A pickleball court measures 20 by 44 feet, including boundary lines.
Curious about how big is a pickleball court and why it matters? I’ve built, lined, and played on dozens of courts, from driveways to club facilities. In this guide, I’ll break down the exact size, the space you really need, and the small details that make play feel pro. If you want clear, friendly advice on how big is a pickleball court, you’re in the right place.
Official pickleball court dimensions at a glance
If you’re asking how big is a pickleball court, the official answer is simple and exact. The court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles. The non-volley zone, known as the kitchen, is 7 feet deep on each side of the net.
Key specs you can trust:
- Court size: 20 feet by 44 feet, lines included
- Non-volley zone: 7 feet from the net on both sides
- Service boxes: Each side splits into left and right service courts, 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches at the center
- Net length: 22 feet from post to post
- Line width: Typically 2 inches
- Minimum recommended play area: 30 feet by 60 feet
- Ideal play area for comfort: 34 feet by 64 feet
I recommend aiming for the ideal area if you can. Those extra feet help with safe runs and lobs, especially in doubles play.
Court layout and zones explained
When people ask how big is a pickleball court, they often also want to know how each section works. Understanding the layout helps you play smarter and avoid fouls.
The layout includes:
- Baselines and sidelines: Define the rectangle of 20 by 44 feet
- Non-volley zone line: The line that makes the kitchen; it is part of the kitchen
- Centerline: Splits each side into left and right service courts
- Service courts: Where serves must land, beyond the kitchen line
Tip from experience: New players step into the kitchen after a volley all the time. Mark your kitchen line clearly. High-contrast paint or tape reduces foot faults.
How much space do you really need?
You might know how big is a pickleball court, but the space around it matters for safety and fun. The playable court is 20 by 44 feet, but you need run-off room.
Practical space guidelines:
- Absolute minimum area: 30 by 60 feet
- Comfortable ideal: 34 by 64 feet
- Indoor ceiling height: 18 to 20 feet or more for safe lobs
- Fencing: 10 to 12 feet high reduces ball loss and wind issues
Backyard tip: I use a 25-foot tape and mark the baseline first, then measure 44 feet to the far baseline, and 20 feet across. If space is tight, shift the court to leave more room behind baselines than at the sides. Most players need extra depth for serves and overheads.
Comparing sizes across sports
People often compare how big is a pickleball court to tennis or badminton. That helps when you’re converting space.
Useful comparisons:
- Tennis court: 36 by 78 feet for doubles; up to four pickleball courts can fit in one tennis court footprint
- Badminton court: 20 by 44 feet for doubles, same length and width as pickleball, but different net height and markings
- Volleyball court: 30 by 60 feet, which matches the minimum recommended area for one pickleball court with run-off
If you’re using a tennis court, portable nets and clear tape lines let you host multi-court pickleball with ease.
Marking, surfacing, and lines
Knowing how big is a pickleball court is step one. Getting the lines and surface right is step two. It affects safety, spin, and bounce.
What works well:
- Lines: 2-inch wide paint or outdoor tape; make sure kitchen lines are bright and clean
- Surface: Asphalt or concrete with textured acrylic coatings for grip
- Color: Medium-dark court with lighter lines boosts visibility
- Orientation: North-south helps reduce sun in players’ eyes
- Slope and drainage: About 1 percent slope moves water off the court without causing slips
DIY note: When I painted my first driveway court, I skimped on primer. The lines peeled in a month. Use a proper bonding primer for long-lasting results.
Indoor vs outdoor court considerations
The answer to how big is a pickleball court does not change indoors or outdoors. The court remains 20 by 44 feet. The big differences are lighting, surface, and ball choice.
What to plan for:
- Lighting: Aim for 30 to 50 foot-candles; even coverage reduces shadows
- Ceiling clearance: At least 18 feet; 20+ is better for lobs
- Ventilation: Airflow matters; avoid strong cross-breezes that push balls
- Balls: Outdoor balls are harder with more holes; indoor balls are softer with fewer, larger holes
I find that clear, non-glare lighting indoors helps with tracking the ball on fast drives and dinks.
Common mistakes and pro tips from the court
Even after you learn how big is a pickleball court, setup mistakes can spoil play. Here are pitfalls I see all the time, and how to fix them.
Avoid these:
- Too little baseline space: You need room to chase lobs; target 34 by 64 feet if you can
- Slippery paint: Use textured coatings; avoid glossy finishes
- Dim or uneven lighting: It causes misreads; match fixture color temperatures
- Faint kitchen lines: Use crisp, high-contrast lines to cut foot faults
- Net sag: Check for 34 inches at the center and 36 at the posts
Pro tips:
- Use a center strap to keep net height steady at 34 inches
- Add wind screens outdoors to protect soft dinks
- Paint test patches and play on them before committing to full color
Frequently Asked Questions of how big is a pickleball court
How big is a pickleball court in feet?
A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. That size is the same for singles and doubles.
Does how big is a pickleball court change for different levels or ages?
No, the official dimensions stay the same. Beginners and juniors use the same 20 by 44 feet layout.
How big is a pickleball court compared to a tennis court?
A tennis court is much larger at 36 by 78 feet for doubles. You can often fit two to four pickleball courts on one tennis court.
How big is a pickleball court including safety space?
The minimum recommended area is 30 by 60 feet. The ideal area is 34 by 64 feet for safer movement.
How big is a pickleball court indoors if I’m lining a gym?
The court remains 20 by 44 feet. Aim for 18 to 20 feet of ceiling clearance and even lighting.
How big is a pickleball court net and how high is it?
The net spans 22 feet from post to post. It stands 36 inches high at the sides and 34 inches at the center.
How big is a pickleball court’s kitchen area?
The kitchen is 7 feet deep from the net on each side. The non-volley zone line counts as part of the kitchen.
Conclusion
You now know exactly how big is a pickleball court and why those numbers matter. The official size is 20 by 44 feet, but the real magic comes from good run-off space, clear lines, and proper net height. With the right setup, every dink, drop, and drive feels smooth and safe.
Ready to put this into action? Measure your space, mark your lines, and invite a friend to play. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more tips or drop a comment with your court setup questions.