Pickleball is a fun sport growing fast all over the world. Many people want to know the size of a pickleball court. This helps when building or finding a place to play.
Standard Size of a Pickleball Court
A pickleball court is a rectangle. It measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. This size is the same for both singles and doubles play.
To find the square feet, multiply width by length:
| Dimension | Feet |
|---|---|
| Width | 20 ft |
| Length | 44 ft |
20 ft × 44 ft = 880 square feet
So, the playing area of a pickleball court is 880 square feet.
Why Is Knowing the Court Size Important?
Knowing the court size helps players and builders. It is useful for:
- Planning space for new courts
- Checking if a space fits a court
- Understanding how big the playing area is
- Organizing tournaments
Space Around the Court
The court size is not the whole story. You need extra space around the court for safety and comfort. This space is called “out of bounds” area.
The recommended extra space is:
- 5 feet on each side (left and right)
- 8 feet behind each baseline (top and bottom)
This extra space allows players to move safely without hitting walls or fences.
Calculating Total Space Needed
Let’s add the extra space to the court size.
| Dimension | Court Size (ft) | Extra Space (ft) | Total Size (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 20 | 5 + 5 = 10 | 30 |
| Length | 44 | 8 + 8 = 16 | 60 |
Total area = 30 ft × 60 ft = 1,800 square feet
This is the minimum safe space needed for one pickleball court.
Space for Tournament or Club Courts
For bigger events, more space is better. This allows many courts to be close together without crowding.
Some clubs use these dimensions:
- Width: 34 feet (20 ft court + 7 ft on each side)
- Length: 64 feet (44 ft court + 10 ft on each side)
Total space per court then is:
34 ft × 64 ft = 2,176 square feet
More space means players can move freely. It also helps with seating and walking areas.
How Many Courts Fit in a Building?
If you want to open a pickleball club, knowing court size helps. You can calculate how many courts fit inside a building.
Example: A building 100 feet wide and 200 feet long.
Use the total court area with out of bounds space (1,800 square feet minimum).
Calculate total building area:
100 ft × 200 ft = 20,000 square feet
Divide by area per court:
You could fit about 11 pickleball courts in this building.
Credit: northstateresurfacing.com
Building a Pickleball Court
Building a court takes planning and money. The size and space needed affect cost.
You can build a temporary or permanent court.
Temporary Courts
Temporary courts are good for practice or fun.
- Use an existing flat surface like a driveway or tennis court.
- Mark lines with tape or chalk.
- Use a portable net that is easy to set up.
This option is cheap and fast but not permanent.
Permanent Courts
Permanent courts use asphalt or concrete bases.
- Asphalt is cheaper but needs more maintenance.
- Concrete is more durable but costs more.
- Proper lines are painted permanently.
- Net posts are fixed in place.
Credit: primetimepickleball.com
Summary Table: Court Sizes and Space Needed
| Type | Width (ft) | Length (ft) | Total Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playing Court Only | 20 | 44 | 880 |
| Minimum Space (with out of bounds) | 30 | 60 | 1,800 |
| Tournament Space (ideal) | 34 | 64 | 2,176 |
Final Thoughts
Pickleball courts are small compared to tennis courts. They need just 880 square feet for play.
But extra space is very important for safety. At least 1,800 square feet is needed for comfort.
If you plan to build or find a court, use these measurements.
They help you know how much space to prepare or rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Space Is Needed Around A Pickleball Court?
A pickleball court requires at least 5 feet of space on sidelines and 8 feet on baselines. Tournament courts need 34 by 64 feet total. Ideally, allow 10 feet around for safe play and movement. This space ensures comfortable and safe gameplay for all players.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Make A Pickleball Court?
The cheapest way to make a pickleball court uses a flat paved surface like a driveway. Mark lines with duct tape and set up a portable net. This DIY method avoids costly foundation work, offering a budget-friendly, temporary play area without heavy construction expenses.
How Many Square Feet Is A Pickleball Facility?
A standard pickleball court measures 20 by 44 feet, totaling 880 square feet. Including safety space, a facility needs about 1,200–1,400 square feet.
What Is The Official Size Of The Pickleball Court?
The official pickleball court size measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The total playing area is 880 square feet. This standard size suits both singles and doubles matches. The court includes a 7-foot non-volley zone near the net on each side.