how many pickleball courts in a tennis court can depend on posts, gates, and lights you cannot move.
Frequently Asked Questions of how many pickleball courts in a tennis court
How many pickleball courts in a tennis court with standard spacing?
Most sites fit four courts inside the 60 by 120 foot space. This follows common safety buffers used by coaches and clubs.
Can I fit four courts if the fence is close?
Yes, but you need smart spacing. Keep at least 3 feet from fences and 4 to 8 feet for walkways.
Can I use the tennis net for pickleball?
You can for casual play, but it is not ideal. The height and width differ from pickleball specs.
What is the fastest way to test layouts?
Use chalk or removable tape. Rally on each plan and see what feels safe.
Will extra lines confuse tennis players?
It can, so choose a softer color for pickleball lines. Keep the line width thin and the tennis lines bright.
What orientation reduces sun glare?
North to south is best in most places. Test at the time your group plays.
How long does a full conversion take?
A taped setup can take a few hours. A painted four court layout may take a weekend with drying time.
Does the answer to how many pickleball courts in a tennis court change for juniors?
Juniors can play on the same court size. You may add more buffer or coaching lanes for safety.
Conclusion
You can fit two to four pickleball courts on a single tennis court. Four courts serve busy parks well. Three or two courts give extra space, comfort, and clean sight lines. The right answer to how many pickleball courts in a tennis court comes down to safety, budget, and how you use the space.
Walk your site, chalk the options, and let players test them. Start simple, then upgrade what works. Ready to convert your court? Share your plan or questions below, and subscribe for more step by step guides.