Pickleball Court Dimensions: The Complete Breakdown

The Basics: How Big Is a Pickleball Court?

A pickleball court is exactly 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. That's roughly the size of a doubles badminton court—and much smaller than a tennis court (which is 36 x 78 feet).

This compact size is part of what makes pickleball so accessible. Less ground to cover means more rallies, more fun, and easier play for all ages.

The Complete Measurement Breakdown

The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

The "kitchen" is the most unique feature of pickleball. Key facts:

• 7 feet deep from the net on each side
• 20 feet wide (the full width of the court)
• You cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this zone
• You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced

Service Courts

The area behind the kitchen is divided into two service courts:

• Each service court is 10 ft × 15 ft
• The centerline divides left and right service boxes
• Serves must land in the diagonal service court
• The baseline is the back boundary

Serving Rules to Remember

1. 1Serves must be underhand
2. 2Contact below the waist
3. 3Paddle head below wrist at contact
4. 4Ball must land beyond the kitchen line

Net Specifications

The net has specific requirements:

• Width: 22 feet (extends 1 foot beyond sidelines)
• Height at center: 34 inches
• Height at sidelines: 36 inches
• Mesh: Small enough that ball cannot pass through

Building Your Own Court?

If you're setting up a court at home, here's what you need:

Minimum Space Required

• Playing area: 20 ft × 44 ft
• Recommended buffer: 30 ft × 60 ft (allows room to run)
• Surface: Concrete, asphalt, or sport court tiles

Line Marking

• Use 2-inch wide lines
• Lines should contrast with the surface color
• All lines are "in" (part of the playing area)

Check Your Surface

• Level and smooth
• Proper drainage
• Non-slippery when wet (for outdoor courts)

Tennis Court Conversion

A tennis court can fit 4 pickleball courts if lined properly. Here's how they compare:

Many parks and recreation centers now paint pickleball lines on existing tennis courts with a different color—usually blue or yellow—so both sports can share the space.

Quick Reference Card

Memorize these numbers:

• Court: 20 × 44
• Kitchen: 7 feet deep
• Net: 34" center, 36" sides
• Service box: 10 × 15

Now you know the court better than most players who've been playing for years. Use this knowledge to position yourself smartly and understand why certain shots work!