Pickleball Court Dimensions: Full Size Guide + How to Set One Up at Home

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, the same size for singles and doubles. That is the whole answer if you just need the number. But if you are marking one out at home or trying to picture the game, the layout inside those lines is what matters, and it is simpler than a tennis court.

Below is every dimension that counts, how much total space you really need, and how to set up a playable court on a driveway or backyard in an afternoon.

The Full Court, Line by Line

The playing area is a rectangle 20 ft by 44 ft, divided by a net across the middle. Here is what sits where:

• Baselines run along the two short ends, 22 feet from the net.
• Sidelines run the full 44-foot length.
• The non-volley zone (the kitchen) extends 7 feet from the net on each side, spanning the full width.
• The centerline splits the area behind each kitchen into two service courts.
• Service courts are 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep each.

All lines are 2 inches wide and count as in. Add the 7-foot kitchen to the 15-foot service court on each side and you get the 22 feet from net to baseline that makes up half the court.

Net Height

The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. That 2-inch dip in the middle is deliberate and standard. If you use a portable net, most set to roughly 34 inches at the center, which is exactly what you want.

How Much Total Space You Need

The 20 by 44 rectangle is the playing surface, but you cannot play with walls right against the lines. Players need room to chase balls and swing. USA Pickleball recommends a total area of at least 30 by 60 feet for comfortable play, with 34 by 64 being ideal. For a casual home court you can get away with less, but leave as much run-off room behind the baselines as you can, since that is where most of the movement happens.

How It Compares to a Tennis Court

A pickleball court is roughly a third the size of a tennis court. That small footprint is a big part of the appeal: less ground to cover and far less strain on the body. It is also why so many clubs are converting, since a single tennis court has room for multiple pickleball courts once it is re-lined.

How to Set Up a Court at Home

You do not need a contractor. A flat, hard surface and a few cheap supplies will get you playing.

1. Find a flat surface. Concrete or asphalt is ideal: a driveway, a patio, an empty parking area, or a backyard slab. It needs to be level and hard, not grass, which kills the bounce.

2. Mark the lines. For a temporary court, painter's tape or coloured court tape works and peels up cleanly. For something semi-permanent, chalk-based field paint or a set of court line markers does the job. Measure carefully: 20 by 44, with the kitchen line 7 feet off the net.

3. Add a net. A portable pickleball net sets up in minutes and packs away. This is the one piece of real equipment you need, and it is included in most complete beginner sets alongside paddles and balls.

4. Grab paddles and balls. If you are starting from scratch, our guide on how to choose a paddle covers what actually matters, and you can browse the range in the paddle collection.

Can You Play in a Smaller Space?

For real games, no shortcut beats a full court. But for practice, a smaller space is genuinely useful. A driveway is enough to drill dinks, work on your serve, and rally with a partner or against a wall. Many players build their touch at home and save the full court for game day.

New to the Game?

If you are still learning how a point works, start with what is pickleball, which covers the serve, the two-bounce rule, the kitchen and scoring in plain language. The court makes a lot more sense once you know what each line is for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of a pickleball court?

A pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, the same for singles and doubles. The non-volley zone extends 7 feet from the net on each side, and each service court is 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep.

Is a pickleball court the same size for singles and doubles?

Yes. Unlike tennis, pickleball uses the exact same 20 by 44 foot court for both singles and doubles. Only the number of players changes.

How high is a pickleball net?

36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The slight dip in the middle is standard on every regulation court.

How much space do I need for a home court?

The lines take up 20 by 44 feet, but for comfortable play aim for a total area of at least 30 by 60 feet so players have room to move behind the baselines.

Can I paint pickleball lines on my driveway?

Yes. Use painter's or court tape for a temporary court, or chalk-based field paint for something longer-lasting. Just measure carefully and keep the kitchen line exactly 7 feet from the net.