Key Takeaway
- Standard court size: 13.41 m x 6.10 m (measured to the outside edges of the boundary lines).
- Playing zones: baselines, sidelines, left/right service areas, and the non-volley zone (“kitchen”).
- Badminton conversion: works well, but mark a new kitchen line at 2.13 m (don’t reuse badminton’s short service line).
- Spacing for multi-courts: plan 3.0 m between adjacent court sidelines (more is better).
- Total area per court: minimum 18.29 m x 9.14 m; preferred 19.51 m x 10.36 m.
- Orientation: outdoors, align north–south to reduce sun glare.
Table of Contents
ToggleA regulation pickleball court measures 13.41 meters long by 6.10 meters wide. This measurement includes the full playable area, sideline to sideline, baseline to baseline (lines are in).
What Is the Standard Pickleball Court Size?
Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is growing quickly across Malaysia. Communities in KL, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Petaling Jaya commonly adapt badminton halls by taping new pickleball lines and using portable nets.
Breakdown of Standard Court Dimensions
Section | Measurement (Meters) | Description |
Total Court Size | 13.41 m x 6.10 m | Full playable area |
Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) | 2.13 m from the net (each side) | No volleys inside this zone |
Service Area (each side) | 4.57 m x 3.05 m | Left & right service boxes |
Net Height (centre) | 0.86 m | Slight centre dip |
Net Height (sideline) | 0.91 m | Creates a proper net tension curve |
Preferred Total Area | 19.51 m x 10.36 m | Safer run-offs all around |
Minimum Total Area | 18.29 m x 9.14 m | Use only where space is tight |
A standard pickleball court fits neatly within a typical badminton hall footprint, perfect for adapting community indoor venues.
How Does a Pickleball Court Compare to Badminton and Tennis Courts?
A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court and the same size as a doubles badminton court.
Court Type | Length (m) | Width (m) | Notes |
Pickleball | 13.41 | 6.10 | Same for singles & doubles |
Badminton (Doubles) | 13.40 | 6.10 | Practically identical footprint |
Badminton (Singles) | 13.40 | 5.18 | Narrower than pickleball |
Tennis (Singles) | 23.77 | 8.23 | Much larger |
Tennis (Doubles) | 23.77 | 10.97 | Largest footprint |
Many Malaysians first try pickleball on badminton flooring. The key differences are the kitchen line at 2.13 m and the lower net.
How Much Space Do You Need to Build a Pickleball Court?
- Minimum total area (per court): 18.29 m x 9.14 m
- Preferred total area (per court): 19.51 m x 10.36 m
These footprints include safe buffer zones around the playing lines. The preferred size gives noticeably better clearance behind baselines and along sidelines.
Planning Multi-Court Banks
- Leave about 3.0 m between adjacent sidelines for safe movement and queuing.
- Aim for 2.4 m or more end-to-end where two courts share baselines.
- Where space allows, use the 19.51 m x 10.36 m pad for every court.
Indoor Setup
A typical futsal pitch (≈ 25 m x 16 m) can comfortably fit two pickleball courts side-by-side with walkways, portable nets, and clear line markings.
What Are the Key Lines on a Pickleball Court?
Line Name | Distance (m) | Function |
Baseline | 6.71 m from net (court half length) | End of playable area |
Sideline | 13.41 m total length | Side boundaries |
Non-Volley Zone Line | 2.13 m from net | Defines the “kitchen” |
Centre Line | Midpoint of each side | Splits left/right service boxes |
Service Line | 4.57 m from NVZ line to baseline (depth) | Defines service area depth |
If you’ve played badminton and know the short service line, think of a new line slightly further from the net, that’s your kitchen line in pickleball. Inside it, you can “cook” dinks, but no volleys.
Why Court Size & Spacing Matter
Correct sizing keeps rallies fair and reduces injuries. Many Malaysian indoor halls have limited space behind baselines. With proper run-offs, rallies flow better, and players aren’t crashing into walls or benches during deep returns.
