A standard pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, inclusive of the width of the lines. The recommended playing area for pickleball (including run-off areas around the court) is 64 feet by 34 feet.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong into an exciting game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master. If you’re looking to dive into the details of pickleball court dimensions, layout, and how it compares to other sports, you’ve come to the right place!
Let’s break down everything you need to know about pickleball court measurements, its unique features, and how it measures up against other sports.
Standard Pickleball Court Dimensions
The size of a pickleball court is standardized for both singles and doubles play, making the setup simple no matter how many players are involved.
| Court Feature | Dimensions (Feet) | Dimensions (Meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Court Size | 20 feet wide x 44 feet long | 6.10m wide x 13.41m long |
| Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) | 7 feet from the net | 2.13m |
| Service Areas | 10 feet wide x 15 feet long (each) | 3.05m wide x 4.57m long |
| Net Height (Center) | 34 inches | 0.86m |
| Net Height (Sidelines) | 36 inches | 0.91m |
Note: Any ball that lands outside these boundaries is out of bounds.
Pickleball courts are typically aligned north-south to avoid players staring into the sun during a match, which can be a problem if courts are set up east-west.
Pickleball Court Layout
The layout of a pickleball court may remind you of a tennis or badminton court, but it has some unique features—most notably, the non-volley zone, or kitchen, located right in front of the net.
This 7-foot area is where players cannot volley the ball, adding a strategic element to the game.
Key Court Areas:
- Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): A 7-foot area directly in front of the net, designed to prevent “slamming” the ball right at the net.
- Service Areas: Two service boxes (left and right) per side, each 10 feet wide and 15 feet long, where players serve and receive.
- Sidelines & Baselines: These mark the court’s outer boundaries, with sidelines running parallel to the net and baselines at the far ends.
Pickleball Courts vs. Tennis Courts
Though pickleball and tennis share similar characteristics, the courts are quite different in terms of size and layout. Let’s compare these two sports side-by-side:
| Feature | Pickleball Court | Tennis Court (Singles) | Tennis Court (Doubles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Dimensions | 20 feet x 44 feet | 27 feet x 78 feet | 36 feet x 78 feet |
| Net Height (Center) | 34 inches | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Net Height (Sidelines) | 36 inches | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Service Areas | Divided into left and right | Larger service boxes | Same, but wider for doubles |
| Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) | 7 feet from the net | No equivalent | No equivalent |
Key Differences:
- Court Size: A tennis court is significantly larger than a pickleball court, with nearly double the length. The wider dimensions in doubles tennis also accommodate more movement and ground coverage.
- Net Height: Pickleball nets are slightly lower at the center (34 inches) compared to tennis nets, which stand at 36 inches across.
- Non-Volley Zone: Unique to pickleball, the kitchen prevents players from volleying close to the net, creating a strategic element not found in tennis.
Pickleball’s smaller court size encourages quicker points and more focused shot placement, while tennis often demands more endurance and power due to the larger playing area.
Pickleball Courts vs. Other Racquet Courts
Aside from tennis, pickleball shares similarities with other racquet sports like badminton, racquetball, and even volleyball. Here’s how pickleball compares to these courts:
| Sport | Court Size (Feet) | Unique Feature | Net Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickleball | 20 feet x 44 feet | Non-volley zone (7 feet from net) | 36 inches (sidelines), 34 inches (center) |
| Badminton | 20 feet x 44 feet | Tramlines for singles/doubles | 5 feet 1 inch |
| Racquetball | 20 feet x 40 feet | Enclosed walls, no net | No net |
| Volleyball | 30 feet x 60 feet | High net with court boundaries | 7 feet 11 inches (men), 7 feet 4 inches (women) |
Key Differences:
- Badminton: While badminton and pickleball share the same court dimensions, badminton features tramlines (extra lines along the court’s edges for doubles play) and has no kitchen or non-volley zone. The net is also significantly higher.
- Racquetball: Unlike pickleball, racquetball is played on an enclosed court with walls, and there is no net. The smaller court size (20 x 40 feet) is ideal for high-speed wall shots.
- Volleyball: A volleyball court is much larger than a pickleball court, and the net is much higher. The focus is on team play and jumping to attack or defend the ball, unlike pickleball’s close-to-the-ground action.
Pickleball’s court design blends elements of these sports, but its unique non-volley zone and smaller size encourage a more tactical style of play focused on precision and agility.
Surface Materials and Colors
Just like in tennis, the surface material of a pickleball court can vary, and it influences the game. Outdoor courts typically use hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or acrylic coatings, while indoor courts may feature wood, rubber, or even carpet.
| Surface Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Durable, consistent bounce | Hard on joints, slippery when wet |
| Asphalt | Good durability, consistent bounce | Can degrade with weather exposure |
| Acrylic Coating | Improves traction, adds color | Requires recoating over time |
| Modular Tiles | Joint-friendly, great drainage | Higher initial cost, more maintenance |
| Artificial Turf | Gentle on joints, soft surface | Less predictable bounce, maintenance |
Pickleball court colors are often chosen to improve ball visibility and reduce glare.
Blue and green are common choices, but purple, red, and gray are also used, especially when paired with contrasting lines to make the boundaries stand out.
Make sure to also check our guide on indoor vs. outdoor courts.
Adaptive Pickleball Court Dimensions
For wheelchair/adaptive pickleball, the court size is expanded to allow for easier movement and play.
According to the USAPA, the recommended size for an adaptive pickleball court is 44 feet by 74 feet. This gives players more room to maneuver while keeping the net height the same.
| Court Type | Dimensions (Feet) | Dimensions (Meters) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pickleball | 20 feet wide x 44 feet long | 6.10m wide x 13.41m long |
| Wheelchair/Adaptive Play | 44 feet wide x 74 feet long | 13.41m wide x 22.55m long |
| Stadium Adaptive Play | 50 feet wide x 80 feet long | 15.24m wide x 24.83m long |
Pickleball Nets: How High Should They Be?
Pickleball nets are slightly shorter than tennis nets, measuring 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
This setup gives pickleball its characteristic low shots, adding to the challenge of hitting clean volleys over the net.
| Net Height | Pickleball | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Sideline Height | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Center Height | 34 inches | 36 inches |
So What Makes Pickleball Unique?
Pickleball is a sport of finesse, fast reflexes, and smart strategy. The smaller court size, the addition of the non-volley zone, and the unique ball and paddle design all contribute to a game that’s fun and accessible for players of all ages.
Whether you’re playing on a concrete outdoor court or an indoor rubber floor, the standardized dimensions and layout ensure a consistent, exciting game every time.
So, grab your paddle, find a nearby court, and start playing—you’ve got the basics covered!
