What Are the Dimensions of a Pickleball Court? A Complete Breakdown for Players and Designers

Pickleball may have started in a backyard, but today it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and precision in court design has become essential. Whether you are building a backyard setup, installing indoor courts, or designing a professional facility, understanding the exact dimensions is vital. The layout affects everything—from gameplay flow to player safety and competitive fairness. A properly measured court transforms a casual space into a legitimate playing arena.

The Official Court Size

According to USA Pickleball regulations, a standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. This size remains consistent across all formats, unlike tennis courts, which vary depending on the game type.

Each section of this rectangle plays a strategic role. The boundaries are divided into zones that dictate serving, volleying, and footwork strategy. Whether painted on asphalt, concrete, or gym flooring, the precision of these lines determines the rhythm of play.

The Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen)

Perhaps the most iconic feature of a pickleball court is the non-volley zone, affectionately known as the kitchen.

• Distance: The kitchen extends 7 feet from the net on both sides.
• Purpose: Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside or touching this zone.
• Strategy: The kitchen encourages soft, tactical play at the net rather than pure power, making it central to pickleball’s unique charm.

This rule and zone are what make pickleball distinct from other racquet sports, promoting finesse, patience, and precision over brute strength.

The Service Areas

Behind the kitchen lies the service zone, divided by the centerline into two service boxes, each measuring 10 feet wide and 15 feet long.

When serving, players must strike diagonally into the opponent’s service box, with at least one foot behind the baseline. The ball must clear the kitchen and land within the opposite service area.

The clarity of these lines matters—poor marking can lead to confusion and disputes. Designers should use bright, durable paint to ensure lasting visibility.

The Baseline and Sidelines

• Baseline: The line at the back of the court runs parallel to the net, marking the outermost boundary.
• Sidelines: Extending from baseline to baseline, they define the width of play.

The area beyond these lines should ideally allow a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of clearance on each side and 6 to 8 feet behind the baselines to provide safe movement space for players. For professional facilities, a total court area of 30 feet wide by 60 feet long is recommended to meet competitive standards.

Net Height and Placement

The pickleball net sits lower than a tennis net, giving the sport its signature dynamic pace.

• Net Height at the Sides: 36 inches
• Net Height at the Center: 34 inches

This slight dip creates a natural target for low, fast shots and dinks that skim the tape. When installing a net, ensure it is taut but not rigid—loose nets can alter bounce behavior and undermine fair play.

Surface Considerations

Court performance depends as much on surface material as on measurements.

• Outdoor Courts: Asphalt and concrete dominate due to their durability. However, acrylic coatings enhance grip and weather resistance.
• Indoor Courts: Wood or synthetic gym flooring offers excellent traction and shock absorption, ideal for recreational facilities.

Adding textured finishes or cushioned overlays can also reduce joint stress, promoting longevity for both players and the court itself.

Color and Design Standards

A well-designed pickleball court is not only functional but visually appealing. The most common color scheme includes a blue or green playing area with contrasting white or yellow boundary lines.

High contrast between the ball and surface enhances visibility, while lighter tones minimize heat absorption for outdoor setups. For multipurpose courts shared with tennis or basketball, using distinct line colors helps prevent confusion during play.

Court Orientation and Lighting

For outdoor courts, orientation matters. Ideally, courts should be aligned north-south to reduce sun glare. Proper lighting extends play into the evening, with 50-foot-candles of evenly distributed light recommended for competitive or recreational use.

Modern LED lighting systems minimize shadows, conserve energy, and maintain color accuracy for night matches.

Designing for Versatility

As pickleball continues to expand, multi-court facilities are becoming the norm. Designers often convert tennis courts into four pickleball courts using portable nets and taped lines. This flexibility encourages community participation and maximizes space efficiency.

For backyard enthusiasts, modular court kits allow homeowners to create regulation-size setups with interlocking tiles and weatherproof nets—an affordable alternative to full construction.

Conclusion

A pickleball court’s dimensions define more than boundaries—they shape the very spirit of the game. From the 20-by-44-foot layout to the carefully placed kitchen, every line contributes to balance, fairness, and excitement. Whether you are a player fine-tuning your shots or a designer constructing your first facility, precision is your ally. A well-measured court turns every rally into a dance of geometry and skill, where every bounce happens exactly as intended.