Materials That Work in Malaysia’s Climate (Marking & Surfaces)
Common Marking Options
Type | Best For | Cost | Durability |
Vinyl Tape | Temporary indoor setups | Low | 3–6 months |
Acrylic Paint | Outdoor concrete/asphalt | Medium | 1–2 years |
PU Line Paint | Sports halls & multi-use floors | Higher | 3–5 years |
Recommended Tools: 15 m measuring tape, chalk/snap line, straight edge, masking tape, and a level (for net posts).
Pro Tip (Humidity): Choose non-slip PU coatings for multipurpose halls in humid areas like Subang or George Town, where condensation can build up.
Do’s and Don’ts for Court Setup
✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
Measure twice before taping or painting | Don’t use masking tape that leaves residue |
Keep clear run-offs (use the preferred 19.51 m x 10.36 m where possible) | Don’t squeeze courts too close together |
Adjust net to 0.86 m (centre) / 0.91 m (sidelines) | Don’t reuse tennis nets without height adjustment |
Use anti-slip coatings outdoors | Don’t play immediately after rain |
Plan ventilation/dehumidifiers for indoor halls | Don’t mark on dusty or oily floors |
Multi-courts: keep 3.0 m between adjacent sidelines | Don’t forget to protect taped lines during other activities |
Precision = better rallies and longer-lasting lines. Small errors (crooked lines or uneven net) quickly show up in fast exchanges.
How to Convert a Badminton Court for Pickleball
- Lower the Net Height
From 1.55 m (badminton) to 0.91 m at the sidelines (0.86 m at the centre).
Use adjustable posts or a portable pickleball net. - Mark the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
Draw a new line 2.13 m from the net on each side.
Don’t reuse badminton’s short service line, it’s 1.98 m, about 15 cm too close. - Mark Service Lines & Centre Line
Each service area is 4.57 m deep and 3.05 m wide; add a centre line to split left/right boxes. - Repaint or Tape Clearly
Use high-contrast colours (white or orange) on green or dark floors.
A well-marked court is the silent referee of every fair game.
Playing Outdoors in Malaysia
Yes, just plan for heat and rain.
- Surface: Smooth concrete or asphalt with PU or acrylic coating.
- Drainage: A slight 1–2% slope prevents puddling.
- Orientation: Align north–south to minimise sun in players’ eyes at dawn/dusk.
- Wind: Add light windbreaks or use semi-enclosed areas.
Common Outdoor Spots:
Condo multipurpose courts, converted carparks/futsal pitches, and school yards with painted lines.
Tip: Avoid peak-afternoon sessions; most groups prefer early morning or after 6 PM to beat surface heat.
What’s the Ideal Court Surface?
You want traction without abrasiveness.
Surface Type | Grip | Comfort | Maintenance |
PU Sports Flooring | Excellent | Soft feel | Moderate |
Acrylic on Concrete | Good | Medium | Low |
Vinyl Roll Mat | Very good | Cushioned | Replaceable |
Badminton Rubber Mat | Acceptable | High comfort | Careful marking needed |
Most Malaysian indoor halls use PU or rubberised floors, which perform very well for pickleball in humid conditions.
How Many Players per Court?
- Singles: 2 players (same court size).
- Doubles: 4 players.
Because the court is compact, beginners get rallies going quickly without the long sprints of tennis. In Malaysia, groups of 6–8 often rotate on a single court for social sessions.
Minimum Ceiling Height (Indoor)
Aim for ≥ 5.5–6.1 m (18–20 ft) minimum.
Where possible, 6.7 m (22 ft) or higher is ideal for high lobs, lighting clearance, and ventilation.
Lighting Tip: Use LED lighting at roughly 300–500 lux for clear visibility without harsh glare on shiny floors.
