A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide for singles and doubles.
If you are wondering how wide is a pickleball court, you are in the right place. I coach new players and set up courts for clubs. I will break down the width, the lines, and the space you need to play with confidence. You will know how wide is a pickleball court and how to measure it at home or in the gym. Let’s make sure your court is spot-on.
The standard court size and why width matters
The official pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. This size is the same for both singles and doubles. The width affects angles, serves, and where you stand. If a court is even a few inches off, rallies feel odd and calls get messy.
Key court numbers you should know:
- Width is 20 feet from sideline to sideline.
- Length is 44 feet from baseline to baseline.
- The non-volley zone, also called the kitchen, is 7 feet from the net on each side.
- The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
- Lines are 2 inches wide and count as in when the ball touches any part of them.
According to the official rulebook used by major leagues, these numbers do not change. If your goal is to answer how wide is a pickleball court with certainty, the answer is always 20 feet.
Singles vs. doubles: does width change?
The width does not change between singles and doubles. Both use the full 20-foot width. What changes is court coverage. In singles, you must protect more space alone. In doubles, you share the width with your partner.
Practical tips:
- In singles, serve closer to the center to cut off sharp returns.
- In doubles, keep your paddle up near midline to guard the middle 10 feet.
- If you still ask how wide is a pickleball court for doubles, remember it is the same 20 feet.
Lines and zones that define the width
The sidelines set the 20-foot boundary. Lines are 2 inches wide, so mark them clean and visible. The centerline splits the service area into two equal boxes. Each service box is 10 feet wide and 15 feet long.
Important points for fair play:
- The kitchen line is 7 feet from the net and runs the full 20-foot width.
- Any ball touching any line is good.
- Ask yourself how wide is a pickleball court when checking lines. If the width is off, service boxes will also be off.
How the width compares to other sports
It helps to compare sizes to get a feel for space. A tennis doubles court is 36 feet wide, which is much wider than pickleball. A tennis singles court is 27 feet wide. A badminton doubles court is 20 feet wide, the same as pickleball.
Quick comparisons:
- Pickleball width: 20 feet
- Tennis singles width: 27 feet
- Tennis doubles width: 36 feet
- Badminton doubles width: 20 feet
If you map pickleball lines on a tennis court, you will see how small the angles are. That is why many players ask how wide is a pickleball court when converting courts.
Safe run-off space and total footprint
Do not stop at the painted lines. You need safe space around the court. The recommended minimum playing surface is 30 by 60 feet. The preferred space is 34 by 64 feet. This adds room on the sides and behind the baselines for safer movement.
Use these targets:
- Side clearance: at least 5 feet on each side, 7 feet is better.
- Baseline clearance: at least 8 feet behind each baseline, 10 feet is better.
- If you plan an event, confirm the venue space, not just how wide is a pickleball court on paper.
Step-by-step: measure and mark a 20-foot width
If you want to build or tape a court, use this simple process. I use it for driveways, gyms, and church halls.
- Choose your spot and sweep it clean.
- Measure 44 feet for the length. Mark each baseline with chalk or tape.
- Measure 20 feet across each baseline to set your two sidelines.
- Check that each corner is square. Use the 3-4-5 triangle rule or a builder’s square.
- Mark the non-volley zone. Measure 7 feet from the net line on both sides.
- Draw the centerline from the midpoint of each baseline to the kitchen line. Each service box should be 10 feet wide and 15 feet long.
- Lay 2-inch-wide lines using painter’s tape or court tape. Press the tape down to avoid bubbles.
- Set your net to 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches at the center.
As you measure, keep repeating your vital check: how wide is a pickleball court at the baselines and kitchen line. It should read 20 feet each time.
Coach’s notes: real mistakes and easy fixes
I once lined a gym court that read 19 feet 10 inches at one end. Players kept clipping sidelines and arguing calls. We remeasured from the midpoints and squared the corners. The play felt fair right away.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Do not eyeball the width. Always measure the full 20 feet.
- Cheap tape can stretch and skew the width. Use quality tape rated for sport floors.
- Recheck the width at the net, kitchen line, and baselines. If you ask how wide is a pickleball court in three spots, the answer should match.
Budget gear to mark the court right
You do not need fancy tools. Simple, sturdy gear does the job well.
Smart picks that last:
- A 50 to 100 foot tape measure
- Blue painter’s tape or removable court tape, 2 inches wide
- A chalk line reel for straight marks
- A level and a string for net height
- A portable net that holds 34 inches at center without sag
People often ask how wide is a pickleball court when shopping for tape and nets. Buy tools that help you hit the true 20-foot width with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions of how wide is a pickleball court
How wide is a pickleball court?
A regulation pickleball court is 20 feet wide. This is the same for both singles and doubles under official rules.
Is the width different indoors vs. outdoors?
No. The width stays 20 feet for all sanctioned play. Only the surface and run-off space may change by venue.
How wide are the lines themselves?
Lines are 2 inches wide. A ball that touches any part of the line is in.
What total space do I need beyond the 20-foot width?
Aim for at least 30 by 60 feet for the full playing surface. If possible, 34 by 64 feet gives safer run-off room.
Can I make a smaller court for kids?
You can, but it will not be regulation. Keep the ratio and ask how wide is a pickleball court for official play if you plan to host matches.
Does the kitchen affect the width?
The kitchen runs the full 20-foot width on both sides of the net. It starts 7 feet from the net on each side.
How many pickleball courts fit on one tennis court?
You can fit two to four pickleball courts depending on layout. The key is keeping each court 20 feet wide with safe space between them.
Conclusion
Now you know the full story behind the numbers. The short answer to how wide is a pickleball court is 20 feet, and the long answer includes lines, safety space, and good measuring habits. With the right setup, you get fair play, safer movement, and better rallies.
Grab a tape, mark that true width, and get playing. If you found this guide helpful, share it with your group, subscribe for more tips, or drop your questions in the comments.