Pickleball Court Dimensions: Official Size, Lines & Setup Guide
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Whether you're a new player, a coach, or setting up a court, understanding pickleball court dimensions is essential. This guide covers every official measurement — length, width, kitchen zone, net height, service areas, and how pickleball courts compare to tennis and badminton courts.
Official Pickleball Court Dimensions
A standard pickleball court measures 13.41 metres long x 6.10 metres wide (44 feet x 20 feet). This is the official size used in all USA Pickleball and IFP-sanctioned play worldwide.
- Length: 13.41 m (44 ft)
- Width: 6.10 m (20 ft)
- Total playing area: 81.8 m² (880 sq ft)
- Kitchen (NVZ) depth: 2.13 m (7 ft) from the net on each side
- Service area length: 4.57 m (15 ft) from kitchen line to baseline
The Kitchen: Pickleball's Most Important Zone
The non-volley zone (NVZ) — commonly called "the kitchen" — is the most distinctive feature of a pickleball court. It extends 2.13 metres (7 feet) from the net on each side.
Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen. This rule shapes the entire strategy of the game and is what makes pickleball unique among racket sports.
Pickleball Net Dimensions
- Height at centre: 86 cm (34 inches)
- Height at posts: 91.4 cm (36 inches)
- Net width: 6.10 m (20 ft)
- Post placement: 30 cm (12 inches) outside each sideline
Pickleball Court Dimensions: Service Areas
- Service area depth: 4.57 m (15 ft) from kitchen line to baseline
- Service area width: 3.05 m (10 ft) — half the court width
- Centre line: Divides each side into left and right service courts
Pickleball Court Dimensions vs Tennis Court
| Measurement | Pickleball Court | Tennis Court (Doubles) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 13.41 m (44 ft) | 23.77 m (78 ft) |
| Width | 6.10 m (20 ft) | 10.97 m (36 ft) |
| Total area | 81.8 m² | 260.75 m² |
| Net height (centre) | 86 cm (34 in) | 91.4 cm (36 in) |
| Kitchen/NVZ | Yes — 2.13 m each side | No |
| Courts per tennis court | 4 pickleball courts | 1 tennis court |
You can fit four pickleball courts inside a single tennis court. This is why many clubs are converting or dual-lining their tennis facilities to add pickleball.
Pickleball Court vs Badminton Court
| Measurement | Pickleball Court | Badminton Court (Doubles) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 13.41 m (44 ft) | 13.40 m (44 ft) |
| Width | 6.10 m (20 ft) | 6.10 m (20 ft) |
The dimensions are almost identical. The main differences are the net height and the kitchen zone — badminton has neither.
How to Set Up a Pickleball Court
Setting up a temporary pickleball court is straightforward. You need tape or chalk, a portable net, and a flat surface.
- Step 1: Mark the baselines — 13.41 m (44 ft) apart on each end
- Step 2: Mark the sidelines — 6.10 m (20 ft) wide
- Step 3: Mark the kitchen lines — 2.13 m (7 ft) from the net on each side
- Step 4: Mark the centre line — from the net to the kitchen line on each side
- Step 5: Set up the net at 86 cm (34 in) at centre, 91.4 cm (36 in) at posts
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Frequently Asked Questions: Pickleball Court Dimensions
What are the official pickleball court dimensions?
The official pickleball court dimensions are 13.41 metres long x 6.10 metres wide (44 x 20 feet). The kitchen extends 2.13 m (7 ft) from the net on each side. The net sits at 86 cm (34 in) at the centre.
How many pickleball courts fit on a tennis court?
Four pickleball courts fit inside one standard tennis court. The lines can be painted or taped without removing the existing tennis lines.
Is a pickleball court the same size as a badminton court?
Yes — almost exactly. Both are 13.41 m long x 6.10 m wide (44 x 20 ft). The net height and markings differ, but the overall dimensions are the same.
What is the kitchen in pickleball?
The kitchen is the non-volley zone (NVZ) — a 2.13 m (7 ft) zone on each side of the net. Players cannot volley the ball while standing in the kitchen.
Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
Yes. Set up pickleball on a tennis court using tape or portable lines. Lower the net to 86 cm (34 in) at the centre, or use a portable pickleball net. Many clubs use dual-line systems so both sports share the same surface.