Official Rules That Affect Court Size & Lines
- Court size: 13.41 m x 6.10 m.
- Non-Volley Zone: 2.13 m from the net on each side.
- Service Area: 4.57 m deep (per side), 3.05 m wide per box.
- Lines: Balls touching any line are in (note: a served ball touching the NVZ line is a fault).
- Local clubs generally follow international standards; tournaments in the Klang Valley use certified layouts.
Maintenance in Malaysia’s Climate
- Weekly: Sweep/mop to remove dust and sweat film.
- Chemicals: Avoid harsh detergents on PU coatings.
- Nets: Check tension monthly.
- Lines: Re-tape/repaint every 3–6 months for clarity (frequency depends on use).
- Outdoors: Recoat annually to combat UV fade.
- Indoors: Use fans/dehumidifiers to reduce slippery floors.
Small touches, like proper ventilation, go a long way in Malaysia’s humidity.
Read more: Pickleball Paddle: Choosing the Right One
Can You Build a Court at Home?
Yes, if you have at least 18.29 m x 9.14 m for the minimum total area (or more for comfort).
Home Setup Essentials
- Measure & Mark: Chalk lines or vinyl tape.
- Portable Net: Lightweight, adjustable height.
- Surface: Smooth concrete/epoxy finish.
- Lighting: LED floods to 300 lux minimum.
- Storage: Keep paddles/balls dry and away from the sun.
Even a larger driveway or a bungalow backyard can host a mini-practice layout (shadow swings, dinks, serves).
Common Marking Mistakes (and Fixes)
Frequent errors: using tennis net height, forgetting adequate run-offs, misplacing kitchen lines, and rushing paint drying.
Solution: Lay out and verify one half first, then mirror it. This keeps the court symmetrical and accurate.
How Proper Court Size Affects Gameplay
- Too small: players crowd the baseline and net; mishits and foot faults spike.
- Too large: extra running reduces enjoyment, especially after work.
- Just right: quick, controlled rallies that suit players of all ages, ideal for Malaysia’s after-hours scenes.
Key Takeaways Summary
Factor | Ideal Measurement | Tip |
Court Size | 13.41 m x 6.10 m | Matches badminton doubles footprint |
Total Area (Preferred) | 19.51 m x 10.36 m | Better safety & flow |
Total Area (Minimum) | 18.29 m x 9.14 m | Use only where space is tight |
Net Height | 0.91 m sides / 0.86 m centre | Adjust manually |
Clearance (Multi-Court) | 3.0 m between sidelines | Safer movement |
Surface | PU / acrylic | Handles humidity |
Ceiling Height | ≥ 5.5–6.1 m (min); 6.7 m+ ideal | Avoid low fixtures |
Orientation (Outdoor) | North–south | Reduces glare |
Summary
A standard pickleball court is 13.41 m by 6.10 m, compact, practical, and easy to deploy across Malaysia. From badminton halls to community gyms, using preferred total areas and clear kitchen lines delivers better rallies, fewer collisions, and a more professional feel.
“The best courts aren’t the biggest, they’re the ones built with precision and care.”
Build smart, mark accurately, and you’ll set the stage for years of fair play and fun. For more information about pickleball, follow PR agency Malaysia.
Disclaimer: All of the content was thoroughly fact-checked and verified by our editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and reliability.
FAQs About Pickleball Court Size
Can I use a badminton court for pickleball?
Yes. The footprint is nearly identical, lower the net and mark new kitchen lines at 2.13 m from the net.
What is the best surface for a pickleball court?
PU or rubberised sports flooring performs best in humidity; acrylic is great outdoors on concrete/asphalt.
How high should the net be?
0.91 m at the sidelines, 0.86 m at the centre.
Can outdoor courts last in Malaysia weather?
Yes, ensure drainage, use UV-resistant coatings, and plan annual recoating.
Is the court size different for singles and doubles?
No. Same dimensions; only the number of players changes.

