Marking Out a Pickleball Court: Measurements and Materials
Measurements for the court, net and lines, plus surface advice and budget tips.
The layout is identical whether you are painting a driveway or planning a community center. Here are the measurements to get right.
Size of the playing area
A court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles. Give it breathing room: roughly 30 by 60 feet in total lets players move freely without hitting fences or neighbors.
Net height
The net should stand 36 inches at the posts and dip to 34 inches at the center. Cheap portable nets tend to sag in the middle, so check both points with a tape.
Line work and the kitchen
Lines usually run 2 inches wide. On each side of the net, the non-volley zone (the kitchen) reaches 7 feet outward, and the service boxes lie beyond it, split by a center line.
Choosing a surface
Look for something smooth, hard and level: concrete or asphalt outside, a gym floor inside. Skip slick or uneven ground, and inspect for cracks that could snag a shoe.
Ways to keep the budget low
- Start with a portable net to see whether the space works before you commit to fixed posts
- Test the layout with temporary tape or removable line kits, and paint once you are happy
- Ask your parks department whether courts or loaner nets already exist
- Measure a new net before the first game
Brand new to the sport? Start with the rules for beginners and the starter gear checklist. If you will play in several places, see indoor and outdoor balls.