Reference Guide

    Pickleball Court Dimensions: Official Size, Layout & Setup Guide

    Every measurement you need to build, mark, or understand a pickleball court.

    Official Court Layout

    RIGHT
    SERVICE
    AREA
    LEFT
    SERVICE
    AREA
    NON-VOLLEY ZONE
    (KITCHEN) — 7 ft
    NET — 34" center / 36" sides
    NON-VOLLEY ZONE
    (KITCHEN) — 7 ft
    LEFT
    SERVICE
    AREA
    RIGHT
    SERVICE
    AREA
    44 ft
    20 ft
    44 ft (13.4 m)

    Court Length

    20 ft (6.1 m)

    Court Width

    7 ft (2.1 m) each side

    Kitchen Depth

    15 ft × 10 ft

    Service Area

    34" (86.4 cm)

    Net Height (center)

    36" (91.4 cm)

    Net Height (sides)

    22 ft (6.7 m)

    Net Width

    From kitchen to baseline

    Centerline

    30 × 60 ft (with buffer)

    Recommended Total

    Pickleball Court vs Tennis Court

    DimensionPickleballTennis
    Court Size20 × 44 ft36 × 78 ft (doubles)
    Total Area880 sq ft2,808 sq ft
    Net Height (center)34 inches36 inches
    Net Height (sides)36 inches42 inches
    NVZ / Service Box7 ft kitchen21 ft service box
    PB Courts per TennisUp to 4 pickleball courts fit on 1 tennis court

    How to Set Up a Pickleball Court on a Tennis Court

    Setting up pickleball on a tennis court is the most common way to play. Here's how to do it properly:

    1

    Position the net

    If using a portable net, center it on the tennis court. The pickleball net should be slightly lower than tennis — you can lower a tennis net by about 2 inches at the center by using a center strap.

    2

    Mark the sidelines

    The pickleball court is 20 feet wide. Measure 10 feet on each side of center and mark with tape. The sidelines run the full 44-foot length.

    3

    Mark the baselines

    Measure 22 feet from the center of the net in each direction to mark the baselines (44 feet total).

    4

    Mark the kitchen (NVZ)

    Measure 7 feet from the net on each side and mark a line across the full 20-foot width. This is the non-volley zone.

    5

    Mark the centerline

    From the kitchen line to each baseline, mark a line down the center to create the two service areas on each side.

    Tip: Use blue painter's tape for temporary lines on hard courts — it comes off cleanly and is visible on most surfaces. For grass or dirt, use cones or chalk.

    Building a Pickleball Court: Cost Overview

    Temporary Court

    $150–$300
    • ✓ Portable net ($80-170)
    • ✓ Temporary lines (tape/chalk) ($10-20)
    • ✓ Uses existing flat surface
    • ✓ Set up and take down in minutes

    Best for: Driveways, parking lots, parks, gym floors

    Permanent Court

    $15,000–$40,000
    • ✓ Professional surface (concrete/asphalt + coating)
    • ✓ Permanent net posts and net
    • ✓ Painted regulation lines
    • ✓ Optional: fencing, lighting, seating

    Cost breakdown: Site prep ($2-5k), surface ($5-15k), net system ($500-1k), fencing ($3-8k), lighting ($3-8k)

    Tennis Court Conversion: $5,000–$15,000

    Converting an existing tennis court is the most cost-effective way to get permanent pickleball courts. It typically involves resurfacing, painting new lines, and installing lower nets. One tennis court can accommodate 2-4 pickleball courts.

    Temporary vs Permanent Court

    FactorTemporaryPermanent
    Cost$150-300$15,000-40,000
    Setup Time5-15 minutesN/A (always ready)
    Surface QualityDepends on locationProfessional grade
    PortabilityPlay anywhereFixed location
    Line AccuracyGood (if measured)Perfect
    Best ForCasual, travel, eventsRegular play, clubs

    Need a portable net? Check our best pickleball nets rankings.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How big is a pickleball court?
    A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. This is roughly a quarter the size of a tennis court. The total playing area including recommended out-of-bounds space is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long.
    Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?
    Yes! You can set up pickleball on a tennis court using temporary lines (painter's tape or chalk) and a portable net. Many facilities now paint permanent pickleball lines on their tennis courts. The tennis net is close to regulation height (36" at sidelines, 34" at center), so it works in a pinch.
    How many pickleball courts fit on a tennis court?
    Up to 4 pickleball courts can fit on a single tennis court (60' × 120'). Two courts side by side is the most common configuration, which allows for comfortable spacing between courts. Four courts is possible but tight.
    What is the kitchen in pickleball?
    The kitchen is the non-volley zone (NVZ) — a 7-foot deep area on each side of the net extending the full 20-foot width of the court. Players cannot hit the ball out of the air (volley) while standing in or touching the kitchen. You can enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced.
    How high is a pickleball net?
    A regulation pickleball net is 36 inches (3 feet) high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The 2-inch dip at the center is by design and creates a strategic advantage for shots aimed down the middle.
    How much does it cost to build a pickleball court?
    A basic DIY court on existing flat surface (lines + portable net) costs $150-300. A permanent court with proper surface costs $15,000-40,000 depending on surface material, fencing, lighting, and location. Converting a tennis court is typically $5,000-15,000.