Pickleball Court Dimensions and Setup Guide

Official Court Dimensions

A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. These dimensions apply to both singles and doubles play; unlike tennis, pickleball uses the same court size regardless of the number of players. The playing area is divided into specific zones by lines that determine where serves, volleys, and baseline rallies take place.

While the court itself is 20 by 44 feet, the recommended total playing area is 30 feet wide by 64 feet long. This additional space provides a safe buffer zone around all four sides of the court, giving players room to chase down lobs and wide shots without running into fences, walls, or adjacent courts.

Net Height and Specifications

The pickleball net stretches across the full 20-foot width of the court. It stands 36 inches tall at the sidelines and dips to 34 inches at the center. This slight dip is intentional and affects play strategy, as shots aimed through the center of the court pass over a slightly lower net.

Regulation nets should be made of mesh small enough to prevent a pickleball from passing through. The net posts are placed outside the sidelines, and a center strap is used to pull the net down to the correct 34-inch height at midcourt. Portable net systems are available for clubs that share space with other sports and need to set up and take down quickly.

The Non-Volley Zone

The non-volley zone, commonly called the "kitchen," extends 7 feet from the net on each side of the court. This 7-by-20-foot rectangular area is one of the most distinctive features of pickleball. Players are not allowed to hit the ball out of the air (volley) while standing inside the kitchen or touching any of its boundary lines.

The kitchen rule prevents players from camping at the net and smashing every ball, which keeps rallies longer and the game more accessible. Players may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has already bounced, but they must establish both feet outside the zone before hitting a volley. The kitchen lines are considered part of the non-volley zone.

Line Markings and Layout

A regulation court requires several clearly marked lines. All lines should be 2 inches wide and a contrasting color to the playing surface. White is the most common choice for line color.

• Baselines run across the full 20-foot width at each end of the court.
• Sidelines run the full 44-foot length on each side of the court.
• The non-volley zone line sits 7 feet from the net on each side, parallel to the net.
• The centerline divides each service area in half, running from the non-volley zone line to the baseline.
• Service areas are the two boxes on each side of the centerline, between the non-volley zone line and the baseline. Each service area is 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep.

Converting Tennis Courts

A standard tennis court measures 60 by 120 feet, which provides enough space to fit four pickleball courts side by side. This makes tennis court conversions one of the most cost-effective ways to add pickleball capacity to a facility. Many recreation departments and clubs use this approach to serve both sports.

To convert a tennis court, you will need to add temporary or permanent pickleball lines, install portable nets at the correct height, and mark the non-volley zones. Use painter's tape or removable court marking tape for temporary setups, and paint for permanent installations. When sharing a court with tennis, use a different line color for pickleball markings to avoid confusion.

Position the four courts so that each has adequate buffer space between them and from the surrounding fence. The most common layout places two courts side by side along the width of the tennis court, with two more behind them. Ensure each court has at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides.

Surface Options

Pickleball can be played on a variety of surfaces, each with distinct advantages. The choice of surface affects ball bounce, player comfort, maintenance costs, and long-term durability.

1. 1Concrete is the most affordable option for permanent courts. It provides a consistent bounce and requires minimal maintenance, but it is hard on joints and can crack in climates with freeze-thaw cycles.
2. 2Asphalt costs slightly more than concrete and offers similar playing characteristics. It absorbs less heat than concrete and is easier to resurface, but it requires periodic sealing to prevent deterioration.
3. 3Acrylic sport surfaces, such as those used on professional tennis courts, are applied over concrete or asphalt. They offer excellent ball response, come in a range of colors, and reduce the impact on players' joints.
4. 4Modular interlocking tiles are popular for indoor facilities and temporary outdoor setups. They provide good drainage, cushioning, and a consistent playing surface that can be installed without professional help.

Temporary vs. Permanent Setup

Temporary setups are ideal for clubs that share space with other sports, use rented facilities, or are still testing demand before committing to a permanent build. Portable nets, removable tape lines, and modular tiles allow you to create a regulation court in under 30 minutes and break it down just as quickly.

Permanent courts are the better long-term investment once you have consistent demand. Dedicated courts with painted lines, anchored net posts, and a proper sport surface deliver a better playing experience and require less setup labor each session. Many clubs start with temporary setups and transition to permanent courts as membership grows.

Whichever approach you choose, always verify that your court meets the official 20-by-44-foot dimensions and that the net height is correct at both the sidelines and center. Accurate measurements from the start prevent costly corrections later.