What Size is a Pickleball Court? Full Dimensions Explained (in Feet & Metres)

So, what size is a pickleball court, and how much space do you really need? Whether you’re planning to set up your own game or just curious about the dimensions, understanding the size of a pickleball court is essential. This fast-growing sport may be played on a relatively small area compared to tennis, but there are still precise measurements involved.

In this article, we’ll explore the official pickleball court size, recommended total playing area, and how these dimensions compare to other racket sports.

Standard Pickleball Court Dimensions

A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. That’s approximately 6.1 metres wide by 13.4 metres long. These measurements are the same for both singles and doubles play, making it simpler than many other racket sports where court sizes change depending on the match type.

• Width: 20 feet (6.1 metres)
• Length: 44 feet (13.4 metres)

This playing area includes several clearly marked zones:

• A 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net (often called “the kitchen”)
• Right and left service courts
• A centreline and baseline

All lines are typically 2 inches (about 5 cm) wide and part of the court.

Recommended Total Playing Area

While the playing surface itself is 20 x 44 feet, players also need space to move beyond the boundary lines. That’s where the recommended total court area comes in.

To play safely and comfortably, the total space required should be 30 feet wide by 60 feet long — or roughly 9.1 metres by 18.3 metres. This buffer zone allows for:

• Running onto shots
• Safer side-to-side and backward movement
• Adequate spacing between adjacent courts

If you’re building multiple courts side-by-side (such as in a leisure centre or school gym), allowing extra width between courts helps reduce interference and improves play quality.

How Pickleball Courts Compare to Tennis or Badminton

You might be wondering how pickleball dimensions compare to tennis or badminton and the answer helps explain its rapid popularity. Many people are amazed when they see what size is a Pickleball court compared to others.

• A pickleball court is exactly the same size as a doubles badminton court, making it easy for sports halls to adapt.
• It’s much smaller than a tennis court — which measures 78 feet by 36 feet (doubles) allowing four pickleball courts to fit on one tennis court with room to spare.

This smaller size:

• Reduces physical strain
• Speeds up play
• Makes it easier to find or convert indoor venues

Setting Up a Pickleball Court in the UK

In the UK, where space is at a premium, the smaller court size is a huge advantage. Many local leisure centres, community halls and even school gyms are now offering temporary pickleball courts using existing badminton lines or adding tape to mark out custom layouts. If you’re considering a more permanent solution or a professional installation, here are a few UK‑based construction specialists worth checking out:

• Pickleball Court Construction Company – Provide nationwide installation services for pickleball courts, covering private homes, schools, leisure centres and parks. The Pickleball Construction Company
  
• Picklecourts – A leading provider of court design, construction, fencing, maintenance and equipment in the UK. picklecourts.co.uk
  
• Courtstall Services – Specialists in designing and constructing high‑quality pickleball courts, converting existing surfaces and creating turnkey solutions. courtstall-tennis.co.uk
  
• Tennis Court Construction Kent – Offers pickleball court construction and conversions in Kent and East Sussex, including full installation with fencing and lighting. Tennis Court Construction Kent
  

These companies can help you with everything from a basic conversion of an existing hall or tennis court to a full‑scale bespoke build. Whether you’re a school, club or private homeowner, you’ll find options that suit your budget and space constraints.

If you’re setting up a court yourself, you’ll need:

• Flat surface (indoor or outdoor)
• Net 36 inches (91.4 cm) high at the sidelines and 34 inches (86.4 cm) at the centre
• Measuring tools or a pre-made court stencil kit
• Court tape or paint for marking boundaries

For home players, even a driveway or patio can be transformed into a mini court with portable nets and chalk or tape.

Summary: What Size is a Pickleball Court?

To recap:

• Court size: 20 ft x 44 ft (6.1 m x 13.4 m)
• Total area needed: 30 ft x 60 ft (9.1 m x 18.3 m)
• Net height: 36 in at posts, 34 in at centre

Whether you’re joining your local club or setting up a DIY court, knowing the right pickleball court size ensures you’re playing safely and to standard. With its smaller footprint and easy setup, it’s no surprise that pickleball is thriving across the UK.