Pickleball Court Dimensions and Setup: Complete Guide

A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a net set at 36 inches on the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. The court includes a 7-foot non-volley zone (the kitchen) on each side of the net, two service areas per side, and boundary lines that define in-bounds play. This guide covers every dimension, line, and zone you need to know — plus how to set up your own court, convert a tennis court, and choose the right surface.

What are the official pickleball court dimensions?

The official pickleball court dimensions set by USA Pickleball are:

These dimensions apply to all sanctioned play — recreational, league, and tournament. The court is identical for singles and doubles (unlike tennis, which has separate singles and doubles lines).

What are the lines on a pickleball court?

Every pickleball court has the same set of lines. Understanding each one helps you make correct line calls and position yourself properly:

• Baselines. The back lines at each end of the court, running the full 20-foot width. You serve from behind the baseline.
• Sidelines. The lines running the full 44-foot length on each side of the court. The sidelines are the same for singles and doubles.
• Kitchen line (non-volley zone line). A line running parallel to the net, 7 feet back on each side. This line and everything between it and the net is the non-volley zone. The kitchen line is part of the kitchen — stepping on it during a volley is a fault.
• Centerline. A line running from the kitchen line to the baseline on each side, dividing the service area into left and right boxes. Used for serve placement and server positioning.
• All lines are 2 inches wide. Lines are typically white and should be clearly visible against the court surface.

What is the non-volley zone (the kitchen)?

The non-volley zone — universally called "the kitchen" — is the 7-foot area on each side of the net. It's defined by the kitchen line, the sidelines, and the net. The kitchen is the most strategically important zone on the court.

The kitchen rule is simple: you cannot hit a volley (a ball out of the air) while any part of your body is touching the kitchen or the kitchen line. You can enter the kitchen at any time for any other reason — including hitting a ball that has bounced. For a full breakdown of kitchen rules and strategy, see our Complete Pickleball Rules Guide.

The kitchen's dimensions — 7 feet deep by 20 feet wide on each side — create a 14-foot neutral zone across the entire width of the court. This forces players to use soft shots (dinks) and strategic placement rather than pure power at the net.

What are the service areas?

The service area on each side of the court is the space between the kitchen line and the baseline, split by the centerline into two boxes:

• Right service box (even court). The box to the right of the centerline when facing the net. You serve from here when your team's score is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10).
• Left service box (odd court). The box to the left of the centerline when facing the net. You serve from here when your team's score is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11).

Each service box is 15 feet deep (from kitchen line to baseline) and 10 feet wide (from centerline to sideline). Serves must land in the diagonally opposite service box, beyond the kitchen.

How tall is a pickleball net?

The net height is 36 inches (3 feet) at the sidelines and 34 inches (2 feet, 10 inches) at the center. The center sag is intentional — it's created by a center strap that pulls the net down 2 inches from its sideline height. This slight dip at the center encourages shots down the middle and affects shot selection near the sidelines.

The net extends 1 foot past each sideline (total net length: 21 feet, 9 inches) and should be taut enough to prevent a ball from passing between the net and the net post.

If you're setting up a portable net, verify the center height with a measuring tape — many portable nets don't include a center strap and hang higher than 34 inches at the center, which changes how the game plays.

How do you set up a pickleball court?

Setting up a pickleball court requires a flat surface, a net, and line markings. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Choose your surface. Pickleball can be played on concrete, asphalt, sport tiles, gym floors, or any flat, smooth surface. A minimum area of 30×60 feet is required; 34×64 feet is recommended to provide adequate runoff space behind the baselines and beside the sidelines.
2. Mark the baseline. Using chalk, tape, or court line paint, mark a 20-foot baseline.
3. Measure 44 feet from that baseline and mark the opposite baseline (also 20 feet wide).
4. Connect the baselines with two sidelines, each 44 feet long.
5. Mark the kitchen lines. From each baseline, measure 22 feet toward the center of the court (this is where the net goes). Then measure 7 feet back from the net position on each side and mark the kitchen line across the full 20-foot width.
6. Mark the centerlines. From each kitchen line to each baseline, mark a line down the center of the court, dividing each service area into two 10-foot-wide boxes.
7. Set up the net. Position the net at the center of the 44-foot length (22 feet from each baseline). Adjust to 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
8. Verify measurements. Walk the court and double-check key dimensions: 7-foot kitchen on each side, 15-foot service areas, 20-foot width, 44-foot length, net height at center and sidelines.

