How Big Is A Pickleball Court? Complete Guide to Pickleball Court Dimensions

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. If you’re new to pickleball, you may be wondering – how big is a pickleball court? What are the official dimensions and layout? Read on for a comprehensive guide to pickleball court size and markings.

What is the Regulation Size of a Pickleball Court?

According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), the official dimensions of a pickleball court are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for doubles play, which is the same size as a badminton court. For singles play, the court width is 15 feet.

The minimum playing area recommended by USAPA is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long to allow adequate space on all sides. But the standard pickleball court size is 20′ x 44′ within the lines. This allows 4 feet of space outside the baselines and 3 feet outside the sidelines for doubles.

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Key Measurements and Markings

Here are some other important pickleball court specifications and markings to be aware of:

• The kitchen lines are located 7 feet back from each side of the net. The non-volley “kitchen” zone is an important no-go area.
• The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
• The court is divided into right and left service courts by a center line.
• Court lines are usually 2-4 inches wide. Wider lines are often used for pickleball painted on tennis or multipurpose courts.
• The minimum ceiling height for indoor pickleball is 18 feet, but higher ceilings of 20+ feet are preferred.

Pickleball Court Layout Diagram

Here is a diagram showing the dimensions and markings of a regulation pickleball court:

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Why is the Court This Size?

Pickleball creators Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum decided on the 20′ x 44′ dimensions by using the residential driveway on Bainbridge Island near Seattle. This paved area was convenientlyalready sized like a badminton court.

Since pickleball’s invention in 1965, this space has proven ideal for the sport – enough room for doubles play and rallies, but small enough to be accessible. The strategy and geometry of the game fits the court dimensions perfectly.

Designing Your Own Pickleball Court Area

When designing your own pickleball court at home, the minimum area recommended is 30′ x 60′. This allows for 4′ safety space on the ends and 3′ on the sides. But more room is better!

For a backyard pickleball court, having extra space beyond the baselines and sidelines will make gameplay easier. Leaving 12-15 feet behind the baselines is ideal.

The standard pickleball court size of 20′ x 44′ works for most residential settings. But before striping lines, make sure to measure carefully and map out the court design. Having a few extra feet of width especially helps with doubles play.

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Pickleball Court FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pickleball court specifications:

How big is the kitchen area in pickleball?

The kitchen lines are located 7 feet back from each side of the net, forming a 14′ x 20′ no volley zone.

What materials are used for pickleball court surfaces?

Outdoor pickleball courts can be concrete, asphalt, or sport court surfaces. Indoors they are usually gym floors or multipurpose carpet.

What are the dimensions of a pickleball net?

Nets are 20′ – 22′ wide and hang 34″ – 36″ high in the middle and at ends. The posts are spaced 36″ apart.

How much space is needed for a dedicated pickleball court?

For one full-sized court plus safety space, the area needed is a minimum of 30′ x 60′ or about 1800 sq ft.

What are portable pickleball nets made of?

Portable nets have poles made of steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. The net mesh is weather-resistant nylon or vinyl.

Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?

Yes, you can tape temporary pickleball lines onto a tennis court. 4 pickleball courts fit across a 36′ tennis court.

What is a good ceiling height for indoor pickleball?

The recommended minimum is 18′ for recreational play. But higher ceilings of 20′-24′ are ideal to allow more space for lobs.

How much does it cost to build a backyard pickleball court?

Basic DIY courts cost $500 – $3000. Professionally installed courts with surfacing/lighting run $5000 – $15,000+.

How thick should pickleball court lines be?

Court lines are typically 2-4 inches wide. On multipurpose courts, wider lines from 4-6 inches are often used.

The Bottom Line

There you have it – a detailed overview of pickleball court dimensions and layout. The official size is 20′ x 44′ for doubles play. But having extra safety space on all sides is recommended. Understanding the court size and markings is key to maximizing your pickleball play.