A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
Curious how big is a pickleball court and why those numbers matter? I coach and help lay out community courts, and I’ve seen how the right size changes the game. This guide explains how big is a pickleball court, the space you actually need, and how to build or tape one the smart way.
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
People ask how big is a pickleball court more than any other question. Here is the official size, based on current USA rules.
- Court size: 20 ft wide by 44 ft long for both singles and doubles (6.10 m by 13.41 m).
- Minimum play area: 30 ft by 60 ft for one court.
- Preferred play area: 34 ft by 64 ft for better safety and run-out.
- Non-volley zone: 7 ft from the net on each side.
- Service boxes: Each box is 10 ft by 15 ft.
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center.
- Line width: 2 inches, and the lines are in.
If you came here asking how big is a pickleball court, remember that the 20 by 44 size is the painted court. The extra play area is what keeps you safe when you chase a ball.
Court Layout: Lines, Zones, and Net
Understanding the layout helps you play smarter and build better. When new players ask how big is a pickleball court, they often miss how the lines shape play.
- Baselines: The back lines. Do not cross on serve.
- Sidelines: The outer side lines. They define width for singles and doubles.
- Non-volley zone (kitchen): 7 ft on each side of the net. You cannot volley while in this zone.
- Centerline: Splits each half into left and right service courts.
- Service courts: Two per side, each 10 by 15 ft.
Real-world tip: When I paint courts, I square the kitchen line first. If that line is off, every other line looks wrong. A laser level helps, but a tight chalk line and patient measuring works fine.
Space Around the Court: Clearance, Ceiling, and Lighting
How big is a pickleball court for actual play? The answer includes run-off space. That is where many home builds go wrong.
- Run-off minimum: 5 ft beyond each sideline and 10 ft beyond each baseline (30 by 60 ft total).
- Run-off preferred: 7 ft or more at the sides and 10 ft to 12 ft at the ends (34 by 64 ft total).
- Ceiling height: 18 ft minimum indoors. 20 ft to 30 ft feels better for lobs.
- Lighting: Even, no glare. Aim for 30 to 50 foot-candles at court level.
Personal insight: Our club tried to squeeze a court into 28 by 56 ft once. Safe volley play worked, but deep returns felt cramped. If you can, choose the preferred play area.
Indoor vs Outdoor Courts
The answer to how big is a pickleball court stays the same indoors and outdoors. The differences are in surface, bounce, and hardware.
- Surface: Outdoors use acrylic over asphalt or concrete. Indoors often use wood or synthetic sports floors.
- Ball type: Outdoor balls are harder with smaller holes. Indoor balls are softer with larger holes.
- Net systems: Portable nets work indoors and outdoors. Permanent posts are best outdoors if allowed.
- Traction: Outdoor acrylic with light texture helps stop slips. Indoors, check your shoe soles and dust the floor.
Pro tip: If you tape a gym floor, use removable court tape and test a small spot first. Some tapes leave residue or pull finish.
Size Comparisons: Pickleball vs Tennis and More
It helps to compare sizes to feel scale. Many players search how big is a pickleball court because they plan a conversion.
- Tennis court: About 36 ft by 78 ft for the playing rectangle and 60 by 120 ft total area. You can fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court with safe aisles.
- Badminton court: 20 by 44 ft for doubles. That is the same size as a pickleball court, but with a different net and line rules.
- Half basketball court: Roughly 50 by 47 ft of play area. You can fit one pickleball court with good run-off or even two tight courts if safety rules allow.
When we converted a tennis court at our park, four courts fit, but we kept 8 to 10 ft aisles between them. That kept play safe and reduced ball roll-through.
Building or Taping Your Court: Steps, Materials, and Pitfalls
If you plan to build or mark a court, start with a clean space and a checklist. The basics do not change, no matter how big is a pickleball court feels in your yard.
Steps I use when laying out a court:
- Measure and square the 20 by 44 ft rectangle with a tape and chalk.
- Snap baseline and sideline chalk lines.
- Find the net line at center, then mark the kitchen lines 7 ft from it.
- Add centerlines and service box edges.
- Tape first for a dry run. Paint only after you confirm all measurements.
- Set net height to 36 inches at posts, 34 inches in the middle.
Materials that work:
- Acrylic sport coating for permanent outdoor courts.
- Removable court tape for gyms.
- A center strap to keep net sag at 34 inches.
- A measuring reel and good chalk line.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping run-off. The court fits, but play does not.
- Crooked kitchen lines. They make serves look off even when they are good.
- Wrong net height. A half inch low changes how hard people swing.
- Painting before testing. Always tape and test with real play.
If friends ask how big is a pickleball court for a driveway, I tell them the same thing: 20 by 44 ft plus as much space as you can spare. Safety first.
Frequently Asked Questions of how big is a pickleball court
How big is a pickleball court including run-off space?
The court is 20 by 44 ft. With safe run-off, plan for at least 30 by 60 ft, and 34 by 64 ft is better.
How big is a pickleball court for singles versus doubles?
It is the same size for both, 20 by 44 ft. Only the strategy and coverage change.
How big is a pickleball court compared to a tennis court?
A tennis court is much larger. You can fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court with safe aisles.
How tall is the pickleball net?
It is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. Use a center strap to hold the 34-inch height.
What is the size of the non-volley zone?
The kitchen is 7 ft deep on each side of the net. You cannot volley while touching that zone.
How big is a pickleball court in meters?
It is 6.10 m by 13.41 m. The minimum play area is about 9.14 m by 18.29 m.
What line width should I use?
Use 2-inch lines. All lines are in-bounds for play and service.
Conclusion
You now know how big is a pickleball court, what space you need around it, and how to lay one out with confidence. Stick to 20 by 44 ft for the court, add safe run-off, and set the net right. Small details make a big difference in play and safety.
Ready to build or convert a space? Save this guide, share it with your crew, and subscribe for more step-by-step sport surface tips.