How Big Is A Pickleball Court? Find Out Everything About Pickleball Court Dimensions
If you love pickleball but hate waiting for a court, then you need to build a pickleball court.
But how big is a pickleball court?
You probably need to know that before building.
Or, if you are strapped for cash (like me!), you can use an existing court and add pickleball lines. A tennis court or a doubles badminton court will do in a pinch.
But, if you want to build a USA Pickleball Association pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. So it’s fairly large, but worth it for endless hours of no-waiting fun and exercise!
So if you have the room on your property, consider throwing one in!
Or, set up a temporary pickleball court with pickleball court lines and play your own games wherever you are – the beach, the field, or anywhere else!
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how big a pickleball court is.
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a popular sport that combines elements of badminton and table tennis. It has quickly become one of the most sought-after activities for those looking to stay active while having fun with friends or family.
Understanding the size of a pickleball court is essential to ensure optimal playing conditions and an enjoyable experience overall. As experts in the field, this article will provide detailed information on how big a pickleball court should be so players can ensure their own courts are up to regulation standards and create an environment conducive to high-quality play.
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It has become increasingly popular among all age groups, from young children to senior citizens.
The official pickleball court size for singles and doubles play is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a 7-foot non-volley zone (NVZ) at either end of the court. For level playing surfaces, courts should be marked out using permanent lines or tape that are 2 inches wide and made of paint or plastic.
Standard ruleset variations allow an additional 4-foot NVZ on each side of the court when players cannot hit deep shots due to space limitations. In addition, net regulation states that the height must be 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. This ensures fair competition regardless of where shots land on the court.
With its simple ruleset, minimal equipment requirements, and ability to accommodate different skill levels, it’s no wonder why pickleball is becoming so widely enjoyed!

Factors Influencing Court Size
The type of play determines pickleball court size, whether it be recreational or tournament level.
Recreational courts are typically smaller than those used in tournaments and may be either indoor or outdoor.
The dimensions for a standard-sized pickleball court measure 20 x 44 feet (6.1 x 13.4 meters) when outdoors and 17 x 35 feet (5.2 x 10.7 meters) when indoors.
These measurements include boundaries that extend up to 7 feet beyond the playing surface and provide ample space for players to move freely without interference from other participants on adjacent courts.
The size of the court also affects game strategy as different levels of play require varying distances between players and net positioning, which can impact shot selection and accuracy during gameplay.
When playing recreationally, there may not be a need for larger spaces since amateur games usually involve fewer people; however, competitive play requires more open areas due to increased mobility among players to outplay opponents on any given point successfully.
Therefore, tournament regulations ensure that all competitors have enough room to maneuver around the court while still being able to execute shots with precision and consistency.
Building A Pickleball Court
A pickleball court is typically 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. The total area of the court is 880 square feet, making it smaller than a tennis or badminton court. When constructing a pickleball court, careful consideration must be taken to ensure that all requirements are met for an official installation.
The primary components of any indoor or outdoor pickleball court layout include the following:
- A flat playing surface with lines indicating the boundaries and service boxes
- An appropriate net height (34 inches at posts, 36 inches in center)
- A net tensioning system that ensures constant tightness
- Appropriate fencing surrounds the playing area
Players should also ensure they can access enough paddles and balls to play multiple games simultaneously. Pickleballs can bounce off walls on either side of the court, so proper wall padding may be necessary for safe gameplay. These features will create an enjoyable experience for players while providing lasting durability and performance for years to come.
Pickleball Court Surface Considerations
Pickleball courts are typically sized 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The shorter width makes the game more accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels, while the longer length allows for greater maneuverability during a match.

Various pavement choices are available when constructing a pickleball court, such as concrete or asphalt surfaces. Asphalt is generally considered to be the best choice due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, it provides good traction for players’ shoes and can withstand heavy use over time without becoming slippery or uneven.
Many people play pickleball outdoors on a tennis court. The dimensions of a pickleball court are different from a tennis court, but they will do in a pinch.

The layout of a pickleball court should also be considered when designing one. A standard layout consists of two service boxes measuring 7 feet in width by 10 feet on each side of the court; net height should usually be 34 inches off the ground. The kitchen line is also 7 feet from the net on either side. Furthermore, lines marking out-of-bounds areas should be clearly visible and easily distinguishable from other court markings.
Having an appropriate layout ensures that matches will run smoothly and safely while providing maximum enjoyment for everyone involved.
Accessories For A Standard Pickleball Court
Pickleball courts come in all shapes and sizes, but the accessories make up a court.
Pickleball Net
The net setup is one of the most important considerations when setting up a pickleball court. A regulation-size pickleball court should be 20 feet wide by 44 feet long with an 8-foot high net suspended 36 inches above ground level at the center. The posts for the net should be secured into heavy base plates to keep them stable during play.
Here’s everything you need to know about pickleball nets.
Paddles
The selection of paddles can also have a major impact on a player’s game and their enjoyment of playing. Paddles are made from different materials such as wood, aluminum or carbon fibre, each offering its own unique characteristics. For example, wooden paddles provide more control, while aluminum paddles offer more power and speed to shots.
As paddle technology advances within the sport, players must choose which type best suits their style of play.
Check out some of the best pickleball paddles available.

Pickleball Balls
Pickleball balls are also necessary to complete your pickleball court. If you are building an outdoor court, you need outdoor pickleballs. If you are building an indoor court, you need indoor pickleballs. Simple as that.
Check out the best pickleball balls for your court.
Conclusion
Pickleball court size is an important factor to consider when planning a pickleball game. Official courts measure 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with the non-volley line 7 feet from each baseline.
However, many recreational players opt for smaller court sizes if space or resources are limited. Interestingly, even a court as small as 11×22 feet can provide an enjoyable playing experience!
When creating a pickleball court, it’s essential to select the appropriate surface materials and accessories such as net systems and balls. With these elements in place, players will be able to enjoy their games without worry of injuries or compromised performance.
Whether your goal is to create an official tournament-standard facility or simply have fun playing at home, understanding how big a pickleball court should be is key for success.