(Image: euruspickleball)
If you've ever stepped onto a pickleball court and thought, “Wait, did someone shrink a tennis court?”, you’re not alone. But nope my friend, this is a masterpiece of athletic efficiency. It’s just the right size for competitive rallies, dramatic dives and passive-aggressive line calls.
So, let's break it down: How big is a pickleball court? What’s up with the kitchen rule? And can you fit one in your backyard without your HOA writing angry letters? Now, let’s get into it.
Pickleball Court Dimensions (A.K.A. The Numbers You’ll Pretend You Always Knew).
- 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (for both singles and doubles, because pickleball doesn’t discriminate).
- ⅓ the size of a tennis court, meaning less running, more strategy and fewer pulled hamstrings..
- Net height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches in the middle, because pickleball is all about balance (and making overhead smashes slightly easier).
For comparison: A tennis court is a marathon, a pickleball court is a tactical sprint.
Anatomy of a Pickleball Court: The Important Lines (and Why They Matter).
A pickleball court isn’t just a perfectly sized rectangle of dreams - it’s also a carefully planned battlefield of rules and regulations invented back in 1965.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The baseline (the "you better stay behind this" line).
- Stretches across the back of the court.
- Where you serve from and where 99% of foot faults happen.
2. The sidelines (a.k.a. “please stay inside these”).
- The outermost boundaries of the court.
- If your shot lands outside these, congrats... you just gave away a free point.
3. The kitchen (a.k.a. the "no-smash zone").
- A 7-foot area extending from the net on both sides.
- You CANNOT volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in this zone.
- Created to prevent overzealous players from spiking the ball into their opponent’s soul.
(Still confused about The Kitchen? Read our full kitchen rule breakdown here.)
How Much Space Do You Need for a Pickleball Court?
Thinking of building your own pickleball paradise? You’ll need more than just the 20’ x 44’ court size - you also need room for your wild backhands and overly dramatic dives.
(Image: The Abaco Club via MansionGlobal)
- Recommended space: 30 feet wide x 60 feet long (room to move, breathe and question your life choices after a missed dink).
- Best surfaces: Tennis courts, driveways or any flay, non-slip area that doesn't require constant ball retrieval from a neighbour's yard.
- Pro tip: A fence saves you from chasing balls into oblivion.
Pickleball Court vs. Tennis Court: What’s the Difference?
If you're wondering whether you can just tape off a tennis court and call it a day... the answer is YES! But here’s why a pickleball court is superior:
| Feature | Pickleball Court | Tennis Court |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 20’ x 44’ | 36’ x 78’ |
| Net Height | 34” in center | 36” in center |
| Lines | Kitchen zone, service boxes | Baseline, service boxes, doubles alleys |
| Running Required | Minimal | A lot (too much, honestly) |
Yes, you can fit FOUR pickleball courts inside ONE tennis court. So when tennis players complain about pickleball taking over, just remind them that you’re optimising space.
Final Thoughts: How Big Is a Pickleball Court?
- 20 feet wide x 44 feet long - smaller than a tennis court, but way more fun.
- The Kitchen is 7 feet deep - step in it at the wrong time, and your opponent will remind you immediately.
- You can fit 4 pickleball courts inside 1 tennis court, which is why pickleball is winning the space battle.
Now that you know the exact dimensions of a pickleball court, it’s time to get out there and play.
Find the best pickleball courts near you:
📍 Where to Play Pickleball in NYC
📍 Where to Play Pickleball in Phoenix
Or if you’re ready to dominate, upgrade your gear and show up looking like a pro-level dinking machine, shop the best Toray T700 Carbon Fiber pickleball paddles here!
See you on the courts. Just don’t step in the kitchen...!