How do you convert a tennis court for pickleball?

Tennis courts are the most common conversion surface for pickleball. A standard tennis court (78×36 feet for doubles) can accommodate either 1 or 2 pickleball courts depending on layout:

One pickleball court on a tennis court

The simplest conversion. Use the existing tennis net (lowered to 34 inches at center) and add pickleball lines with temporary tape or chalk. The pickleball court fits within the tennis doubles court with room to spare. The tennis net will be 2 inches too high at the center (36 inches vs. 34 inches) — a center strap can pull it down, or you can use a portable pickleball net positioned on top of or in front of the tennis net.

Two pickleball courts on a tennis court

With careful layout, two pickleball courts fit side by side on one tennis court. This requires removing or ignoring the tennis net and setting up two portable pickleball nets. The two courts share the 36-foot width of the tennis doubles court (each pickleball court needs 20 feet, so this is tight but workable with minimal sideline runoff). This layout is common at recreation centers and parks that want to maximize court availability.

Four pickleball courts on a tennis court

Some facilities lay out four pickleball courts on a single tennis court by using both the length and width. This requires four portable nets and careful taping. The layout is very tight with minimal runoff, so it's best suited for recreational play rather than competitive events. It's a common configuration at busy parks and community centers during peak hours.

What surfaces can pickleball be played on?

Pickleball is played on a variety of surfaces, each with different characteristics:

Dedicated pickleball facilities increasingly use modular sport tile surfaces (like PickleRoll, Sport Court, or VersaCourt) because they provide cushioning that reduces joint impact while maintaining a consistent ball bounce and excellent drainage for outdoor play.

How much space do you need for a pickleball court?

The court itself is 20×44 feet, but you need additional space around it for safe play:

The extra space around the court (called runoff) prevents players from running into walls, fences, or other courts during play. Tournament-standard runoff is 7 feet behind each baseline and 7 feet on each side. For backyard courts, more runoff is always better for safety.

How much does it cost to build a pickleball court?

Court construction costs vary significantly based on surface type, whether you're building new or converting an existing surface, and your location:

For backyard courts, the most affordable path is pouring a concrete pad and adding permanent lines and a permanent net system. Sport tile overlays on existing concrete add cushioning for $5,000-$15,000 per court depending on brand and installation.

If you're a facility operator planning a multi-court installation, see our Run Pickleball guides on planning pickleball facilities, budgeting, and working with contractors.

What equipment do you need to set up a pickleball court?

Beyond the surface and lines, a complete court setup includes:

• Net system. Portable nets ($80-$300) work for temporary and recreational setups. Permanent net systems with in-ground posts ($300-$1,000+) are better for dedicated courts. Look for a system with a center strap to achieve the correct 34-inch center height.
• Fencing. Outdoor courts typically use 10-foot chain-link or mesh fencing to contain stray balls. Budget $5,000-$15,000 per court for full fencing.
• Lighting. For evening play, LED court lighting ($5,000-$20,000 per court) provides consistent illumination without glare. Light placement matters — avoid positioning lights where they'll blind players looking up for lobs.
• Court accessories. Ball holders, scorekeeping systems, benches, and wind screens are optional but improve the playing experience.

What are temporary vs permanent pickleball courts?

If you're setting up courts for the first time, the most important decision is temporary vs. permanent:

• Temporary courts use removable tape for lines and portable nets. They can be set up on any flat surface (gym floors, tennis courts, parking lots, driveways) and taken down afterward. Best for: testing demand before investing, multi-use facilities, events, and indoor locations.
• Permanent courts use painted lines and in-ground net posts on a dedicated surface. Best for: dedicated facilities, parks, clubs, and venues where pickleball is the primary sport.

Many communities start with temporary courts to gauge interest, then invest in permanent courts once demand is established. If you're a Play Provider evaluating court options, this phased approach reduces financial risk.

Frequently asked questions about pickleball courts

Related resources

• How to Play Pickleball: A Complete Beginner's Guide — everything you need to start playing
• Complete Pickleball Rules Guide — every rule explained
• Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide — choosing the right equipment
• Pickleball Shots & Techniques Library — the shots you'll hit on this court

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