Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and new players often ask a simple question: How big is a pickleball court? Understanding the court dimensions, layout, boundaries, and space requirements is important whether you are playing casually, building a court at home, or designing a full facility.
This detailed guide explains pickleball court dimensions in both feet and meters, provides comprehensive layout diagrams, covers backyard court sizing, and compares pickleball court sizes to those of tennis courts. Everything is written in clear, easy-to-understand language, allowing beginners to grasp it instantly.
1. How Big Is a Pickleball Court? (Official Regulation Size)
The official pickleball court dimensions set by USA Pickleball are:
- 20 feet wide
- 44 feet long
This size remains the same for singles and doubles, making it easier for all players to learn and play the game.
Pickleball Court Dimensions in Feet
Total Playing Area:
The court itself is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
The “Kitchen”:
This crucial non-volley zone extends 7 feet back from the net on both the right and left sides.
Net Height:
The net should measure 36 inches tall at the sidelines, dropping to 34 inches in the middle.
Service Boxes:
A centerline runs down the middle of the backcourt, creating two perfectly equal areas from which players serve.
Pickleball Court Dimensions in Meters
Total Playing Area:
For those using the metric system, a standard pickleball court is 6.10 meters wide and 13.41 meters long.
The “Kitchen”:
The “kitchen,” which is the non-volley zone, reaches out 2.13 meters from the net on both sides.
Net Height:
The net itself needs to be 0.91 meters tall at the sidelines, dipping just slightly to 0.86 meters in the very center.
2. Pickleball Court Layout Explained
Most people searching for a “pickleball court layout diagram” aren’t just looking at the lines; they actually want to understand how each specific part of the court is used during a game. Here is a simple explanation of how it all works.
Main Parts of the Court
- Baselines – Lines at the back of the court
- Sidelines – Left and right boundary lines.
- Centerline – Splits the service areas.
- Non-Volley Zone Line – Divider of the kitchen area
- Net Line – Middle of the court
- Service Courts – Right and left rectangles for serving
The entire area creates a well-organized playing space that supports smooth rallies and strategic gameplay.
Explanation of Pickleball Court Layout Diagram
- The court is a rectangle.
- A net divides it into two equal sides.
- Each side has a 7 ft kitchen zone, a right service box, and a left service box.
- The dimensions mirror perfectly on both sides.
This simple layout is part of why pickleball has grown so quickly.
3. How Much Space Do You Need for a Pickleball Court?
The playing court is 20 ft × 44 ft, but for a proper playing experience, you need extra space around it.
Recommended Total Space
- 30 ft × 60 ft
This extra area allows for:
- Safe movement
- Serving room
- Comfortable side-to-side motion
When designing a facility with multiple courts, it is crucial to provide sufficient spacing between courts to minimise interference and optimise player movement.
4. Pickleball Court Diagram With Dimensions (Text Version)
Below is a simple Diagram of the Pickleball court size:
5. Pickleball Court Size vs Tennis Court Size
This comparison helps many players visualize the space difference.
Pickleball Court
- 20 ft × 44 ft
- Total area = 880 sq ft
Tennis Court
- 36 ft × 78 ft (doubles)
- Total area = 2,808 sq ft
A single tennis court is more than three times the size of a pickleball court.
Conversions
- 1 tennis court = up to 4 pickleball courts
- Many parks now convert old tennis courts into multi-court pickleball setups.
6. Pickleball Court Dimensions for Backyard
Homeowners often search: “pickleball court dimensions for backyard” and “can I fit a pickleball court in my backyard?”
Here is what you need to know:
- Minimum recommended space: 30 ft × 60 ft
- Many medium-sized backyards can fit this.
- You can also build a compact or mini pickleball court if space is limited.
Backyard Court Tips
- Use portable nets
- Use tape or removable paint.
- Choose a flat and safe surface.
- Ensure that drainage is adequate for outdoor use.
Putting a court in your backyard is a great idea—it can boost your property value and give you a really fun, convenient spot to play every single day.
7. Surfaces Used for Pickleball Courts
Selecting the right court surface is a crucial decision; it affects everything from the ball’s bounce to player safety and the court’s actual lifespan.
Most Common Surfaces
Asphalt
- Affordable
- Works well for outdoor courts
Concrete
- Long-lasting
- Smooth bounce
Acrylic Coating
- Adds grip
- Professional look
Wood
- Used for indoor gyms
Cheapest Surface
The most cost-effective surface for building a pickleball court is asphalt with an acrylic coating applied on top.
8. Indoor vs Outdoor Pickleball Court Dimensions
Dimensions stay the same, but playing conditions differ.
Indoor Courts
- No wind
- Better ball control
- Wooden or synthetic flooring
Outdoor Courts
- Wind and weather affect gameplay.
- Usually made with asphalt or concrete.
- Need UV-resistant paint
Both offer the same fun experience, so it’s all about your preference.
9. Cost to Build a Pickleball Court
Approximate cost range:
| Court Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Asphalt Outdoor Court | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Concrete Pro Court | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Backyard Court (Budget Setup) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Tennis Court Conversion | $4,000 – $10,000 |
10. Can You Build a Mini Pickleball Court?
Yes, many people create smaller courts for compact spaces. Mini courts usually measure:
- 10 ft × 22 ft
- Useful for quick practice or children
They are not regulation size, but they work well in small backyards or driveways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The minimum recommended playing area is 20 ft × 44 ft. But with safe movement space, the total recommended size is 30 ft × 60 ft.
Yes, many backyards can fit a court if you have at least 30 × 60 ft of space. If you have less space, you can build a mini court.
The most cost-effective surface is asphalt, especially when a simple acrylic coating is added on top.
Yes, mini courts are popular for smaller homes. They are usually half the size of a normal court and great for training.
The cheapest way is to use asphalt, add temporary line tape, and use a portable net. You can also skip fencing and lighting to keep the cost low.
Conclusion
Understanding the precise size of a pickleball court is incredibly useful for everyone—from players and homeowners to builders and sports planners. It simply helps you make better decisions. Regardless of whether you want a laid-back backyard court or a professional facility, the official size remains the same: 20 feet wide by 44 feet long.
By knowing the layout, measurements in feet and meters, court diagram, and space requirements, you can easily create your own pickleball space and enjoy the game anytime.